Latest news with #QuantumSystems
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
IBM Announces Quantum Milestone
Jerry Chow, IBM Fellow and Director of Quantum Systems at IBM Research, explains the company's latest milestone in its effort to build the world's first fault-tolerant quantum computer. Chow speaks with Caroline Hyde on "Bloomberg Tech."
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Quantum Systems Opens New U.S. Facility to Scale Delivery of AI-Powered ISR Solutions
MOORPARK, Calif., June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantum Systems, a leader in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aerial intelligence solutions, today announced the grand opening of its new 135,000-square-foot U.S. production and integration facility at 609 Science Drive in Moorpark, CA. This site marks a significant expansion of Quantum Systems' U.S. footprint and represents a critical step in responding to the growing demand for its tactical uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), enabling the company to deliver scalable innovation at speed. Strategically located in Southern California, the new site will support defense and security partners across North America and Latin America. Quantum Systems expects to employ more than 100 professionals in Moorpark and the greater Ventura County area by the end of 2025, contributing to the region's expanding aerospace and defense ecosystem. "This is more than a new building. It's a launchpad for scaled innovation," said Dave Sharpin, CEO of Quantum-Systems Inc. "We're investing in the future of defense technology with a facility built to meet the demand for affordable mass, AI-powered ISR, and accelerated fielding of next-generation systems. We're proud to grow our workforce in Southern California and to serve our customers with even greater speed and agility." Renovated and outfitted to support the full development lifecycle, the facility houses secure manufacturing lines, engineering labs, in-house flight operations, research and development areas, and administrative and leadership offices. This integrated environment enables end-to-end production, coordination, and refinement of Quantum Systems' Family of Systems—including Vector AI, Twister, and Reliant—while significantly reducing lead times and increasing responsiveness to evolving mission requirements. With active operations in Germany, Australia, Ukraine, Romania, and the UK, Quantum Systems continues to expand its global footprint to meet increasing demand for autonomous, modular ISR solutions. Operations across the United States have now been consolidated at the Science Drive location, replacing the company's previous sites in Moorpark. This centralization streamlines production and enhances collaboration across functions to support defense and security customers. To commemorate the opening, Quantum Systems is hosting a grand opening event today, welcoming defense officials, industry partners, and media for a firsthand look at its scalable approach to aerial intelligence, built around modular design, autonomy at the edge, and deep system interoperability. To learn more about Quantum Systems' ISR capabilities or to request additional information, visit or contact info@ About Quantum-Systems Inc. Quantum-Systems Inc. delivers AI-powered aerial intelligence solutions designed for frontline forces operating in dynamic and contested environments. Specializing in advanced uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), Quantum-Systems Inc. provides autonomous ISR, real-time situational awareness, and decision-making superiority for warfighters. Its modular eVTOL platforms and AI-driven mission autonomy enable seamless operations across multi-domain environments, while a commitment to interoperability and open-architecture design supports rapid integration with existing defense ecosystems. With a Family of Systems built on in-house hardware, software, and AI, Quantum-Systems Inc. equips U.S. and allied defense forces with next-generation ISR capabilities to stay ahead of emerging threats. Located in the United States, Quantum-Systems Inc. operates globally as part of Quantum-Systems GmbH, with additional facilities in Germany, Australia, Ukraine, Romania, and the UK. Its combat-proven technology is trusted by warfighters and defense agencies worldwide, advancing the future of AI-powered aerial intelligence. Media ContactMakayla ThomasSenior Marketing Managerinfo@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Quantum-Systems Inc. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nato's ‘drone wall' that would see Russia's invasion coming
