The Budget Committee of the German Parliament has reportedly approved 25 million euros ($29 million) to procure up to 747 Twister reconnaissance drones for the armed forces.
The Quantum Systems-built platform was previously selected by the German military as the successor to the Aladin (Imaging Airborne Reconnaissance Drone in Close Range) reconnaissance drone currently in service.
An initial batch of 147 systems will be purchased — along with associated services — for approximately 16 million euros ($18.66 million), according to Hartpunkt.
The remaining systems will be available as options under a framework agreement with the manufacturer and would cost around 70 million euros ($82 million), the outlet added.
To fulfill the contract, Quantum Systems reportedly has the capacity to deliver 250 drones per year, with the option to further increase output by agreement.
However, deployment is unlikely before 2027, as the system must first undergo qualification by the German Armed Forces.
Aladin Replacement
In June 2024, Germany’s arms procurement agency issued a tender to replace the Aladin system, citing the platform’s obsolescence after nearly two decades in service.
Manufactured by Germany-based aviation company EMT, Berlin has used the man-portable Aladin for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.
Twister is intended to replace it across all three branches of the German Armed Forces.
The electrically-powered reconnaissance drone has a maximum takeoff weight of 3.8 kilograms (8.4 pounds), maximum operating altitude of 3,800 meters (12,467 feet), reconnaissance range of 15 kilometers (9.3 miles), and flight duration of 90 minutes.
It is capable of vertical takeoff and landing and can operate in GPS-denied environments.
