Airbus Defence and Space and Germany-based military drone maker Quantum Systems are to work together on developing tactical aerial reconnaissance solutions.
An agreement between the two companies announced at the Paris Air Show 2025 focuses on integrating reconnaissance systems into modern command and information systems. According to the companies, the partnership aims to strengthen armed forces capabilities while ensuring European technological sovereignty.
Both companies plan to develop resilient, interoperable and ready-to-use airborne surveillance and information systems for short and medium-term deployment. The initiative responds to increasing geopolitical uncertainties and accelerated innovation cycles in the defense sector, said Airbus.
The partnership emphasizes transparency and interface openness for AI-supported reconnaissance networks, contrasting with closed system architectures from other providers. The companies said European users will have full control over technology, data and system development.
The collaboration will develop open interfaces, digital battlefields and simulation environments, with a user-centered approach reflects lessons from battlefield developments in Ukraine, where Quantum Systems operates its own production facility and R&D hub.
“This partnership is a signal for the European defense industry,” said Florian Seibel, CEO of Quantum Systems. “Together with Airbus, we are creating a networked, autonomous and sovereign ecosystem for unmanned systems – operational, interoperable and open to partners.”
The partnership will connect the Quantum Systems MOSAIC architecture with the Airbus CombatCloud system. According to Seibel, this will create a reconnaissance network from high altitudes down to battlefield level.
“The partnership is in line with Airbus’ vision of shaping a European ecosystem in military aviation,” said Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. “In concrete terms, this is about ensuring Europe’s sovereignty in AI-supported mission systems and crewed-uncrewed teaming.”
The companies are adopting a software-first approach to enable more efficient military missions, while ensuring system adaptability and focuses on seamlessly integrating tactical aerial reconnaissance into command and information systems.
