Ahead of ILA Berlin 2026, Deutsche Aircraft is preparing its most comprehensive showcase to date, highlighting the evolution of its future‑ready, multi‑role aviation portfolio designed for governmental and mission‑critical operations.
At the centre of the presentation will be the D328 Multi Role (MR) — a civil-certified, commercial, off-the-shelf aircraft engineered to support a diverse range of public-sector missions.
Deutsche Aircraft will also showcase its expanding portfolio by introducing a new uncrewed aircraft capability. Designed to complement the D328MR, this integrated system will deliver a broader mission offering for civil and governmental operators.
In cooperation with EASP Air NL, the FRONTEX Border and Coast Guard D328 will be on static display at ILA Berlin 2026, demonstrating the platform’s proven capabilities, reliability and flexible cabin configuration. It will be showcased alongside an autonomous refuelling pod, highlighting its support for flexible multi-role missions with full operational sovereignty. The aircraft is currently part of the active D328 fleet, backed by Deutsche Aircraft’s In-Service and Global Customer Support team.
A Multi‑Role Platform for Europe’s Public Sector
As a civil aircraft manufacturer, Deutsche Aircraft continues to expand the proven Dornier 328 platform to meet the evolving requirements of European authorities and agencies. With a strong heritage in special‑mission operations, the D328MR is optimised for demanding environments, including surveillance, emergency response, humanitarian assistance, environmental protection and border control.
“Europe needs sovereign, flexible and future‑proof aviation solutions for public‑sector operations,” says Nico Neumann, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft.
“With the D328MR, complemented by uncrewed capabilities, we are offering a portfolio that allows authorities to select the right platforms for each mission – based on civilian certification, safety and long‑term operational reliability.”
One Portfolio – Crewed and Uncrewed, Complementary by Design
Deutsche Aircraft positions uncrewed systems as mission complements to its crewed aircraft portfolio.
The uncrewed aircraft capability is a fully developed product that has been added to the company’s portfolio. Deutsche Aircraft is focusing on industrialisation, production, capability integration and commercial delivery to serve the needs of a rapidly evolving market.
In operational scenarios, the D328MR acts as the primary mission platform, while the uncrewed aircraft extends mission reach and persistence. This manned–unmanned concept is particularly relevant for maritime and border surveillance, ISR and SAR missions, where wide‑area coverage, flexibility and endurance are critical.
Together, the D328MR and the uncrewed aircraft form a coherent, customisable mission offering, supporting a broad spectrum of operations — from tactical missions and airlift to MEDEVAC and CASEVAC — while integrating autonomous surveillance capabilities and advanced sustainability measures.
“Public‑sector operators increasingly rely on mixed fleets,” explains Markus Hahner, Sales Director Special Missions at Deutsche Aircraft. “The value lies not in individual platforms, but in how they are integrated into a single, consistent mission concept.”
Responsible, Civilian‑Led Engagement
These systems are manufactured in Germany under the Deutsche Aircraft Group, reinforcing European industrial sovereignty, long‑term lifecycle support and the preservation of critical technology and knowledge.
ILA Berlin 2026: Experience the Multi‑Role Concept
At ILA Berlin 2026, Deutsche Aircraft will present its portfolio at the BDLI Joint Pavilion, with a focus on mission adaptability, interoperability and responsible technology evolution.
The showcase will feature:
- D328MR mission concepts and application scenarios
- Digital multi‑role mission demonstrations
- Integrated crewed and uncrewed mission concepts
- Insights into uncrewed system integration
- Briefings on German manufacturing and lifecycle support
About Deutsche Aircraft
Deutsche Aircraft is a German manufacturer of regional aircraft, building on the Dornier legacy to develop modern, efficient and sustainable aviation solutions. The company is advancing the D328eco, a next‑generation 40‑seat turboprop designed to offer significantly improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and enhanced operating economics for regional airlines.
As the type certificate holder for the existing Dornier 328 turboprop and jet fleet, Deutsche Aircraft combines long‑standing technical expertise with ongoing innovation. The industrialization of the D328eco is centred at the company’s new carbon‑neutral, fully digital final assembly line in Leipzig/Halle, a facility designed to produce up to 48 aircraft per year and create 250–350 highly skilled jobs.
The site is underway in 2026, and full production readiness is planned to be achieved in early 2027. The D328eco will progress through its flight test campaign beginning with the first flight in 2026, with entry into service planned for Q4 2027.
Featured image credited to Deutsche Aircraft