SUNDAY 8AM Germany is seeking to build a 'drone wall' along Nato's eastern border with Russia to help defend its Baltic allies from a future invasion. Friedrich Merz, the incoming chancellor, has vowed to rearm Germany in response to the threat from Russia, passing historic reforms last month that unlock potentially unlimited spending on major defence projects. The German arms industry is now discussing the idea of building a fleet of drones – or a 'drone wall' – to defend all or parts of Nato's eastern flank. The wall, also known as a 'drone nexus' in defence industry circles, would consist of hundreds, if not thousands, of unmanned aircraft that would survey the border, act as an early detection system and deter Russian aggression. Nato's eastern member states – Finland, Estonia and Latvia – share a long, porous border with Russia. Western officials fear that it could become the flashpoint of a major confrontation with Moscow in the future. The governments of Finland, Lithuania, Norway and Poland have previously lobbied for a continent-spanning drone wall with EU funding, but that proposal was rejected by Brussels this week, opening the door to a new German-led approach. One of the German firms eager to contribute to the drone wall is Bavaria-based Quantum Systems, which said it could build some of the drones required for the project in just one year. Martin Karkour, the chief sales officer at Quantum Systems, said: 'With the right political coordination, a first operational layer – using existing, proven technology – could be deployed within a year. The technology is ready. What is still needed is a strategy at the EU or Nato level.' He added: 'We have the capacity to produce hundreds of AI-powered reconnaissance drones per month and scale further.' He stressed that the project was a huge undertaking that may need to involve several defence and technology firms, as well as a clear vision from the top levels of Nato and the EU. Mr Karkour said it was important that the drone wall, or 'nexus', be sourced within Europe because of growing concerns that the continent can no longer rely on US security guarantees. 'European-made systems ensure strategic autonomy and keep sensitive data under European control. The 'kill switch' issue certainly also has some truth to it – also when it comes to software support of existing systems,' he said, referring to the purported ability of the US to remotely shut down weapons it sells to Europe. 'European systems can also be tailored to local legal and operational standards – that's critical for sovereign security,' he added. Quantum Systems' battle-hardened drone fleet is already being used by Ukrainian forces, such as the Achilles battalion, which is estimated to have destroyed $56 million (£43 million) worth of Russian anti-aircraft and missile systems since the full-scale invasion. The Munich-based defence firm Helsing, which has also shown interest in the drone wall concept, said drone patrols could be used as an alternative to minefields on the Russia-Nato border. In a recent interview, Gundbert Scherf, Helsing's chief executive, discussed the idea of a drone wall spanning Nato's entire eastern flank, from Finland to Bulgaria. He told Deutschlandfunk, a German newspaper: 'If we deploy there in large numbers, rely on asymmetric capabilities and concentrate tens of thousands of combat drones there, then it will be a very credible conventional deterrent.' In March, Mr Merz, the leader of the centre-Right Christian Democrats, passed major legislation in the German parliament that made defence projects costing more than 1 per cent of GDP exempt from the 'debt brake', a strict limit on borrowing. The reforms marked a sea change for Germany, ending its post-war aversion to vast military spending and taking on excessive government debts. They have also raised the prospect of a major boom for the German defence industry, which already provides substantial military support to Ukraine via the tanks and artillery manufacturer Rheinmetall, among other companies. Mr Merz is due to be sworn in as Germany's next chancellor in early May, having secured a coalition deal with the centre-Left Social Democrats. The coalition will largely tackle mass migration, tax cuts and support for the car industry, but also vows to keep up military support for Ukrainian soldiers and financial commitments to Nato. Mr Karkour, and other German defence firm leaders, are now waiting for directions from the new government, and may soon be fiercely competing for contracts that could define Europe's long-term security. At that point, he said, an estimated cost for the project will become clearer. He said: 'Before any serious estimate can be made, political and military leaders need to define the operational requirements, 'What exactly needs to be monitored, where, and at what level of persistence? That's not a question for industry to answer – it's a strategic decision. Once those parameters are clear, industry can deliver scalable, costed solutions.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
13-04-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Nato's ‘drone wall' that would see Russia's invasion coming
Germany is seeking to build a 'drone wall' along Nato's eastern border with Russia to help defend its Baltic allies from a future invasion. Friedrich Merz, the incoming chancellor, has vowed to rearm Germany in response to the threat from Russia, passing historic reforms last month that unlock potentially unlimited spending on defence projects. The German arms industry is now discussing the idea of building a fleet of drones – or a 'drone wall' – to defend all or parts of Nato's eastern flank. The wall, also known as a 'drone nexus' in defence industry circles, would consist of hundreds, if not thousands, of unmanned aircraft that would survey the border, act as an early detection system and deter Russian aggression. Nato's eastern member states – Finland, Estonia and Latvia – share a long, porous border with Russia. Western officials fear that it could become the flashpoint of a major confrontation with Moscow in the future. The governments of Finland, Lithuania, Norway and Poland have previously lobbied for a continent-spanning drone wall with EU funding, but that proposal was rejected by