Quantum Systems drones back in the air after malware scare

Quantum Systems has resumed drone operations in collaboration with Germany's military following a cyberattack scare that prompted a precautionary grounding in late October. The company reported the intrusion to authorities but offered few details about the attack. Quantum Systems' IT and security teams swiftly contained the threat and worked closely with authorities, ensuring no risk to operating unmanned systems for end users and operators.

The company emphasized that other European defense industry players and supporters of Ukraine's military have also faced persistent cyberattacks. The malware was detected in an update to Quantum Systems' QBase software, which operators use for mission planning, monitoring, and data processing. The malware reportedly reached servers belonging to the German military and other customers but did not directly infect the drones.

Quantum Systems confirmed that its fleet of drones is operating normally globally, including in Germany and with the Bundeswehr, which was the only customer to ground its systems as a precautionary measure. Germany's defense ministry declined to comment on the incident. Founded in 2015, Quantum Systems provides drones to Ukraine's war effort, and Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently announced funding for several tens of thousands of their interceptor drones as part of Germany's winter aid package.

The company recently raised $1.2 billion in a Series D funding round, valuing the company at approximately $8 billion.