Settlement consists of agency order for 147 programs, with choices for as much as 747 reconnaissance drones
Quantum Techniques has been awarded a significant contract to provide the German Armed Forces with a brand new tactical reconnaissance drone system. The settlement positions the corporate because the successor provider to the Bundeswehr’s long-serving ALADIN reconnaissance system.
The Federal Workplace of Bundeswehr Tools, Info Know-how and In-Service Assist (BAAINBw) and Quantum Techniques signed the contract on December 12, 2025, in Koblenz. The framework settlement covers the procurement of as much as 747 reconnaissance drones to resume the Bundeswehr’s ALADIN fleet, which is used throughout the military, navy, and air pressure.
Beneath the settlement, the Bundeswehr will place a set order for 147 programs, together with associated providers. The contract additionally consists of choices for as much as 600 further programs.
Changing a Core Bundeswehr Reconnaissance Functionality
ALADIN, which stands for imaging airborne reconnaissance drone for close-range surveillance, is without doubt one of the Bundeswehr’s essential tactical reconnaissance programs. The brand new Tornado system will take over this position, supporting close-range intelligence gathering on the squad and platoon degree.
Quantum Techniques has assured the supply of at the least 250 programs per yr. The corporate said that it may additional improve manufacturing capability if required, permitting the Bundeswehr to scale deployment over time.
Martin Karkour, Chief Income Officer of Quantum Techniques, mentioned the award displays each technical functionality and operational expertise.
“The Tornado combines German engineering, AI-based autonomy and battle-tested reliability from Ukraine. I’m personally delighted that we now have been awarded the contract for the successor to the ALADIN system, as we at the moment are working along with the BAAINBw and the German Armed Forces to show this turning level right into a turning level in motion. We at Quantum Techniques are very proud to face shoulder to shoulder with our Bundeswehr and to have the ability to equip them with a world-leading product. The Bundeswehr is changing into a drone military, thereby responding to the growing relevance of unmanned programs.”
Tornado Drone Capabilities
Tornado is an electrically powered eVTOL small uncrewed plane system designed for tactical reconnaissance. The system has a most take-off weight of 4 kilograms, a flight period of as much as 90 minutes, and an operational vary of 15 kilometers.
The platform gives real-time aerial reconnaissance and is designed for speedy deployment. It matches right into a rucksack, might be arrange by a single operator inside minutes, and operates with low acoustic and visible signatures at mission altitude.
The sensor payload consists of an electro-optical and infrared gimbal, with an non-compulsory laser illuminator, in addition to acoustic sensors. These capabilities help goal, impact, and place reconnaissance throughout each day and evening operations.
AI, Autonomy, and Interoperability
Tornado makes use of built-in edge AI primarily based on the NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX platform. Sensor knowledge is processed on board in actual time, permitting the system to go solely related data to operators. Scene evaluation and goal classification are dealt with autonomously.
In accordance with Quantum Techniques, expertise gained from deployments in Ukraine has knowledgeable the system’s design. In consequence, Tornado can proceed working in GNSS-denied and electronically contested environments.
The system is managed utilizing Quantum Techniques’ MOSAIC UXS mission software program. The corporate mentioned this software program will guarantee interoperability between the brand new ALADIN successor and the prevailing FALKE system. This strategy can also be anticipated to cut back pilot coaching time by offering a constant management surroundings throughout platforms.
With this contract, Quantum Techniques strengthens its position as a provider of unmanned reconnaissance programs to the German Armed Forces, because the Bundeswehr continues to develop using uncrewed programs throughout its providers.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, knowledgeable drone providers market, and a fascinated observer of the rising drone business and the regulatory surroundings for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles centered on the business drone area and is a world speaker and acknowledged determine within the business. Miriam has a level from the College of Chicago and over 20 years of expertise in excessive tech gross sales and advertising and marketing for brand new applied sciences.
For drone business consulting or writing, E mail Miriam.
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