Brussels this week, opening the door to a German-led approach. One of the German firms eager to contribute to the drone wall is Bavaria-based Quantum Systems, which said it could build some of the drones required for the project in just one year. Martin Karkour, the chief sales officer at Quantum Systems, said: 'With the right political coordination, a first operational layer – using existing, proven technology – could be deployed within a year. The technology is ready. What is still needed is a strategy at the EU or Nato level.' He added: 'We have the capacity to produce hundreds of AI-powered reconnaissance drones per month and scale further.' He stressed that the project was a huge undertaking that may need to involve several defence and technology firms, as well as a clear vision from the top levels of Nato and the EU. Mr Karkour said it was important that the drone wall, or 'nexus', be sourced within Europe because of growing concerns that the continent can no longer rely on US security guarantees. 'European-made systems ensure strategic autonomy and keep sensitive data under European control. The 'kill switch' issue certainly also has some truth to it – also when it comes to software support of existing systems,' he said, referring to the purported ability of the US to remotely shut down weapons it sells to Europe. 'European systems can also be tailored to local legal and operational standards – that's critical for sovereign security,' he added. Quantum Systems' battle-hardened drone fleet is already being used by Ukrainian forces, such as the Achilles battalion, which is estimated to have destroyed $56 million (£43 million) worth of Russian anti-aircraft and missile systems since the full-scale invasion. The Munich-based defence firm Helsing, which has shown interest in the wall concept, said drone patrols could be used as an alternative to minefields on the Russia-Nato border. In a recent interview, Gundbert Scherf, Helsing's chief executive, discussed the idea of a drone wall spanning Nato's entire eastern flank, from Finland to Bulgaria. He told Deutschlandfunk, a German newspaper: 'If we deploy there in large numbers, rely on asymmetric capabilities and concentrate tens of thousands of combat drones there, then it will be a very credible conventional deterrent.' In March, Mr Merz, the leader of the centre-Right Christian Democrats, passed major legislation in the German parliament that made defence projects costing more than 1 per cent of GDP exempt from the 'debt brake', a strict limit on borrowing. German military spending The reforms marked a significant change for Germany, ending its post-war aversion to vast military spending and taking on excessive government debts. They have also raised the prospect of a boom for the German defence industry, which already provides substantial military support to Ukraine via the tanks and artillery manufacturer Rheinmetall, among other companies. Mr Merz is due to be sworn in as Germany's next chancellor in early May, having secured a coalition deal with the centre-Left Social Democrats. The coalition will largely tackle mass migration, tax cuts and support for the car industry, but also vows to keep up military support for Ukrainian soldiers and financial commitments to Nato. Mr Karkour, and other German defence firm leaders, are now waiting for directions from the new government, and may soon be fiercely competing for contracts that could define Europe's long-term security. At that point, he said, an estimated cost for the project will become clearer. He said: 'Before any serious estimate can be made, political and military leaders need to define the operational requirements, 'What exactly needs to be monitored, where, and at what level of persistence? That's not a question for industry to answer – it's a strategic decision. Once those parameters are clear, industry can deliver scalable, costed solutions.'
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bankers Race to Catch Up With EU Defense Goals in Stunning Reset
(Bloomberg) -- As Europe makes defense the bloc's No. 1 priority, it's bumping up against its own bankers. NJ College to Merge With State School After Financial Stress Trump Administration Plans to Eliminate Dozens of Housing Offices Republican Mayor Braces for Tariffs: 'We Didn't Budget for This' Where New York City's Zoning Reform Will Add Housing How Upzoning in Cambridge Broke the YIMBY Mold Defense industry executives, politicians and senior bankers alike are now calling for an urgent revamp of regulations and internal processes to make it easier for banks to quickly channel funds into arms manufacturers and military contractors. 'Many defense firms have had trouble with simple things like getting a bank account,' said Florian Seibel, the co-founder of Quantum Systems, a maker of surveillance drones that operates in Ukraine. 'At a working level the bank staff will say 'of course we should finance this defense project.' But then the deal is blocked as it goes against some internal rule.' It's a frequent refrain from European defense startups working on everything from new drone technologies to advanced surveillance equipment. Their experience shows that the ways banks do business in some of Europe's biggest markets don't match the political moment. The urgent need to ramp up Europe's military defenses was laid bare during a now infamous Oval Office meeting, in which Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was publicly berated by President Donald Trump. The US has since suspended military aid to Kyiv. European leaders are now rallying around Zelenskiy, pledging hundreds of billions of euros in support. