Munich-based Quantum Systems unveiled its new single-engine Pulse P19 on the opening day of ILA 2026, aimed primarily at the counter-UAS (C-UAS) market
While the model hanging from the company’s stand featured a radar housing, cruise missiles, and laser guided munitions, it was the UAV interceptors housed on a hard point that caught the imagination.
According to a company spokesperson, “The aircraft will have a payload capacity of 2 tonnes and fitted with 12 of these effectors. We are planning that the Pulse P19 will be optionally manned and primed to attack swarms of drones.”
Having an air to air/ground to air radar will enhance aspirations to identify the drones and shoot them down. Through the radar and an EO/IR turret system, it could actively and passively detect and track fast, long-range strike drones.
“This would be considerably cheaper than firing $100,000 air to air missiles at drones that can cost a fraction of that cost.”
Quantum Systems cut its teeth on the Vector UAS which is being used in Ukraine, where the company has 500 employees. The AI-powered reconnaissance drone developed by German manufacturer Quantum Systems, has been extensively and successfully deployed in the Ukraine war. Financed heavily by the German government, it serves as a critical asset for Ukrainian forces for real-time intelligence, surveillance, and target acquisition.
All the sensors, flight control, AI and effector systems are seamlessly integrated through Quantum’s own Mosaic UXS command and control software avionics systems.
While being primed for the counter-UAS role, the platform is being designed to house a machine gun pod, laser guided munitions, radar, 22-inch EO/IR system, a standard fuel tank and other new types of precision munitions.
Martin Baker has offered its Mark 17 ejection seat for the manned version of the Pulse P19. Quantum is aiming to fly the aircraft in summer 2027.
Earlier in the day, Airbus Helicopters and Quantum Systems signed a cooperation agreement to jointly explore the integration of advanced C-UAS interceptors of Quantum Systems capabilities onto Airbus’ military helicopters, beginning with the multi-role H145M. This strategic partnership builds upon a shared commitment to enhancing Europe’s defence ecosystem and providing armed forces with agile, combat-ready solutions to counter modern, asymmetric airborne threats.
Stefan Thomé, Executive Vice President Programmes at Airbus Helicopters said: “The H145M, with its advanced open system architecture and exceptional growth potential, serves as the ideal launching pad for this joint initiative. By combining our broad military helicopter portfolio with innovative C-UAS solutions, we are reinforcing European technological sovereignty and defence capabilities.”
Martin Karkour, Chief Revenue Office at Quantum Systems added, “As a deep-tech prime for the unmanned era, our ambition is to support armed forces to gain a decisive technological advantage against increasingly sophisticated airborne threats. Current developments show that aerial systems need answers to drone threats.”
Photo by A. Warnes
