Enhancing Europe's Autonomy: Collaboration between Airbus and Quantum Systems for Surveillance Drone Systems Development
In a groundbreaking move announced at the Paris Air Show 2025, Airbus Defence and Space and Germany-based Quantum Systems have joined forces to develop tactical aerial reconnaissance solutions aimed at strengthening European defence autonomy and technological sovereignty.
The partnership, which emphasises transparency and open interfaces, will see the integration of airborne surveillance and information systems into modern command and control infrastructures, enhancing the capabilities of European armed forces while ensuring Europe retains full control over the technology, data, and system development involved.
Key details of the partnership include the development of resilient, interoperable, and ready-to-use airborne surveillance and information systems deployable in the short to medium term. This addresses growing geopolitical uncertainties and rapid innovation cycles in defence technology.
Airbus and Quantum Systems will connect the MOSAIC architecture with Airbus' CombatCloud system, creating a comprehensive reconnaissance network spanning from high altitudes to battlefield levels. They also plan to jointly develop open interfaces, digital battlefield environments, and forward-looking simulation platforms, reflecting lessons learned from conflict zones such as Ukraine, where Quantum Systems has production and R&D facilities.
The alliance signals a move toward a networked, autonomous, and sovereign ecosystem for unmanned systems in Europe, promoting interoperability and openness to partners within the European defence sector. Airbus frames this partnership as part of its strategic vision to shape a European ecosystem in military aviation, enhancing AI-supported mission systems and crewed-uncrewed teaming for more efficient military operations.
Quantum Systems, headquartered near Munich, is a global leader in AI-powered aerial robotics, specialising in advanced electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS). Their technology includes edge computing, real-time AI-driven data processing, and transforms aerial data into critical insights. The user-centred approach is a direct lesson from the developments on the battlefield in Ukraine.
The European user is expected to have full control over the technology, data, and further development of the systems. Quantum Systems' Drone Port solution is designed to deliver automated actionable aerial intelligence, bringing aerial intelligence to users' fingertips and automating the entire process from deployment to data analysis.
Airbus, a European leader in space systems, defence, and security, is also a leader in sustainable aerospace, providing efficient solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In helicopters, Airbus provides efficient rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide.
Quantum Systems' technology is trusted worldwide, paving the way for a new era of data-driven solutions. The strategic partnership between Airbus Defence and Space and Quantum Systems is a significant step to advance European aerial reconnaissance capabilities, combining technological innovation with sovereignty and operational readiness in response to evolving global security challenges.
The partnership between Airbus Defence and Space and Quantum Systems seeks to integrate airborne surveillance and information systems into modern command and control infrastructures, ultimately enhancing the European armed forces' capabilities and ensuring Europe retains control over the technology, data, and system development. The alliance also aims to develop resilient, interoperable, and ready-to-use airborne surveillance and information systems, addressing growing geopolitical uncertainties and rapid innovation cycles in defence technology.
