Ukraine, Germany launch joint drone production venture

Ukrainian and German drone manufacturers are setting up a joint defense venture, Quantum Frontline Industries, under the new “Build with Ukraine” initiative, enabling the first industrial-scale production of Ukrainian drones in Europe.

The announcement was made at a press conference in Berlin on the sidelines of the German-Ukrainian Business Forum, CE Report quotes Ukrinform.

On December 15, Germany’s Quantum Systems and Ukraine’s Frontline Robotics announced the creation of the German-Ukrainian joint venture Quantum Frontline Industries (QFI), which will establish Europe’s first fully automated industrial drone production line dedicated to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Within the framework of the “Build with Ukraine” initiative, the new venture will mass-produce battlefield-proven, multi-purpose drones developed by Frontline Robotics. All systems produced in Germany will be delivered exclusively to Ukraine’s Defense Forces, in quantities defined by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.

The production line will combine Ukrainian combat-tested technology with German industrial automation, creating a new model of cross-border defense co-production, referred to as the “German model.” The project will also open employment opportunities in Germany for Ukrainian specialists.

Quantum Systems will provide the industrial infrastructure and manage production operations, while Frontline Robotics will contribute licensed designs, training, and full life-cycle support in line with NATO standards.

“Ukrainians have revolutionized drone warfare—now we will revolutionize industrial warfare together. For Quantum Systems, this is the logical next step in our proven support for Ukraine. Together with Frontline Robotics, we will create Europe’s first foreign production capacity at this scale for Ukraine,” said Sven Kruck, co-CEO of Quantum Systems.

Yevhen Tretiak, CEO of Frontline Robotics, said the joint venture would serve as a model for future cooperation. “This partnership will supply the Defense Forces of Ukraine with thousands of drones to push back the Russian aggressor,” he said.

Matthias Lehna was appointed Managing Director of Quantum Frontline Industries. The 37-year-old previously served as an infantry officer in the German Armed Forces before joining the Cyber Innovation Hub and later Quantum Systems as Director of Government Relations and Business Development.

“QFI has three goals: scale, expand, and create. This joint venture will unite German engineering excellence with Ukraine’s sense of urgency to mass-produce critically needed drones, broaden the product portfolio, and develop new solutions,” Lehna said.

Mykyta Rozhkov, Chief Business Development Officer of Frontline Robotics, emphasized the importance of expanding production outside Ukraine due to wartime risks. “Partnering with Quantum Systems allows us to scale up serial production and further strengthen Ukraine’s Defense Forces,” he said.

The launch of QFI builds on a strategic partnership signed earlier this year and marks a significant step toward creating a European drone industrial base driven by Ukrainian frontline innovation and German engineering.

For security reasons, details about the production location will not be disclosed.

Quantum Systems is a European leader in intelligent unmanned systems, supplying military, governmental, and commercial customers with advanced reconnaissance and mission solutions. Frontline Robotics is a Ukrainian defense technology company founded in August 2023, specializing in aerial and ground robotic systems, including reconnaissance, logistics, and remotely operated combat platforms.