Airbus Helicopters and Quantum Systems Partner to Develop Helicopter-Borne Counter-UAS Interceptor System
Airbus Helicopters and German drone-tech firm Quantum Systems signed a cooperation agreement at ILA Berlin Air Show 2026 to integrate advanced counter-UAS (C-UAS) interceptor capabilities onto the H145M military helicopter. The partnership was underscored by the simultaneous debut of the unmanned H145 variant, the U145, already fitted with Quantum Systems' C-UAS solution on the static display.
Highlights
- Airbus Helicopters and Quantum Systems signed a C-UAS cooperation agreement at ILA Berlin Air Show 2026, with the H145M military helicopter as the first integration platform.
- Airbus Helicopters EVP Stefan Thomé stated the partnership is aimed at ensuring crews can control airspace and counter drone threats while reinforcing European technological sovereignty.
- The unmanned H145 variant, designated U145, made its public debut at ILA Berlin 2026, displayed with Quantum Systems' counter-UAS solution already installed.
- The collaboration addresses the growing battlefield role of small drones, equipping traditional military rotorcraft with detect-and-intercept capabilities.
- The Airbus–Quantum Systems alliance strengthens Europe's domestic defence technology supply chain by combining a major OEM with an innovative C-UAS specialist.
Airbus Helicopters and Quantum Systems Team Up on Helicopter-Borne Counter-UAS System
Airbus Helicopters and German drone-technology company Quantum Systems formally signed a cooperation agreement at the ILA Berlin Air Show 2026, committing to jointly explore the integration of Quantum Systems' advanced counter-UAS (C-UAS) interceptor capabilities onto Airbus military helicopter platforms. The H145M multi-role military helicopter has been selected as the first platform for the joint programme.
H145M Chosen as the Lead Platform for Counter-UAS Integration
Stefan Thomé, Executive Vice President Programmes at Airbus Helicopters, said: "The cooperation agreement with Quantum Systems is a key step in further expanding the operational scope of our military helicopters, ensuring that crews can effectively control the airspace and respond to drone threats. The H145M, with its advanced open-system architecture and outstanding expansion potential, is the ideal starting point for this joint initiative. By combining our broad military helicopter portfolio with innovative counter-UAS solutions, we are not only protecting personnel and assets, but also reinforcing European technological sovereignty and defence capability."
Unmanned U145 Makes Its Berlin Debut
Alongside the partnership announcement, Airbus Helicopters also unveiled the U145 — the unmanned variant of the H145 family — at ILA Berlin. On the Airbus static display, a U145 model was shown already equipped with Quantum Systems' advanced counter-UAS solution, offering a tangible demonstration of what the collaboration can deliver.
A Strategic Move for European Defence Autonomy
The agreement reflects a broader trend within the European defence industry to address the growing threat posed by small and medium-sized drones on the modern battlefield. As unmanned systems play an increasingly decisive role in conflict zones, traditional military helicopter platforms must acquire the ability to detect and intercept hostile drones. The Airbus–Quantum Systems alliance not only expands the operational versatility of military rotorcraft, but also strengthens an important link in Europe's domestic defence technology supply chain.
For further details, see the official Airbus press release.
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