Strategic Partnership Advances AI-Enabled Aerial Reconnaissance

Airbus Defence and Space and Quantum Systems signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the 2025 Paris Air Show, to develop an integrated ecosystem for tactical aerial reconnaissance.

This agreement marks a significant step toward accelerating the deployment of interoperable airborne intelligence solutions that strengthen operational capabilities across European defense forces.

With geopolitical instability on the rise and innovation cycles in defense technology moving faster than ever, the two companies aim to deliver systems that are operationally ready, resilient and seamlessly integrated into modern command and information infrastructures. Their joint efforts prioritize European technological sovereignty, ensuring that critical systems remain under the control of European users and are tailored to meet the evolving demands of the battlefield.

Unlike closed system architectures that limit flexibility and adaptation, the Airbus and Quantum Systems alliance is committed to openness and transparency. Their AI-enabled reconnaissance solutions will be designed with open interfaces, giving users full authority over system evolution, data usage and integration with existing platforms. This open architecture model is intended to future-proof military capabilities and enable rapid adaptation in dynamic operational environments.

Drawing on lessons from Ukraine, where Quantum Systems operates a production and R&D hub, the collaboration places the end user at the center of development. This user-focused strategy informs the continued enhancement of digital battlefield technologies, simulation tools and connected command ecosystems.

Florian Seibel, Quantum Systems Co-CEO and Co-Founder, said, “This partnership is a strong signal for the European defence industry. Together with Airbus, we are creating a networked, autonomous and sovereign ecosystem for unmanned systems – operational, interoperable and open to partners. To this end, we will connect the Quantum Systems MOSAIC architecture underneath the Airbus CombatCloud. This will create a reconnaissance network from high altitudes down to the lowest level on the battlefield.”

Michael Schöllhorn, CEO Airbus Defence and Space, added, “The partnership is in line with Airbus’ strategic vision of shaping a European ecosystem in military aviation. In concrete terms, this is about ensuring Europe’s sovereignty in AI-supported mission systems and crewed-uncrewed teaming. Together, we are consistently thinking ‘software first’. This will enable military missions to be carried out more efficiently and effectively in future, while at the same time ensuring the adaptability of the systems.”

Working in close coordination with Airbus business units Air Power and Connected Intelligence, Quantum Systems contributes its agility, cutting-edge AI capabilities and UAV expertise to a powerful European partnership. Together, the companies aim to define the next generation of aerial reconnaissance technologies and set new standards for the integration of autonomous systems into defense operations.