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German drone startup Quantum nears €150 million funding round, set to triple valuation

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German drone manufacturer Quantum Systems is nearing completion of a €150 million ($175 million) funding round that could triple its valuation to €3 billion, according to a report from Manager Magazin. The surge in investor interest follows heightened demand for drone defense technologies amid rising security incidents at airports and critical infrastructure sites.

Quantum’s latest model, the “Jaeger”, is specifically designed to intercept and neutralize hostile drones, addressing growing threats linked to unauthorized aerial activity — some of which European authorities suspect may be part of hybrid warfare efforts by Russia.

The Munich-based startup plans to use the fresh capital to expand through acquisitions of smaller technology firms and startups, strengthening its technological edge in autonomous flight, sensor integration, and drone countermeasures.

According to Manager Magazin, Quantum expects revenues of €300 million in 2025, rising to over €500 million in 2026, and is already planning a second, larger funding round in 2026 that could push its valuation up to €5 billion.

Founded in 2015, Quantum Systems has quickly become one of Europe’s leading drone technology firms, supplying military, defense, and security agencies. The company did not respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

The report coincides with Germany’s decision to grant police new authority to shoot down rogue drones, a move reflecting growing concerns over drone-related disruptions at European airports.

Putin’s Response to Ukraine Missiles Could Include Nuclear Test, Experts Say

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As tensions between Russia and the West escalate over Ukraine, experts warn that Russian President Vladimir Putin may consider a nuclear test to demonstrate his seriousness if Western nations permit Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russian targets. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and U.S. President Joe Biden are currently discussing the possibility of supplying Kyiv with U.S. ATACMS and British Storm Shadow missiles, which could change the course of the conflict.

Putin issued a clear warning on Thursday, stating that the West would be directly involved in fighting Russia if such missiles were deployed. While he has promised an “appropriate” response, the specifics remain unclear. Ulrich Kuehn, an arms expert, suggested that Putin might consider testing a nuclear weapon as a dramatic escalation to convey intent and intimidate Western powers. Russia has not conducted a nuclear test since 1990, and a test now could signal a dangerous shift in the conflict’s trajectory.

Other experts, such as Gerhard Mangott from the University of Innsbruck, agree that a nuclear test, though unlikely, remains within the realm of possibility. They also highlight the risks of Russia escalating “hybrid” actions like sabotage in Europe or interference in Western elections. Russia’s UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, warned that if NATO allowed Ukraine to use long-range weapons, it would be considered a direct conflict with a nuclear power.

Former Kremlin adviser Sergei Markov predicted that Moscow could also respond by targeting British military assets or engaging in hybrid warfare, such as striking British drones and warplanes near Russia. The potential for significant escalation, including attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure or further hybrid actions, remains a key concern, as analysts debate where Putin’s red lines truly lie.

 

Germany Closes Military Base Amid Suspected Sabotage of Water Supply

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A German military base near Cologne, known as the Cologne-Wahn barracks, was temporarily closed on Wednesday due to suspicions of water supply sabotage. The closure was prompted by the discovery of a hole in a fence leading to the base’s waterworks. The base employs approximately 5,500 personnel, including 4,300 soldiers and 1,200 civilians.

Military spokesman Ulrich Fonrobert stated that the barracks were shut down as a precautionary measure to ensure that no intruders remained on the premises. Despite extensive searches, no perpetrators were found. While the base has since reopened, the drinking water system remains shut down for safety reasons.

The incident is being taken seriously, with investigations led by police, military police, and military counterintelligence services (MAD).

In a related incident, the security level at a NATO air base in Geilenkirchen, also in western Germany, was heightened due to similar concerns about potential sabotage. However, after checking the water condition, the air base was not sealed off.

These incidents have heightened concerns about possible sabotage activities in Europe, particularly in light of recent warnings from NATO regarding potential malign activities by Russia. NATO has previously expressed concern over possible sabotage, acts of violence, and other hybrid operations carried out by Moscow.