DefenseTech Quantum Systems Secures €150 Million Financing Package from European Banks
Along with Helsing, they rank among the leading DefenseTech companies and have also become known for numerous acquisitions: Quantum Systems has completed a financing package worth 150 million euros, supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB), Commerzbank, KfW, and Deutsche Bank. The agreement underscores the growing commitment of European financial institutions to develop and scale security-relevant innovations with European capital.
Second EIB Investment in Quantum Systems
The drone manufacturer from Gilching announced the financing on February 12, 2026, at a press conference at its headquarters, shortly before the start of the Munich Security Conference. The 70 million euro loan from the EIB marks the bank’s second investment in Quantum Systems following an initial financing of 10 million euros in June 2021. Together with contributions from Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, and KfW, the long-term debt capital totals 150 million euros.
“This financing is a strong vote of confidence in our company, our technology, and our vision. It enables us to scale responsibly while remaining firmly anchored in Europe,” says Jonas Jarosch, CEO of Quantum Systems.
Adapted ESG Frameworks Enable Defense-Tech Financing
The financing reflects targeted adjustments in ESG frameworks that enable European banks to support security-relevant technologies more effectively. The package sends a clear signal that technological resilience, security, and European sovereignty require not only innovation but also access to appropriate capital.
Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment Bank, emphasized the strategic significance: “Drones and aerial reconnaissance are already indispensable for Europe’s security, from defending Ukraine to protecting critical infrastructure and borders. With this 70 million euro financing, the EIB supports a European technology champion in Germany.”
Banks Bet on European Technology Sovereignty
The participating banks underscored their role in strengthening European defense capabilities. Michael Kotzbauer, Deputy Chairman of Commerzbank, pointed to the long-standing partnership: “We have accompanied Quantum Systems since its early growth phase as its house bank and also as its first lender.”
Michael Diederich, Global Co-Head of Corporate Banking at Deutsche Bank, added: “This financing package sends a strong signal about Europe’s ability to develop and scale security-relevant technologies with its own capital.”
Melanie Kehr, Board Member of KfW, highlighted the Venture Tech Growth Financing Program, which provides targeted growth capital and thereby contributes to Europe’s technological resilience.
Consolidation in the European Defense-Tech Sector
The financing occurs against the backdrop of an aggressive acquisition strategy by Quantum Systems. The company, most recently valued at 3 billion dollars, has undertaken several strategic acquisitions in recent times:
Acquisition of Fernride
The most recent and significant acquisition concerns the Munich-based company Fernride, which specializes in remote control and autonomy of heavy-duty vehicles. With this acquisition, Quantum Systems expands its portfolio from aircraft and software intelligence to autonomous ground mobility. The purchase price was kept confidential, although Fernride was reportedly in financial difficulties.
Fernride brings an established software platform for ground autonomy that is already in use in container terminals, defense logistics, yard operations, and autonomous driving. In 2025, the company became the first in Europe to receive TÜV certification for autonomous trucks and has already tested the technology with the German armed forces.
Earlier Acquisitions: Spleenlab and AirRobot
Prior to the Fernride acquisition, Quantum Systems had already acquired Spleenlab and AirRobot to strengthen its technological capabilities and market position. These consolidations are part of a series of mergers in the European defense-tech sector.
Multi-Domain Strategy with MOSAIC UXS
Quantum Systems plans to integrate Fernride technology into its autonomous mission software MOSAIC UXS. The platform is intended to bring together air and ground robotics and enable multi-domain operations. The company expects improved situational awareness and optimized decision-making from this.
Chief Revenue Officer Martin Karkour emphasizes the scalability of the Fernride platform and sees the acquisition as a logical step toward implementing the vision of an interconnected ecosystem for unmanned systems. CEO and co-founder Hendrik Kramer highlights the importance of sovereign autonomy solutions for Europe and identifies the defense sector as the currently most pressing environment for scaling autonomous ground systems.
Operational Experience from Ukraine
According to its own account, Quantum Systems’ operational experience in Ukraine has confirmed the relevance of the interplay between air and ground robotics in real-world deployment scenarios. The experience gained in the defense sector is intended to be transferred to civilian logistics applications in the future.
With the combination of new financing and strategic acquisitions, Quantum Systems positions itself as a multi-domain provider capable of delivering both air and ground systems from a single source. The 150 million euros will support ongoing investments in technology, industrial capacity, and organizational growth.
The European market for integrated autonomy solutions in the defense sector is likely to continue growing given geopolitical tensions and rising defense budgets. Financing by European banks underscores the growing recognition that critical security infrastructure must be financed within Europe to ensure long-term independence and stability.
