Quantum Systems, a German defence company that supplies reconnaissance drones to the Ukrainian military, has been the target of a cyberattack. The attackers gained access to the manufacturer’s infrastructure and exploited the software update server. Following the incident, the Bundeswehr has temporarily suspended the use of the company’s drones, according to the Financial Times. Quantum Systems has stated that the threat has been contained and that the operation of the drones remains safe for operators.
- Quantum Systems detected a cyberattack in late October 2026.
- The attackers exploited the update server for the QBase drone control system.
- The German army has temporarily suspended the use of the company’s drones.
- The manufacturer assures us that the threat has been eliminated and that the drones are safe to operate.
Hackers have attacked the drone software update system
About the incident Quantum Systems announced officially on 12 November. According to the company, suspicious activity was detected in late October, after which an internal investigation confirmed that a targeted cyberattack had taken place.
The attackers distributed a malicious file via a server intended for updating QBase — a ground control system for drones and flight mission planning.
IT specialists at Quantum Systems, working in collaboration with government agencies, have contained the threat. The company has reported the incident to the relevant authorities and has engaged external cybersecurity experts to carry out a further investigation.
No individuals or organisations have been officially named as being responsible for the attack. The manufacturer merely stated that the attack was carried out by hostile actors.
The Bundeswehr has suspended the use of Quantum Systems drones
According to Ukrmedia news, following the discovery of a cyberattack, the German military temporarily suspended the operation of the company’s drones as a precautionary measure. As a result, the drones were unable to take part in one of the recent military exercises.
The German Ministry of Defence has declined to comment on reports regarding the state of readiness of military equipment.
At the same time, Quantum Systems emphasised that, thanks to the prompt security measures taken and the nature of the incident, the use of its unmanned systems poses no risk to end users and operators.
There is currently no information regarding the suspension of Quantum Systems’ drones within the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Quantum Systems is expanding its production of drones for Ukraine
The German company is based in Hilching, near Munich, and specialises in the development of autonomous systems for military and civilian applications. One of its best-known products is a reconnaissance drone Vector, which the Ukrainian armed forces have been using since 2022.
The company is also expanding its manufacturing operations in Ukraine and collaborating with local defence firms. Its Ukrainian subsidiaries employ over 200 staff.
In October, it emerged that Quantum Systems was planning to supply Ukraine with tens of thousands of interceptor drones SPYS, designed to combat, in particular, new Russian jet-powered drones.
The company emphasised that European defence manufacturers are systematically targeted by cyber-attacks, particularly those companies that support Ukraine. At the same time, the impact of the latest incident on Ukrainian manufacturing projects remains unknown.
