Quantum Systems is to invest €50m (£43m) into UK operations over the next five years following the acquisition of Nordic Unmanned UK.
The German startup develops AI-powered unmanned intelligence systems for defence, emergency services and industry.
Quantum Systems will use the investment to fund infrastructure, local engineering and partnerships with UK providers.
Plans include the establishment of service, support, training and logistics centre (SSTLC) capabilities on demand, investment in maintenance and repair operations, building training and testing infrastructure, creating jobs and strengthening sovereign capability.
“Quantum Systems is here to stay and deepen our investment in the UK,” says Vito Tomasi, managing director at Quantum Systems UK.
“By investing in British talent, infrastructure and partnerships, and by delivering our proven, battlefield-ready aerial intelligence systems, we will contribute to the UK’s defence priorities and even exceed expectations.”
The expansion supports the UK Ministry of Defence’s call for greater autonomy and uncrewed systems under its 20-40-40 strategy. This entails a force mix of 20% crewed platforms controlling 40% reusable platforms such as drones, and 40% consumable systems such as rockets, missiles and one-way effectors.
Last month, UKTN spoke to Adrian Cunningham, executive co-chair of PentenAmio, who discussed the advantages and importance of governments working with smaller firms in defence.
He said the practice of working with smaller firms and consortiums featuring defence companies of varying sizes has become “widespread now across UK government procurement”.
