Strengthening Europe's sovereignty: Airbus and Quantum Systems work on ecosystem for aerial reconnaissance

Paris, France, 16 June 2025 - At the start of the Paris Air Show 2025, Quantum Systems and Airbus Defence and Space have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen their strategic cooperation. Both companies are working together on solutions to seamlessly integrate tactical aerial reconnaissance in particular into modern command and information systems. Strengthening Europe's sovereignty: Airbus and Quantum Systems work on ecosystem for aerial reconnaissance.

The focus of these efforts is on quickly and effectively strengthening the capabilities of the armed forces while at the same time ensuring European technological sovereignty. In view of increasing geopolitical uncertainties and accelerated innovation cycles in the defence sector, resilient, interoperable and ready-to-use airborne surveillance and information systems are to be deployed in the short and medium term.

In contrast to other providers with closed system architectures, Quantum Systems and Airbus are deliberately focussing on transparency and interface openness for their AI-supported reconnaissance and impact network. The European user should have full control over the technology, data and further development of the systems.

In addition, existing initiatives relating to open interfaces, digital battlefields and forward-looking simulation environments are to be jointly developed further. The user-centred approach is a direct lesson from the developments on the battlefield in Ukraine. Quantum Systems has its own production facility and R&D hub there.

"This partnership is a strong signal for the European defence industry. Together with Airbus, we are creating a networked, autonomous and sovereign ecosystem for unmanned systems - operational, interoperable and open to partners. To this end, we will connect the Quantum Systems MOSAIC architecture underneath the Airbus CombatCloud. This will create a reconnaissance network from high altitudes down to the lowest level on the battlefield," says Florian Seibel, CEO of Quantum Systems.

Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, said: "The partnership is in line with Airbus' strategic vision of shaping a European ecosystem in military aviation. In concrete terms, this is about ensuring Europe's sovereignty in AI-supported mission systems and crewed-uncrewed teaming. Together, we are consistently thinking ‘software first’. This will enable military missions to be carried out more efficiently and effectively in future, while at the same time ensuring the adaptability of the systems."

Quantum Systems and Airbus form a dynamic and powerful alliance to advance European defence capabilities through their innovation, agility, international reach and deep AI expertise.

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About Airbus

Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus designs and manufactures modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in space systems, defence and security. In helicopters, Airbus provides efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide.

About Quantum Systems

Quantum Systems is at the forefront of AI-powered aerial robotics, developing a family of smart systems that go far beyond traditional drones. Our advanced electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS), combined with our Drone Port solution, are designed to deliver automated actionable aerial intelligence. Built on a foundation of in-house software and AI, our systems transform aerial data into critical insights, empowering decision-making across security, defense and public safety, as well as for the commercial, industrial and GIS sectors.

Featuring cutting-edge technology like edge computing and real-time AI-driven data processing, Quantum Systems enables operators to make informed decisions with unmatched speed and precision. Our solutions bring aerial intelligence to your fingertips, automating the entire process—from deployment to data analysis.

Founded in 2015 and headquartered at Special Airport Oberpfaffenhofen near Munich, Quantum Systems operates globally with locations in the United States, Australia, Ukraine and Romania. Our German-engineered technology is trusted worldwide, paving the way for a new era of data-driven solutions.