Quantum Systems Presented Twister Drone

Quantum Systems has unveiled a new reconnaissance drone, the Twister, with the ability to take off and land fully automated without human intervention.

The details of the new system were shared with Militarnyi’s correspondents at the Defense Innovation Forum 2025 exhibition.

The German developer of reconnaissance unmanned systems, which has been manufacturing its products at Ukrainian facilities for the Defense Forces since 2024, is promoting its new system as a smaller reconnaissance tool to complement the Vector drones used by the army.

Twister is a compact airplane-type drone that uses a vertical takeoff system, allowing it to be used by a single operator without catapults or other launch systems. It weighs only 3.8 kg, and its dimensions allow it to be transported in a compact case.

According to the developers, the drone has a range of 15 kilometers and can operate for up to 90 minutes. The deployment time to combat readiness is only 2 minutes.

“We see this board as an element of a swarm of drones. There are scenarios when several “twisters” are controlled by one operator. They accompany groups, reconnoiter or finish reconnoitering, and target,” says Oleksandr Berezhnyi, director of Quantum Systems’ Ukrainian office.

In the basic version, Twister carries the Nighthawk2 optical module equipped with a daytime and thermal imaging channel. However, if desired, it can be replaced in the field without major interventions in the UAV’s design.

Thanks to the ability to install powerful lidars, the new drone will also replace another line of Trinity drones that were designed for terrain mapping.

“It will carry lidars that will allow to read the terrain, so the military will be able to determine the terrain of the landing and trenches in it,” Berezhnyi added.

Another advantage of the drone is the ability to relay signals to increase the range of other Quantum Systems drones, including Vector drones, which are common in the Ukrainian military.

Autonomous launch and landing

Twister’s eVTOL technology allows it to launch from hidden locations and confined spaces, providing operations with less risk to its operators. Its precision landing capabilities further protect the integrity of the equipment.

However, what will be revolutionary about this system is the ability to take off and land from a special “robotic arm” – the automated DronePort system from Quantum Systems. This solution will make it possible to completely eliminate humans from the process of launching and landing UAVs by automating all processes.

According to the company, a single DronePort can accommodate up to three Twister platforms, ensuring that they are charged for the next mission.

Earlier, Militarnyi reported that Quantum Systems planned to double drone production in Ukraine. Today, the country already has a localized drone assembly facility and two enterprises: an R&D center and a drone maintenance and development unit.