Image: Quantum-Systems GmbH Vector & Scorpion UAS – By Skyscrab – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, (Wikipedia)
Madrid, May 5, 2025 — In a major step toward modernizing its defense capabilities, Spain has become the first military force in the world to deploy the complete Family of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) developed by German defense innovator Quantum Systems. The landmark deal, announced today, includes the advanced Vector and Twister drones, significantly expanding the Spanish Armed Forces’ Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capacity across short- and medium-range operations.
Under a newly signed framework agreement with Quantum Systems, Spain has ordered 91 Vector systems — each comprised of two drones — totaling 182 medium-range UAVs. Designed with a hybrid VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) and fixed-wing configuration, the Vector provides the operational flexibility of a helicopter with the range and endurance of a plane. With capabilities such as autonomous mission planning, secure encrypted communications, and high-resolution optical and infrared sensors, the Vector will play a central role in real-time battlefield intelligence.
🙌🏼 🇺🇦 The German manufacturer of drones Quantum-Systems launched a factory for the production of unmanned systems "Vector" in Ukraine, – Militarnyi pic.twitter.com/8hlZL0QcYO
— Claretta Nijhuis (@NijhuisClaretta) August 29, 2024
Initial deployment of the Vector systems is set to begin within 2025. The Spanish Army (Ejército de Tierra) and the Spanish Marine Infantry (Infantería de Marina) will be the first to receive them, focusing on enhancing surveillance for national defense, border control, and overseas missions.
Simultaneously, the Spanish Air Force has procured an undisclosed number of Twister drones — agile, lightweight quadcopters designed for rapid deployment in short-range, high-mobility scenarios. With flight times of up to 45 minutes and the ability to operate in GPS-denied or confined urban environments, Twister platforms are optimized for tactical units requiring instant situational awareness during fast-paced missions.
“The integration of both Vector and Twister systems marks a turning point in our ISR strategy,” a spokesperson from Spain’s Ministry of Defence stated. “By adopting Quantum Systems’ interoperable platforms, we are aligning our forces with the future of real-time, multi-domain battlefield awareness.”
The agreement positions Spain as the first country to implement Quantum Systems’ full Family of Systems, offering a unified ISR solution that can be deployed seamlessly across different branches of the military. This interoperability enables centralized data fusion and mission coordination, vital for modern operations involving joint land, sea, and air units.
Quantum Systems CEO Florian Seibel hailed the deal as a major milestone. “Spain’s adoption of our entire platform suite confirms our position as a leading European defense technology provider,” he said. “This partnership not only strengthens Europe’s defense industrial base but also enhances NATO’s operational cohesion.”
The Vector UAV boasts a 180-minute flight endurance and a range of over 30 kilometers, equipped with weather-resistant design and AES-256 encrypted communications. Twister, under 3 kg in weight, brings real-time video and telemetry to the hands of rapid response teams, offering critical reconnaissance in contested or cluttered environments.
Beyond expanding national ISR capacity, this acquisition underscores Spain’s commitment to European defense autonomy and defense industry innovation. By selecting Quantum Systems — a rising German defense manufacturer — over non-European competitors, Spain reinforces its strategic focus on technological sovereignty and allied interoperability.
As military threats evolve and demand faster decision-making cycles, Spain’s pioneering move into full-spectrum ISR drone deployment places it at the forefront of defense transformation in Europe.