European defense tech firms Quantum Systems and Tekever secure major funding amid EU push for AI-powered warfare systems, with NATO reporting 10,000+ combat hours for Vector drones in Ukraine operations.
As Ukrainian forces reportedly neutralize Russian S-400 systems using AI-upgraded AR3 drones, Munich-based Quantum Systems announces €160M Series D funding while Portugal’s Tekever achieves unicorn status through UK MoD contracts worth £400M.
From Bavarian Startups to Battlefields
Quantum Systems CEO Florian Seibel announced in their Q2 2025 press release that the €160M raise will accelerate integration of their AI-powered Vector reconnaissance drones with Airbus’ combat management systems. This follows their strategic acquisition of AirRobot in 2023 and Nordic Unmanned earlier this year, creating Europe’s first full-stack drone manufacturer.
NATO’s Digital Frontline Shift
According to NATO’s June 2025 situational report, Tekever’s AR3 drones have logged 4,200 operational hours in Odessa alone, using computer vision to identify 83% of Russian artillery positions. ‘These aren’t just eyes in the sky – they’re AI-driven decision nodes,’ stated General Petr Pavel during the Warsaw Security Forum.
The €8B Innovation Gap
The European Commission’s Defense Innovation Scheme faces scrutiny as data shows EU defense R&D spending at 1.3% of GDP versus China’s 2.4%. ‘Our acquisitions of Hensoldt’s sensor division and Airbus partnership address this gap head-on,’ Quantum Systems CTO Jürgen Schmitz told Defense News Europe.
Swarm Warfare Looming
While Europe’s defense AI market is projected to reach €12B by 2030, Jane’s Defense Weekly analysis reveals China fields 14 autonomous drone models versus Europe’s 5. The EU Parliament’s upcoming vote on autonomous weapons regulation could determine whether companies like Quantum can compete globally while maintaining ethical safeguards.
