A new joint venture, Quantum Tencore Industries (QTI), will deliver 2,000 TerMIT unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This landmark procurement, funded by the German Ministry of Defence, involves German firm Quantum Systems and Ukrainian manufacturer Tencore. The deal represents one of Europe's largest UGV acquisitions and underscores the strategic importance of robotic systems in modern warfare.
A Strategic German-Ukrainian Partnership
QTI is the second joint venture established under the “Build with Ukraine” initiative, designed to foster defence co-production between the two nations. The partnership aims to merge battle-tested Ukrainian technology with Germany's robust industrial capacity to meet urgent operational needs. This model strengthens European defence collaboration while providing critical support directly to Ukraine's military forces on the front line.
Hendrik Kramer, Managing Director of QTI, emphasized the transformative impact of these systems on the battlefield over the past year. He stated that UGVs have fundamentally altered operations, from logistics and casualty evacuation to direct combat missions. By combining proven Ukrainian designs with German industrial scale, QTI is building strategic capacity in a critical emerging military capability.
Scaling Battlefield-Proven Technology
The TerMIT UGV, developed by Tencore, is a modular, multi-role tracked platform with a significant operational history. It is designed to execute a wide range of missions including logistics, field support, and medical evacuation under hostile fire. With over 3,000 units already deployed by more than 50 Ukrainian brigades, its effectiveness has been thoroughly validated in combat.
Maksym Vasylchenko, CEO of Tencore, highlighted the value of the collaboration for scaling production to meet demand. He noted that Ukrainian engineers developed these highly effective systems under real operational conditions, creating a robust and reliable platform. The partnership with Quantum Systems provides the industrial power needed to expand manufacturing and ensure consistent delivery to Ukrainian forces.
Industrial Scale and System Integration
Manufacturing for the 2,000-unit order will be ramped up immediately at facilities in Germany. The production will be integrated into existing industrial infrastructure through an established partner, ensuring a rapid start and efficient scaling. This approach not only accelerates delivery but also strengthens Germany's industrial base and supports skilled employment within the country.
A key aspect of the partnership is the integration of the TerMIT UGV into Quantum Systems' MOSAIC UXS software platform. This software backbone connects various unmanned platforms, sensors, and partner technologies into a single, interoperable system. This integration ensures the TerMIT is a software-defined system, allowing for continuous capability growth through updates rather than hardware changes.
The Broader DefenceTech Landscape
This major procurement arrives amidst a period of sustained growth for both Quantum Systems and the wider European DefenceTech sector. Earlier this year, Quantum Systems received a €150 million financing package from the European Investment Bank, reflecting strong investor confidence. The deal signals a broader trend of increased investment in advanced unmanned and autonomous military technologies across the continent.
The agreement between Quantum Systems and Tencore marks a significant milestone in European defence cooperation and technological advancement. By industrializing a combat-proven Ukrainian UGV in Germany, the QTI venture provides a powerful model for future international defence partnerships. This large-scale procurement not only equips Ukraine with critical assets but also reinforces the strategic shift towards autonomous systems in modern military operations.