European aircraft giant Airbus Helicopters and German defense startup Quantum Systems have signed an agreement that involves the integration of Quantum Systems' drone interception systems on board Airbus military helicopters.
European aircraft giant Airbus Helicopters and German defense startup Quantum Systems have signed an agreement that involves the integration of Quantum Systems' drone interception systems on board Airbus military helicopters.
As reported in the official Airbus press release, the agreement was signed during the international aerospace exhibition ILA Berlin 2026. The goal of this cooperation is to strengthen Europe’s defense ecosystem and provide military units with flexible solutions to counter modern asymmetric threats from the air.
As part of the exhibition, Airbus Helicopters also presented an unmanned version of the U145 helicopter from this family. At the static exhibition, a model of this unmanned helicopter was already demonstrated integrated with a technological solution for countering drones from Quantum Systems.
Airbus Helicopters Executive Vice President, Programs, Stephane Thomé, emphasized that this agreement is an important step in expanding the operational spectrum of military helicopters. According to him, crews will be able to effectively control the airspace and protect personnel and assets. The H145M model was chosen to start this initiative because its open architecture allows for the rapid integration of new technological solutions.
«By combining our broad portfolio of military helicopters with innovative C-UAS solutions, we protect personnel and assets, and strengthen European technological sovereignty and defense capabilities,» said Stefan Tome.
For his part, Quantum Systems CFO Martin Karkur emphasized that the partnership is an excellent example of European industry joining forces to counter new operational challenges.
«Current events clearly show that air systems need rapid responses to threats from drones,» added Martin Karkur.
Earlier this year, Ukrainian operators from the «Predators of the Heights» battalion of the 59th Separate Assault Brigade of Unmanned Systems (SBS) destroyed a Russian Ka-52 «Alligator» reconnaissance and attack helicopter worth $16 million using an FPV drone .
Recall that the German developer Quantum Systems, which in 2025 attracted 160 million euros in investment and received the status of a «unicorn», has close ties with Ukraine. The company has been actively helping the country since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, supplying Vector reconnaissance UAVs.
In addition to the service center and its own R&D hub, the brand opened local production in Ukraine. At the end of 2025, Quantum Systems, together with the Ukrainian startup Frontline Robotics, also created the Quantum Frontline Industries enterprise for the automated serial production of drones in Germany for the needs of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
