German autonomous drones startup Quantum Systems is today announcing its expansion to the UK, following other foreign defence techs that have recently set up shop there.
The German startup says it will invest €50m into infrastructure, local engineering and partnerships with UK providers over the next five years.
It will also establish service, support training and logistics centre (SSTLC) capabilities on demand, based on its model of localisation in Ukraine.
In May this year, Quantum Systems acquired Nordic Unmanned UK to enhance its portfolio of AI-driven aerial intelligence solutions.
Foreign defence startups, from Anduril to Helsing, are increasingly expanding to the UK, as the nation pledges to spend hundreds of millions of pounds on military tech each year.
In a press release, Quantum Systems said its expansion supports the UK Ministry of Defence’s 20-40-40 strategy, which aims to leverage tech to do more with fewer troops. The idea is to have 80% of combat in unmanned systems: while the remaining 20% in heavy traditional platforms like tanks. Within the unmanned category, 40% would be in reusable platforms like drones and 40% in systems like rockets and missiles.
Quantum Systems’ UK expansion will be led by Vito Tomasi, former fundraising and investor relations manager at Speedinvest who formerly served in the marines.
The company employs roughly 700 people across its offices in Los Angeles, Australia, and at its headquarters in Germany.
In a recent conversation with Sifted Podcast, cofounder and CEO Florian Seibel said that Quantum Systems plans to expand its presence in more countries across Europe and globally, with the goal of becoming the dominant player in the drone industry.
