Germany has funded the production of 15,000 anti-aircraft drones for the National Guard of Ukraine. Although the contract was awarded to Quantum Systems, the supplied UAVs will be of Ukrainian origin.
The drones in question are STRILA interceptor UAVs developed and manufactured by Ukraine's WIY Drones. In addition to producing the equipment under the contract, the company will also be responsible for its maintenance.
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According to reports, the acquisition was made possible by a recent investment from the German company Quantum Systems in WIY Drones. The two companies will now collaborate to scale up drone production.
It is noted that production in Ukraine will initially focus on domestic demand, with any surplus exported when possible. There is still no mention of setting up production lines in Germany.
Quantum Systems emphasizes that this is part of their strategy to support proven Ukrainian solutions and help them scale. It is likely that similar deals will take place in the future.
This German company has established a joint venture with the Ukrainian Frontline Robotics called Quantum Frontline Industries (QFI). In Germany, it has already released the first localized Linza 3.0 drone and plans to produce up to 10,000 drones by the end of the year.
Quantum Systems also supplies its Vector reconnaissance drones to Ukraine, whose effectiveness helped the company secure a contract with the Bundeswehr. It is also possible that RAT (Red Air Target) target drones will be delivered. Developed in record time, they were created in collaboration with Airbus Defence and Space.
As for the STRILA interceptor from WIY Drones, it is designed to shoot down high-speed, maneuverable targets, such as the Shahed-131/136. Its maximum flight speed is 350 km/h, with an altitude of 5,000 m. It can carry a payload for up to 10 minutes over a range of 28 km, while its operational radius is 14 km.
The unmanned aerial system is integrated with radars, and the SkyMap system, enabling the drone to autonomously enter the target area. It is equipped with day and night cameras and carbon fiber propellers manufactured by WIY Drones.
It illustrates how investment from Germany enables a Ukrainian company to obtain contracts with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, financed by Germany. It is currently unclear whether this is always the case, but for now, joint production facilities are being established abroad.
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