Oberpfaffenhofen. General Atomics AeroTec Systems GmbH (GA-ATS) celebrated a landmark moment in its company history on June 8, 2026, with the official Roll-Out of the Do228 NXT, the Next Generation of the iconic Dornier 228 aircraft. In a high-profile ceremony held at the company’s hangar in Oberpfaffenhofen, the aircraft was presented to the global public for the very first time – showcasing an impressive special livery that highlighted the significance of the occasion.
This marked the first time in many years that a new series of aircraft manufactured in Germany had been unveiled. It also sent a strong signal for the German industry and the defence sector.
The Do228 NXT is a new, versatile aircraft that will have a significant impact on the turboprop and special mission aviation markets and offer new mission capabilities to a wide range of customers from a civilian, military or government background.
A Moment Years in the Making
The Dornier 228 has long been regarded as one of the most versatile and reliable aircraft in its class. For decades, it has served operators around the world in missions ranging from passenger and cargo transport to maritime surveillance, MedEvac operations and disaster response missions. With the Do228 NXT, General Atomics AeroTec Systems is carrying this legacy forward – building on proven technology while incorporating state-of-the-art avionics, a modernised cabin and cockpit, additional mission equipment as well as a reliable and cost optimised supply chain.
The Roll-Out ceremony marked the first time the Do228 NXT, with it’s specially designed livery, was revealed to an international audience. The modern livery design featuring blue triangles symbolises the seamless interplay of the aircraft’s individual features and characteristics, which complement each other perfectly. In addition, the design of the spreading triangles represents the aircraft’s aerodynamics. The pattern of the various shades of blue is also inspired by camouflage design, as the Do228 NXT offers significant potential for use in the security and law enforcement sectors.
A Celebration Bringing Together Industry, Politics and Tradition
The event brought together an exceptional gathering of stakeholders from across the aviation landscape as well as many partners. Among the approximately 500 attendees were representatives from politics and government, the defence sector, customers and suppliers, service partners and media members. The entire GA-ATS team, whose dedication has made the aircraft’s production possible over the past few years, was also in attendance.
Particularly meaningful was the participation of the Dornier family as guests of honour, whose legacy is inseparably linked to the aircraft’s origins and enduring identity. In their speech, Claudio and Camillo Dornier emphasised that the Do228 NXT would carry on the region’s long tradition of aircraft manufacturing with pride, and that they see great potential for the Do228 NXT and the company in the future as well.
Leadership Voices: Vision and Commit
The Roll-Out was accompanied by statements from top leadership, reflecting the shared commitment to innovation and the long-term vision behind the Do228 NXT programme.
“Today is a day that belongs to our team. Every single person at GA-ATS has contributed to make this moment possible – through exceptional craftsmanship, dedication and a shared passion for aviation and our aircraft. The Do228 NXT demonstrator is the result of hard work and continuous improvement. This Roll-Out is not just the debut of a new aircraft – it is proof of what this team is capable of achieving,” stated Florian Rohe, Managing Director, General Atomics AeroTec Systems GmbH.
“The Do228 NXT is a true effort by the entire General Atomics Group. Beyond the outstanding work of the GA-ATS team, this achievement was supported by our headquarters of General Atomics Europe in Dresden and GA PrecisionTech Europe, which has been a vital supplier in the manufacturing process. All this was made possible by the support of our owners, the Blue family. It fills me with great pride to see aircraft being built in Germany again. I am convinced that the Do228 NXT will be a will be an extraordinary aircraft for our customers,” commented Harald Robl, CEO, General Atomics Europe.
“When General Atomics acquired this company in 2021, we saw tremendous potential – in the aircraft, in the technology and above all in the team. We believed in the Do228 NXT from day one and everything we see today confirms that belief. The Do228 NXT is the result of that trust. We could not be more proud of what has been achieved here in Oberpfaffenhofen,” remarked Linden P. Blue, CEO, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems.
