Reconnaissance drones for Kyiv: Ukraine orders 300 more Vector from Quantum Systems

Ukraine has placed an order for 300 additional Vector medium-range reconnaissance drones, the Munich-based maker of reconnaissance drones, Quantum Systems, announced today. The German federal government is covering the cost of the delivery, which supports the Ukrainian armed forces.

Founded in 2015, the company develops unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The electrically powered systems take off and land vertically (eVTOL); they are considered reliable and easy to operate, and impress with their flight time.

Information advantage through reconnaissance drones

It is already the third order for the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence: after 33 Vector systems in August 2022 and another 105 in January 2023, it has now ordered 300 systems of this type.

Since August 2022, the Vector has been proving its capabilities under difficult conditions. The system has been deployed and tested in the Ukrainian war zone, where it has proven itself in military intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations. It is ready for use within two minutes and helps reconnoitre enemy targets. The drone flies at up to 72 km/h and stays airborne for 180 minutes. With the help of artificial intelligence, the Ukrainian armed forces fighting against the Russian invaders can thus build a comprehensive real-time situational picture and gain a strategic information advantage. This picture improves decision-making and increases the effectiveness of operations.

Lessons from combat use

Because drone pilots on the Ukrainian battlefield give direct, immediate feedback, development cycles are shortened considerably, according to a recent Quantum Systems press release. It states: “With its built-in artificial intelligence, Vector provides live aerial reconnaissance in an efficient and user-friendly way”. It adds: “The system relieves the operator of constant video monitoring. Built-in algorithms enable automatic object identification and the immediate transmission of information to the ground control station.” An NVIDIA Jetson Orin serves as the AI board; it supports navigation without GPS and makes it possible in the first place – a function developed from direct feedback from the area of operations.

“Whatever it takes” – backing for Ukraine

To ensure the Ukrainian armed forces continue to receive support in their defence, Quantum Systems recently opened a Service Training Support and Logistics Centre (SSTLC) in Ukraine. There, operators learn to use and maintain the Vector system; the facility is also a local hub for procuring spare parts and repair services. Florian Seibel, CEO of Quantum Systems, said: “Quantum Systems stands firmly behind Ukraine and its democracy, and we are determined to support it in defending its country, whatever it takes. We consider it a privilege to contribute to Ukraine’s defence, and we remain committed to delivering superior systems to the Ukrainian armed forces”.