Quantum Systems: hacker attack on German drones supplied to Ukraine
German manufacturer Quantum Systems has contained a cyberattack from late October targeting its military drones. The German armed forces have precautionarily withdrawn the systems from service, whilst those used by Ukraine remain in operation.
Hacker attack on German drones
According to Il Fatto Quotidiano - Cronaca, Quantum Systems contained a cyberattack orchestrated by hostile actors at the end of October 2026. The German company, based in Gilching near Munich, detected malware installed on its servers through internal investigation. The attack aimed to infect the drones during software updates, rendering them temporarily unusable.
The company's cybersecurity teams contained the threat by reporting the incident to the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), the military intelligence service MAD, and the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). As reported by the Financial Times, the armed forces of the Federal Republic precautionarily withdrew the company's drones from service.
Quantum Systems produces reconnaissance drones, surveillance and underwater systems. Shortly after the start of the Russian invasion in 2022, it became one of the main Western suppliers to the Ukrainian armed forces, delivering tens of thousands of units and initiating local production. Through a German-Ukrainian joint venture called Quantum Frontline Industries, the company manufactures drones developed in Ukraine in Germany. Chief Executive Officer Florian Seibel publicly wears a blue and yellow sock in reference to the Ukrainian flag.
Among the most recent products is the unmanned reconnaissance system "Reliant", capable of monitoring large areas for over ten hours with vertical take-off and integrated artificial intelligence. The company also develops the control software "Mosaic2".
Espionage and sabotage in the defence sector
Security incidents are multiplying at German defence companies. In early October, Sinan Selen, president of the BfV, told the Bundestag: "Alongside the well-known espionage activities, we are finding a willingness to carry out sabotage and lethal operations". The threats come in particular from the intelligence services of Russia, China and Iran.
The Bundestag approved the intelligence services reform on Friday with 309 votes in favour, 190 against and 71 abstentions. The BfV and the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) will receive expanded powers in monitoring telecommunications and comparing biometric data. The BfV will be able to access private residences to search for weapons and explosives, conduct cyberattacks, redirect data traffic and deliberately disseminate false information. The BND will have the authority to neutralise servers of foreign state hacker groups, subject to review of legitimacy by a body composed of former judges.
German intelligence services traditionally had more limited powers than those of other countries, a decision linked to experience under the Nazi regime and the principle of the rule of law. The reform represents a response to growing external threats.
Source: Il Fatto Quotidiano - Cronaca