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has declared this a 'watershed moment.' The rapid turn of events has taken European banks by surprise. The industry has been accustomed to treating arms manufacturers as a reputational liability, thanks to rules designed to weed out high-risk clients or to discourage lending to sectors that clash with ESG (environmental, social and governance) metrics. 'Unless a number of tangible levers are pulled,' Europe will struggle to finance a new wave of defense growth, Fabrizio Campelli, a top executive at Germany's biggest lender, Deutsche Bank AG, said at a recent conference in Frankfurt. Europe should be 'simplifying and harmonizing' some of the definitions of sustainable finance to make defense a 'more bankable' sector, Campelli said. So far, however, progress appears to be slow. Patrick Schneider-Sikorsky, partner at NATO Innovation Fund, said he's seen plenty of examples to indicate the political mood has yet to filter through to banks. In a recent report, NIF found that defense companies continue to face a 'significant barrier' when seeking financing from the private sector, with both asset managers and banks citing ESG restrictions that mean arms manufacturers get treated as 'sin stocks.' It's a trend that Morningstar DBRS confirmed in a recent report, citing hurdles posed by the EU taxonomy system. As Europe struggles to create the financial conditions for a thriving defense industry, it's a very different picture in the US. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the biggest providers of bonds and syndicated loans to the defense industry are all US banks, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. JPMorgan Chase & Co. leads the Bloomberg league table, having provided more than $28 billion in the period, the data shows. It's followed by Bank of America Corp., Citigroup Inc., Wells Fargo & Co., Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Morgan Stanley. The highest-ranked European bank is BNP Paribas SA, in ninth place, the data shows. Spokespeople for Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank AG said the data doesn't reflect large chunks of the financing done in Europe, where loans tend to be directly allocated to smaller and mid-sized firms. Commerzbank holds a 'disproportionately strong' position in Europe's defense sector, the lender's spokesperson said. And established companies like Rheinmetall AG, whose bank relations pre-date ESG rules, have little difficulty accessing financing. For smaller companies, however, it continues to be an uphill struggle. It's 'a huge issue in Europe that I see American startups are not facing,' said Jan-Hendrik Boelens, a former colleague of Seibel's at Quantum Systems who recently started his own company, Alpine Eagle. The firm uses aircraft and tech to intercept drones. 'We're still fighting with the banks,' he said. Boelens says he's been handed questionnaires from European banks in which he's asked to confirm that he doesn't work in a non-ESG-compliant business, a category that lumps defense in the same basket with porn. It's 'the same thing to the bank,' he said. Balazs Nagy, co-founder and CEO of Tytan Technologies, which develops counter-drone technology, said it took his company 'more than 12 months to even open a bank account.' Tytan was being turned away despite having secured a grant from the state of Bavaria. The company finally got an account with Deutsche Bank in late 2024, Nagy said. A spokesperson at Deutsche Bank declined to comment on the process described by Tytan. A spokesperson for Germany's bankers' association, BdB, said the group isn't aware of any shortage of bank financing for the defense industry. Germany's top politicians, meanwhile, have made clear they think banks need to do more. Finance Minister Joerg Kukies has publicly suggested that banks pay less attention to ESG standards and do more to support defense companies. The European Investment Bank is now looking into having its mandate expanded to give it more leeway to finance military projects. And Germany's state development bank, KfW, is set to play a major role in ratcheting up defense spending. 'Defense companies can apply for funding supplied by KfW's general programs,' the lender said in an emailed response to questions. 'The federal government can at any time make investments in defense companies through allocations, which will be carried out by KfW.' Seibel from Quantum Systems says he's now seeing early signs of change in the financial sector. He recently formed Stark Defense, another Munich-based startup, which makes kamikaze drones — unmanned aircraft designed to attack. He quickly drew venture capital backing. Until recently, 'only a few banks like Commerzbank were open for business,' Seibel said. Now others are starting 'to be more open to supply defense financing.' --With assistance from Laura Alviž, Arne Delfs and Amy Thomson. An All-American Finance Empire Drew Billions—and a Regulator's Attention Greenland Voters Weigh Their Election's Most Important Issue: Trump Snack Makers Are Removing Fake Colors From Processed Foods The Mysterious Billionaire Behind the World's Most Popular Vapes Rich People Are Firing a Cash Cannon at the US Economy—But at What Cost? ©2025 Bloomberg L.P.
