Bundeswehr's Ghost-Bat drone procurement collapses; deep-strike capability delayed years

Germany's plan to rapidly acquire Australian 'Ghost-Bat' unmanned combat aircraft for deep-strike missions has failed, according to Die Welt. The collapse introduces multi-year delays to Bundeswehr capability goals, marking a reversal of the defense ministry's stated fast-track procurement strategy. The setback raises questions about Germany's near-term conventional deterrence posture in Europe.