Agreement includes firm order for 147 systems, with options for up to 747 reconnaissance drones
Quantum Systems has been awarded a major contract to supply the German Armed Forces with a new tactical reconnaissance drone system. The agreement positions the company as the successor supplier to the Bundeswehr’s long-serving ALADIN reconnaissance system.
The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) and Quantum Systems signed the contract on December 12, 2025, in Koblenz. The framework agreement covers the procurement of up to 747 reconnaissance drones to renew the Bundeswehr’s ALADIN fleet, which is used across the army, navy, and air force.
Under the agreement, the Bundeswehr will place a fixed order for 147 systems, including related services. The contract also includes options for up to 600 additional systems.
Replacing a Core Bundeswehr Reconnaissance Capability
ALADIN, which stands for imaging airborne reconnaissance drone for close-range surveillance, is one of the Bundeswehr’s main tactical reconnaissance systems. The new Twister system will take over this role, supporting close-range intelligence gathering at the squad and platoon level.
Quantum Systems has guaranteed the delivery of at least 250 systems per year. The company stated that it can further increase production capacity if required, allowing the Bundeswehr to scale deployment over time.
Martin Karkour, Chief Revenue Officer of Quantum Systems, said the award reflects both technical capability and operational experience.
“The Twister combines German engineering, AI-based autonomy and battle-tested reliability from Ukraine. I am personally delighted that we have been awarded the contract for the successor to the ALADIN system, as we are now working together with the BAAINBw and the German Armed Forces to turn this turning point into a turning point in action. We at Quantum Systems are very proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Bundeswehr and to be able to equip them with a world-leading product. The Bundeswehr is becoming a drone army, thereby responding to the increasing relevance of unmanned systems.”
Twister Drone Capabilities
Twister is an electrically powered eVTOL small uncrewed aircraft system designed for tactical reconnaissance. The system has a maximum take-off weight of 4 kilograms, a flight duration of up to 90 minutes, and an operational range of 15 kilometers.
The platform provides real-time aerial reconnaissance and is designed for rapid deployment. It fits into a rucksack, can be set up by a single operator within minutes, and operates with low acoustic and visual signatures at mission altitude.
The sensor payload includes an electro-optical and infrared gimbal, with an optional laser illuminator, as well as acoustic sensors. These capabilities support target, effect, and position reconnaissance during both day and night operations.
AI, Autonomy, and Interoperability
Twister uses integrated edge AI based on the NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX platform. Sensor data is processed on board in real time, allowing the system to pass only relevant information to operators. Scene analysis and target classification are handled autonomously.
According to Quantum Systems, experience gained from deployments in Ukraine has informed the system’s design. As a result, Twister can continue operating in GNSS-denied and electronically contested environments.
The system is controlled using Quantum Systems’ MOSAIC UXS mission software. The company said this software will ensure interoperability between the new ALADIN successor and the existing FALKE system. This approach is also expected to reduce pilot training time by providing a consistent control environment across platforms.
With this contract, Quantum Systems strengthens its role as a supplier of unmanned reconnaissance systems to the German Armed Forces, as the Bundeswehr continues to expand the use of uncrewed systems across its services.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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