On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, on the second day of the 39th AFCEA security technology trade fair at the World Conference Center Bonn, held on May 12-13, German companies Quantum Systems GmbH and Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in integrating electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, including signals intelligence (SIGINT) solutions for unmanned aerial vehicles, and electronic protection systems, including jamming, for unmanned ground vehicles. In this way, the two companies are expanding the operational capabilities of unmanned signals reconnaissance and strengthening force protection through autonomous vehicle systems.
Photo: Quantum Systems GmbH
New capabilities for unmanned aerial reconnaissance
The cooperation focuses on integrating Rohde & Schwarz’s SIGINT and counter-drone solutions with Quantum Systems’ unmanned aerial systems. This will enable armed forces to conduct flexible aerial reconnaissance of electromagnetic signal emissions while taking advantage of the benefits offered by unmanned systems. Until now, such capabilities have been provided mainly by crewed platforms or large strategic systems such as aircraft. This cooperation is the first to pursue an approach involving the integration of SIGINT capabilities with a German-made tactical unmanned system.
Protecting ground forces using unmanned transport systems
In addition, Rohde & Schwarz’s jamming solutions are to be integrated with Quantum Systems’ unmanned ground systems. The aim is to protect ground forces using unmanned transport systems in the field of electronic warfare. The cooperation is based on experience gained from military operations in Ukraine. Transferring these capabilities to unmanned systems could reduce risks to friendly forces while increasing operational flexibility.
Strategic cooperation between German companies
Through this partnership, the two companies aim to accelerate the integration of existing intelligence and defense technologies with unmanned systems, thereby enabling the deployment of robust solutions for armed forces. The cooperation strengthens German technological expertise and sovereign capabilities in the field of unmanned aerial and ground systems, as well as signals intelligence.
“The requirements of modern armed forces are changing at a rapid pace. What is crucial today is the ability to quickly adapt proven technologies to new platforms and ensure they are immediately operational. Together with Rohde & Schwarz, we are creating a German solution for unmanned aerial signals intelligence and ground-based electronic protection systems, thereby specifically expanding capabilities on the battlefield,” says Martin Karkour, Chief Revenue Officer at Quantum Systems.
“This MoU represents an important milestone in our mission to deliver innovative EW solutions,” says Alexander Philipp, Managing Director, Rohde & Schwarz Vertriebs-GmbH. “By partnering with Quantum Systems, we are combining complementary strengths to create powerful, future-ready capabilities for our customers.”
Press release
See also:
- Quantum Systems’ Unmanned Partnership with Destinus for Europe
- Quantum Systems Deepens German-Ukrainian Industrial Cooperation and Announces New Joint Ventures
- Securing borders & critical infrastructure: A multi-layered approach with Rohde & Schwarz
- Rohde & Schwarz and ELT Group: Towards a Global Strategic Partnership Across All Domains