Army Contract Awarded for Vector AI sUAS & Enhanced Tactical Intelligence

Quantum-Systems Inc. has been awarded a $15.3 million contract to provide its Vector AI small Uncrewed Aircraft System (sUAS) for the U.S. Army’s Company-Level sUAS Directed Requirement (DR) 2 initiative.

This initiative serves as a vital element of the Army’s modernization strategy, focusing on the rapid fielding of commercially available unmanned systems to Soldiers. The program is designed to provide immediate operational capability at the tactical edge while informing the development of the future Medium Range Reconnaissance (MRR) program, which will define the next generation of UAS for maneuver units.

The Vector AI was chosen following a competitive evaluation that prioritized aircraft performance, payload integration, and interoperability with emerging Army software architectures. The system utilizes an electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) design, allowing for runway-independent launch and recovery while maintaining the endurance and efficiency typical of fixed-wing flight. A single operator can deploy the compact system in under five minutes.

Dave Sharpin, CEO of Quantum-Systems Inc, commented, “Today’s battlefield demands unmanned systems that are adaptable, resilient, and proven in real-world operations. The Vector platform has logged more than 20,000 operational flight hours in Ukraine throughout 2025 alone, where operational use has helped refine its autonomy and mission adaptability in contested environments. Its modular architecture and open integration approach align directly with the Army’s push toward interoperable, rapidly evolving capabilities.”

Built to operate in contested environments, the platform incorporates anti-jamming features and a multi-layered navigation stack that allows for visual navigation and precision targeting completely independent of GPS. The system supports reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition through AI-enabled mission planning and advanced electro-optical sensing.

The modular, open architecture of the Vector AI ensures it remains compatible with various battlefield management systems, including TAK and Lattice. This interoperability allows maneuver forces to detect and track targets while maintaining comprehensive situational awareness across dynamic operational areas. As a leader in unmanned intelligence and targeting solutions, Quantum-Systems Inc. designed the platform to evolve alongside future military requirements while delivering immediate, resilient aerial intelligence.