Quantum Systems along with Frontline Robotics announced the formation of Quantum Frontline Industries (QFI), a German-Ukrainian joint venture that will set up Europe’s first fully automated, industrial-scale foreign production line for drones exclusively for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Industrial-Scale Drone Production for Ukraine
QFI, established under the Build with Ukraine program, will mass-produce versatile and battle-tested drones developed by the Ukrainian company Frontline Robotics. All systems manufactured at the German facility will be delivered to the Defence Forces of Ukraine, with production volumes determined by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. Due to security considerations, the exact location of the plant has not been disclosed.
The “German Model” of Defence Co-Production
The creation of QFI represents a major step in cross-border defence co-production, combining Ukraine’s frontline combat experience with Germany’s industrial automation and manufacturing expertise. The partners describe this approach as “the German Model,” which could reshape the scale and structure of future European-Ukrainian defence collaborations.
Division of Roles and Economic Impact
Quantum Systems will provide industrial infrastructure, automated production lines, and operational management, while Frontline Robotics will contribute licensed drone designs, training, and NATO-compliant full lifecycle support. The initiative is also expected to generate employment opportunities in Germany, including positions for Ukrainian specialists.
Quantum Systems: Scaling Support for Ukraine
For Sven Kruck, Co-CEO of Quantum Systems, the joint venture represents the next logical phase of the company’s long-standing support for Ukraine.
“The revolutions of the drone war were brought about by Ukrainians; now we will jointly revolutionize the industrial war,” Kruck said, emphasizing the importance of building Europe’s first foreign production capacity of this scale for Ukraine.
Frontline Robotics’ Strategic Vision
Yevhen Tretiak, CEO of Frontline Robotics, highlighted both the strategic and symbolic value of the partnership. He described the venture as a key mission that could serve as a model for future international defence cooperation, ultimately supplying the Ukrainian Defence Forces with thousands of drones.
Leadership and Direction of QFI
Matthias Lehna has been appointed Managing Director of Quantum Frontline Industries. A former infantry officer in the German Armed Forces, Lehna later worked at the Cyber Innovation Hub in Berlin before joining Quantum Systems in 2023 as Director of Government Relations and Business Development.
Goals: Scale, Expand, Create
Outlining QFI’s mission, Lehna said the joint venture aims to scale production, expand its product portfolio, and create new solutions. By combining German engineering precision with Ukrainian urgency, QFI intends to deliver large numbers of urgently needed drones while pushing technological boundaries.
Why Production Outside Ukraine Matters
From the Ukrainian perspective, foreign manufacturing is driven by wartime realities. Mykyta Rozhkov, Chief Business Development Officer of Frontline Robotics, noted that secure production facilities inside Ukraine are increasingly difficult to maintain, making partnerships like QFI essential for sustaining and expanding drone supply.
Toward Long-Term Defence Cooperation
Beyond meeting immediate battlefield demands, QFI seeks to establish a durable industrial framework for European-Ukrainian defence cooperation, marking a new chapter in how military technology is developed and produced for Ukraine.
