Germany’s Budget Committee has approved €25 million for the acquisition of up to 747 Twister reconnaissance drones, produced by Quantum Systems, to replace the long-serving Aladin system. An initial tranche of 147 drones, along with services, will cost about €16 million, with the remaining units available through optional orders valued at approximately €70 million. Quantum Systems can reportedly manufacture 250 units annually, with the potential for further expansion based on demand. Despite approval, operational deployment is expected no earlier than 2027, pending qualification by the German Armed Forces. The Twister program follows a June 2024 tender to replace the Aladin platform, which has served for nearly two decades. Built by EMT, the portable Aladin UAV has supported intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Twister will replace it across the army, air force, and navy. The electrically powered drone weighs 3.8 kg, operates up to 3,800 meters, has a flight endurance of 90 minutes, and covers 15 km. It can perform vertically and function effectively in GPS-denied environments.
