Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko announced on September 16, 2023, that Quantum Systems, a German company, will provide 100 next-generation tactical drones to Kyiv. These drones are intended to be sent to Ukrainian forces on the front lines.
The announcement was made during the annual summit of the Stern Stewart Institute in Germany. Klitschko stated that Kyiv continues to allocate funds from the city budget to support Ukrainian soldiers. Last year, the city allocated nearly 1 billion UAH, and this year the budget is 5 billion UAH. In addition to financial support, the city has provided cars, ambulances, equipment, drones, and first aid kits to the army.
The next-generation tactical drones from Quantum Systems are expected to be used by Ukrainian forces. Klitschko did not provide specific details about the capabilities of these drones.
Kyiv has allocated funds from the city budget for military support. Last year, the allocation was nearly 1 billion UAH, and this year it is 5 billion UAH. The city is also working to attract aid from international partners.
The acquisition of drones from Germany is part of Kyiv’s efforts to support its military forces. The drones are expected to be sent to the front lines, although their specific roles and capabilities were not detailed in the announcement.
Quantum Systems, a German company specializing in drone technology, has already made its mark in Ukraine. These drones will join 60 Aladin, 7 Songbird, and an unknown number of Vector drones that are also being delivered by Germany to the Ukrainian armed forces.
The Vector drone is an electrically powered VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) UAV designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. It can fly for up to three hours, reach speeds of up to 72 km/h, and has a modular design that allows for various payloads.
In addition to the Vector, Germany is also delivering 60 Aladin drones, known for their short-range reconnaissance capabilities, and 7 Songbird drones, specialized for longer-range surveillance and reconnaissance.
These drones are equipped with advanced sensors and can operate in varying weather conditions. Drones have become an essential part of the Ukrainian armed forces’ capabilities, used for tasks ranging from reconnaissance to combat missions.