On May 4, 2025, the German company Quantum Systems, an unmanned aerial intelligence solutions manufacturer, announced a landmark agreement with the Spanish Armed Forces, making Spain the first military customer to adopt its full Family of aerial drone systems. This strategic acquisition includes the advanced Vector and Twister unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), providing the Spanish Armed Forces with a comprehensive, full-spectrum Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capability covering both short- and medium-range mission profiles.
Under a newly signed framework agreement between Quantum Systems and the Spanish Ministry of Defence, Spain has placed a landmark order for 91 Vector systems, each comprising two drones for a total of 182 UAVs. This acquisition significantly boosts the Spanish Armed Forces’ ability to conduct medium-range reconnaissance missions with advanced technology designed for reliability, long endurance, and mission flexibility. The Vector UAV stands out for its hybrid VTOL-fixed wing design, providing the benefits of vertical takeoff with the endurance and efficiency of fixed-wing flight. Its modularity, advanced sensors, and autonomous mission planning make it a critical asset for modern battlefield awareness and rapid decision-making.
Initial fielding of the Vector systems will occur within 2025, with the Spanish Army (Ejército de Tierra) and the Spanish Marine Infantry (Infantería de Marina) identified as the first recipients. This reflects Spain’s emphasis on equipping ground and amphibious forces with enhanced surveillance tools to support a wide array of missions, from border security to multinational deployments.
In parallel with the Vector acquisition, the Spanish Air Force has procured multiple Twister systems to serve the highly dynamic requirements of its specialized and rapid response units. Designed for short-range reconnaissance, the Twister UAV is a compact, agile platform capable of supporting fast-paced operations in confined or mobile environments. Its quick-deploy features and real-time data transmission offer critical situational awareness in missions where time and precision are essential. The agreement includes options for expanding the Twister fleet, further reinforcing Spain’s commitment to comprehensive, multi-domain ISR capabilities.
This dual procurement makes Spain the first military customer to implement Quantum Systems’ complete Family of Systems architecture. By leveraging the interoperability of the Vector and Twister platforms, Spain achieves a cohesive ISTAR solution capable of operating seamlessly across various mission profiles. The systems are designed to integrate with centralized command infrastructure, enabling effective coordination, data fusion, and mission adaptability across all branches of the armed forces.
Vector is a fixed-wing VTOL drone specifically engineered for medium-range ISR operations. It combines the aerodynamic efficiency and endurance of a fixed-wing UAV with the versatility of vertical takeoff and landing, eliminating the need for runways or launch systems. Designed for military-grade reconnaissance, it features high-resolution electro-optical and infrared sensors, secure communications, and autonomous navigation systems, making it ideal for persistent surveillance and real-time intelligence collection in complex environments. Key features of the Vector include a flight endurance of up to 180 minutes, an operational range exceeding 30 kilometers, AES-256 encrypted communications, IP54 weather protection, and a quick-assembly modular design that enables rapid deployment in the field.
Twister, on the other hand, is a lightweight quadcopter optimized for rapid deployment and short-range missions. It offers operational simplicity, fast launch capability, and high maneuverability, suited for tactical-level intelligence gathering. With its robust design and intuitive control interface, Twister is tailored for special forces and light infantry units that require quick situational awareness in urban or contested environments. Its ability to operate in confined spaces and deliver live video feeds makes it an indispensable asset for high-tempo operations. Among its main features are a compact form factor (under 3 kg), flight times of up to 45 minutes, resilient performance in GPS-denied environments, real-time video and telemetry feeds, and rugged construction for reliability under harsh field conditions.
This strategic move reflects Spain’s drive toward defense modernization and technological sovereignty. By choosing a European supplier with a growing reputation for innovation and operational reliability, Spain strengthens both its national defense posture and its alignment with broader NATO interoperability objectives. For Quantum Systems, this contract not only cements its leadership in the European UAV market but also signals its readiness to support the evolving demands of allied military forces across the continent.