German Special Forces to get 14 Quantum Systems Vector reconnaissance drones

German drone manufacturer Quantum-Systems GmbH from Munich wins the FALKE tender from the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw)., The company, manufacturer of dual-use reconnaissance drones that use multi-sensor technology to collect data for government agencies and commercial users, on September 26 signed a framework agreement with the BAAINBw for the delivery of Vector reconnaissance drones. The delivery of 14 unmanned aerial systems will begin at the end of 2024.

In November 2022, the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) published the project under the name “Framework contract for the procurement of remotely piloted reconnaissance systems, airborne, short-range” – “FALKE” for short. The complex performance specifications of the competitive award procedure placed numerous requirements on the future supplier of unmanned systems. Quantum Systems successfully submitted a bid and was able to conclude the framework agreement with the BAAINBw on September 26, 2023.

The delivery of the first 14 systems is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024. In the future, the Bundeswehr will thus have a system for precise reconnaissance that can be deployed quickly and independently.

Requirements for availability, innovation capability and precise reconnaissance met

The vertical take-off and landing capable drone type Vector provides the German Army’s special forces with a market-available tactical reconnaissance system optimized for their range of operations and meeting requirements in terms of range, flight time and sensor capability. Vector enables precise reconnaissance over a range of up to 30 km with a flight duration of up to three hours. The integrated ‘Raptor’ combi-sensor is equipped with an optical and infrared camera, enabling day and night operations in all climates and under challenging environmental conditions.

Sven Kruck, CSO, Quantum Systems: ‘’For Quantum Systems, winning the FALKE tender is more than just equipping the German Special Forces Command with drones. The Vector system was designed and developed for the required operational purposes, which demand high mobility and long flight times. The equipment of our own armed forces is also an essential strategic and also a great emotional milestone for Quantum Systems. In sum, we are very pleased to equip the German Armed Forces with our drones with immediate effect. We are certain that this step will enable us to make an important contribution to the Bundeswehr and another to the security of Europe’’.