Unmanned systems networking: Quantum Systems on Mosaic UXS and lessons from Ukraine

At “DroneVation & Defence 2026”, Thomas Haber, Director Programs & Products at Quantum Systems, talked about the Mosaic UXS software platform, the networking of unmanned systems and the lessons of the war in Ukraine.

Mr Haber, what can Mosaic UXS do?
Quantum Systems is a multi-domain provider. In addition to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGV), we will also develop seagoing unmanned systems in future. All these platforms are networked by our Mosaic UXS software platform. The platform is modular, secure and self-contained, but at the same time offers open interfaces. This allows both our own systems and hardware and software from other manufacturers to be integrated. Our goal is an open ecosystem in which the user can control a wide variety of unmanned systems via common software.

When you speak of unmanned systems: do they work autonomously?
Yes. Our systems first receive mission planning with waypoints. This makes it possible to define exactly which route is flown, where the system should orbit and how it behaves during the mission. Beyond that, we can also simply define a point of interest and specify how an area is to be monitored. The system then plans the mission independently.

That is heading in the direction of swarm employment?
Several systems can work together in a swarm, both in the air and together with ground systems. They coordinate with one another and remain capable of acting even if the connection to the ground control station is interrupted. On the battlefield, they exchange information with one another and try to transmit reconnaissance results to the command post – either as soon as a radio link exists again, or by a drone flying back into an area with a stable connection. The systems can also communicate with one another and with systems from other manufacturers. Effector systems from other manufacturers can be connected as well. This allows us to map the entire reconnaissance-strike network in our software or to hand over target coordinates to an external command and weapon employment system.

How can the cooperation of the systems be pictured in concrete terms?
Let me explain with an example. A drone monitors an area while an unmanned ground vehicle advances. The UGV can carry different payloads, such as a third-party multicopter or seismic ground sensors. If the drone discovers a bridge, for example, the UGV can be tasked to examine it more closely. It drives to the bridge, deploys the multicopter and launches it from a nest. The multicopter takes images of the bridge and transmits them via the relay network set up by the UGV to the drone. The drone forwards the data to the command post. There, a decision can be made as to whether the bridge is safe enough to be crossed by tanks or other vehicles.

So far we have been talking about reconnaissance missions. Is engaging targets also possible?
Yes. This applies both to the reconnaissance-strike network and to the use of counter-UAS interceptors. For counter-UAS, we would, for example, integrate a third-party radar via Mosaic UXS, fuse the sensor data in our software and then direct our Quantum Interceptor to intercept, for instance, a Shahed drone. When effectors are employed, the procedure depends on the respective military doctrine. First, a reconnaissance result is generated and presented to a soldier for a decision. If the soldier identifies a high-value target, the entire engagement can be controlled via Mosaic UXS – including defining the loitering area and the subsequent battle damage assessment (Battle Damage Assessment, editor’s note) by a drone.

And what about compatibility with C2 systems?
Alternatively, Mosaic UXS can hand over the target coordinates via a standardised interface to an external command and control (C2) system. This carries out the engagement, while our drones then take over the damage assessment. In this way we can map the entire process. Theoretically, this process could take place fully autonomously, with reconnaissance and effector systems communicating directly with one another. However, most armed forces require a human decision. This release step is therefore also integrated into our system.

Ukraine is regarded as a testing ground for new drone technologies. Does this experience feed into your development?
Yes. Our entire portfolio is based on experience we gather in operations – including in Ukraine. More than 250,000 flight hours have now been completed with our systems. We continuously develop our products on the basis of operator feedback. The Ukrainian Armed Forces in particular provide us with valuable feedback. We are in close contact with users, continuously develop our systems and regularly release new software versions.

Could you give us an example?
One example is our Vector reconnaissance drone. In operations it became apparent that it was frequently targeted by first-person view (FPV) drones. Together with our Ukrainian team, we therefore developed protective measures. These improvements then feed into our entire product portfolio. In this way, other customers also benefit from the experience gained in the areas of operations.

Where is the drone market heading? Is the trend towards larger, more capable systems or towards small, scalable solutions?
I believe scalability is decisive. Regardless of whether high-end or low-cost systems are concerned. Both will be used together in future. Certain payloads, such as radars or other high-value sensors, are expensive and require larger carrier platforms. These systems must be particularly well protected against jamming, operate as inconspicuously as possible and function reliably even under difficult conditions. Such platforms remain indispensable because they are what enables smaller systems to perform their tasks efficiently in the first place. That is why we rely on the interaction of different platforms. That is exactly what we developed Mosaic UXS for: the software connects our own systems with solutions from other manufacturers into a common ecosystem.

What networking concept does Mosaic UXS pursue?
In the scenario mentioned earlier, both new and already fielded systems can be integrated. Our goal is to integrate existing platforms into a common network in the sense of software-defined defence. For the user, the complexity must remain in the background. The operator should only receive the information he actually needs. The system must also be intuitive to operate under stress. Which platforms are ultimately connected – low-cost or high-value systems – depends on the respective operational scenario.