New collaboration supports Europe’s push for AI-powered, sovereign aerial intelligence systems
At the 2025 Paris Air Show, Airbus Defence and Space and Quantum Systems signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand their strategic cooperation on tactical aerial reconnaissance solutions. The partnership focuses on delivering interoperable, AI-powered systems designed to strengthen European defense capabilities and sovereignty.
Supporting Europe’s Defense Goals
The agreement comes at a time when European nations are placing increasing importance on defense readiness. Initiatives like the EU’s Readiness 2030 plan and growing investments from the European Defence Fund reflect the region’s focus on securing critical technologies. As reported by DRONELIFE, European drone companies are scaling operations in anticipation of increased funding for defense-focused innovation.
The partnership between Airbus and Quantum Systems aims to create an aerial intelligence network that connects high-altitude platforms with low-level battlefield assets. “This partnership is a strong signal for the European defence industry,” said Florian Seibel, CEO of Quantum Systems. “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.”
Open Architecture for User Control
Unlike providers that use closed systems, Airbus and Quantum Systems are committed to transparency and open interfaces. Their approach gives European military users full control over the technology, data, and future upgrades.
The companies will work together on existing and future projects involving digital battlefields, simulation environments, and modular AI-supported mission systems. The goal is to ensure that European forces can quickly adopt and scale airborne reconnaissance tools while maintaining independence from non-European providers.
“The partnership is in line with Airbus’ strategic vision of shaping a European ecosystem in military aviation,” said Michael Schöllhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. “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’.”
Battlefield Lessons and Local Development
The collaboration draws on lessons from Ukraine, where evolving combat environments have highlighted the need for agile and user-centered systems. Quantum Systems operates an R&D and production facility in Ukraine, allowing for real-time feedback from operational deployments.
Quantum Systems will work closely with Airbus business units ‘Air Power’ and ‘Connected Intelligence’ to co-develop systems that respond to new threats. The alliance combines Airbus’s international reach with Quantum Systems’ agility and expertise in autonomous systems.
Advancing a Sovereign Future
With both companies rooted in European engineering and strategic vision, the partnership represents a step forward in ensuring that Europe maintains control over its own defense technologies. It also reflects broader efforts to support local innovation through coordinated EU funding programs.
As European defense policy continues to evolve, partnerships like this may set the tone for how unmanned systems will be developed and deployed in the years ahead—emphasizing flexibility, transparency, and European ownership.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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