Quantum Systems, an expert in AI-powered unmanned systems and Munich unicorn, is acquiring the startup Fernride. With this step, the company is strategically expanding its existing offering of air and software intelligence and complementing it with autonomous ground mobility. The defence tech company is thus creating a networked, cross-domain offering for intelligent unmanned systems.
Fernride develops a software platform for ground autonomy, addressing application fields such as container terminals, yard operations, and autonomous driving. In 2025, Fernride became the first company to achieve TÜV approval for autonomous trucks in Europe. The startup recently expanded its portfolio to include the defence logistics sector.
Hendrik Kramer, CEO and co-founder of Fernride, comments:
“Europe urgently needs sovereign autonomy solutions. By joining forces with Quantum Systems, we can take our technology to a new level. Together with Quantum Systems, we are accelerating the deployment of our platform in the European defence sector, which is currently the most pressing global environment for scaling autonomous ground systems. In the future, these experiences will also be transferred back to civilian logistics applications, making our society safer and more resilient.”
Networked systems in the air and on the ground
Quantum Systems brings operational experience from Ukraine to the integration. These deployments demonstrated the importance of the interplay between air and ground robotics. The company is integrating Fernride’s solutions into its own Mosaic UXS mission software.
“Fernride has developed one of the most advanced and scalable autonomous ground platforms. By integrating their technology into Mosaic UXS, we are consistently realizing our vision of creating a networked ecosystem in which unmanned systems think, move, and act as one unit across different dimensions”,
says Martin Karkour, Chief Revenue Officer at Quantum Systems. The companies did not disclose financial details of the acquisition.
Bundeswehr relies on Quantum Systems
Parallel to the acquisition, Quantum Systems wins a central Bundeswehr procurement tender. The Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Deployment of the Bundeswehr (BAIINBw) and the defence tech company have concluded a contract for the procurement of up to 747 reconnaissance drones. The Twister system succeeds the previous Aladin reconnaissance system.
Under a firm order, Quantum Systems initially supplies 147 systems including service support. The framework contract provides for up to 600 additional systems as an option. The startup commits to delivering at least 250 systems per year and increasing capacity as needed. The electrically powered SUAS (Small Unmanned Aircraft System) Twister is designed to support the Army, Navy, and Air Force in tactical reconnaissance missions.
