The German defence technology firm Quantum-Systems has officially localised the production of drone fuselages for its Vector unmanned aerial systems at its Ukrainian facility. This step significantly expands Ukraine’s role in manufacturing high performance reconnaissance drones that are already proving vital in frontline operations.
The announcement was made during the European Defence Tech Hackathon held in Lviv from 22 to 25 May. Company representatives confirmed that, in addition to ongoing assembly and maintenance operations, Ukraine is now producing every component of the drone’s fuselage. The company already runs two facilities in the country: a research and development hub and a separate maintenance centre.
Dmytro Horlin, Chief Technology Officer at Quantum-Systems Ukraine, said full scale production is now underway, with all structural parts being manufactured domestically. “We already have full production of one hundred percent of fuselage components made in Ukraine,” Horlin said.
Crucially, while the Ukrainian components match the original design and manufacturing specifications, improvements have been made to performance. Ukrainian engineers managed to make the fuselage about 250 grams lighter while increasing the strength of the materials used. Horlin explained this reduction in weight allows for new features to be added without affecting the drone’s agility.
New payloads now being tested include acoustic sensors and advanced artificial intelligence modules powered by more robust onboard processors. Other upgrades include a fully rotating 360 degree camera system and visual navigation enhancements for both daytime and night missions.
The result is a more versatile and resilient drone. According to Quantum-Systems, the Vector drones produced in Ukraine are now being fitted with these updates as standard. The Ukrainian production line has become an important centre for technological innovation due to real time feedback from frontline operations.
Ukraine currently operates the largest number of Vector drones globally. Their proven performance in active conflict zones has attracted international buyers, with Australia, Romania, Spain, and the United States among those already placing orders. The drones are also under evaluation in several other countries through formal defence tender processes.
Quantum-Systems previously announced in February that it would double drone production in Ukraine. The move to localise fuselage production is a major milestone in that plan, and further strengthens Ukraine’s growing position in the global defence tech supply chain.
