German defense firm has made Ukraine its second-largest international base

Jun 5, 2026 - 14:11

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Ukraine is now Quantum Systems' second-largest international base, with several hundred employees across local production, R&D, and product modernization. The German drone manufacturer is establishing three joint ventures with Ukrainian partners and has a Germany-funded contract to deliver 15,000 interceptor drones to Ukraine's National Guard, the company's deputy spokesperson, Krista-Marija Läbe, told Ukrinform.

Quantum Systems also plans to substantially expand its Ukrainian software development team to build a full ecosystem combining aerial platforms, ground robotics, and interoperable software.

The expansion signals that Western defense technology companies are moving to operate in Ukraine on the strength of operational experience, not just sell into the country as a wartime market.

Three joint ventures under "Build with Ukraine"

The first joint venture, Quantum Frontline Industries (QFI), launched with Ukrainian manufacturer Frontline Robotics, is already operational, with first deliveries to Ukraine completed and production of the Linza tactical drone scaling in Germany.

Another recently announced joint venture, Quantum Tencore Industries (QTI), established with Ukrainian partner Tencore, will focus on scaling up the production of robotic ground systems in Germany. A separate venture, Quantum WIY Industries (QWI), created with Ukrainian drone manufacturer WIY Drones, is intended to strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities.

From product-maker to ecosystem provider

Quantum Systems is restructuring its business model from a manufacturer of individual unmanned aerial systems, most notably its Vector reconnaissance drone, which Ukraine has used in volume since early in the war, to a provider of integrated solutions across aerial, ground, and software domains.

The company refers to this as a "Family of Systems" approach. Läbe said Quantum is testing additional products from the Family of Systems for deployment in Ukraine and intends to supply the Ukrainian military with not only Vector and joint-venture output but also other Family-of-Systems products.

"And this ecosystem should be implemented in Ukraine just as it is in other countries," she said.

Software development moves to Ukraine

Software development in Ukraine is among Quantum's stated priorities.

"In the area of software, Ukraine will probably be even more in focus. Our software development team in Ukraine will be significantly expanded," Läbe told Ukrinform.

The company is actively recruiting Ukrainian software engineers to integrate Ukrainian operational experience into the broader product development cycle.