The German Armed Forces are set to receive a major upgrade in short-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities after lawmakers cleared 25 million euros ($29 million) to acquire up to 747 Twister reconnaissance drones. Built by Quantum Systems, the Twister will replace the long-serving Aladin UAV, which has been in operational use for nearly 20 years.
Initial procurement includes 147 drone systems, costing the Ministry of Defence roughly 16 million euros ($18.66 million), according to reporting by Hartpunkt. The rest of the drones will be ordered under a flexible framework contract worth an estimated 70 million euros ($82 million). Quantum Systems reportedly maintains the production capacity to manufacture 250 drones annually, with additional scalability available if required to meet Bundeswehr demand.
However, the introduction of the new drone is not expected before 2027, as the Twister must undergo full qualification and testing by the Bundeswehr. The tender to replace the older Aladin drone, manufactured by EMT, was issued in June 2024 due to the platform’s increasing obsolescence after nearly two decades supporting German ISR missions. The Twister will be deployed across all three major branches of the German Armed Forces.
Engineered for modern combat conditions, the electrically powered Twister drone offers a 15-kilometer reconnaissance range, 90-minute flight time, and the ability to perform vertical takeoff and landing. With a maximum takeoff weight of 3.8 kilograms and an operational ceiling of 3,800 meters, the system is designed to function even in GPS-denied environments, significantly enhancing Germany’s tactical surveillance capabilities.
