Ukraine and Germany Agree on Joint Drone Production and Defence Innovation

Ukrainian defence technology firm Frontline and German drone manufacturer Quantum-Systems have entered into a formal partnership to jointly develop and integrate advanced military drone technologies. The agreement, signed in the presence of Ukraine’s Minister for Strategic Industries Herman Smetanin and representatives of the German Embassy, outlines a significant step towards strengthening the European defence landscape with Ukrainian innovation at its core.

The deal covers several key areas, including collaborative research and development, expanded drone production in Ukraine, and localisation of core components across European Union states. Ukrainian-designed technologies will now be integrated into Quantum-Systems’ cutting-edge aerial platforms such as the Vector electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) system, Twister UAV, and Drone Port, a modular facility enabling real-time autonomous reconnaissance.

Frontline will contribute its proprietary platforms, including Zoom and Linza reconnaissance drones, and its robotic combat modules like the Burya turret, designed for the 40 mm Mk 19 grenade launcher. These systems operate using independent visual navigation and encrypted communication networks not reliant on GPS. One of Frontline’s standout innovations is the Burya module mounted on the TerMIT unmanned ground platform, developed in collaboration with Ukrainian robotics firm Tencore.

Founded by four Ukrainians in August 2023, Frontline brings experience dating back to 2014, when its founders began developing battle-tested tech for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The partnership is expected to accelerate the localisation of military-grade drone production and strengthen Ukraine’s defence sector, while simultaneously embedding Ukrainian defence know-how into European supply chains.

Quantum-Systems, a Munich-based company founded in 2015, combines artificial intelligence, edge computing, and real-time analytics to transform aerial surveillance into operational intelligence. The company has expanded its presence globally, operating in the United States, Australia, Ukraine, and Romania.

This cooperation places Ukrainian innovation at the heart of European drone manufacturing, signalling an important milestone in the development of a joint defence technology framework, capable of countering Russia’s ongoing aggression. No monetary figures have yet been disclosed, but the long-term economic and strategic value of the partnership is likely to be significant.