December Drone Digest: Germany, Australia and US champion indigenous UAV production
Twister is a short-range eVTOL small UAS designed for ISR operations. (Photo: Quantum Systems)
One of the key trends seen in December has been the rise in indigenous investment within the UAV market, particularly across certain countries, with Germany, Australia and the US focusing on their commitments to sovereign development.
A growing focus on investment in domestically produced systems has been a notable trend observed over the past month within the drone industry, as customer countries seek to acquire new capabilities while also investing in their sovereign capabilities. Not only does this bring obvious economic benefits to the country in question, but it also makes supply chains more resilient to international disruption, including instability caused by tariffs.
In December, Germany exemplified this approach. Quantum Systems, primarily based in Germany, won the tender to supply the German Armed Forces with its Twister uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV), serving as a successor to the ALADIN, as announced by
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Project Nightfall to test fire deep-strike capabilities for Ukraine by 2027]()
Project Nightfall to test fire deep-strike capabilities for Ukraine by 2027
The UK competition for industry to develop deep-strike capabilities for Ukraine in its war effort against Russia will also provide benefits for the country’s own long-range strike efforts.
-
![Can emergent suppliers of fighter aircraft crack Middle East markets?]()
Can emergent suppliers of fighter aircraft crack Middle East markets?
The 2025 Dubai Airshow saw several aspiring suppliers of combat aircraft to the region’s air forces parade their wares in the sky and on the ground. Shephard’s Edward Hunt explores their chance of success in the Middle East.
-
![Saab eyes fresh market opportunities for its GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft]()
Saab eyes fresh market opportunities for its GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft
As the E-7 Wedgetail faces prolonged production and technical delays as well as a recently abandoned contract from NATO, its competitor, the GlobalEye, may find new avenues for market growth.
-
![Podcast: Critical Care episode 6 - Embedded sustainment with the Royal Netherlands Air Force]()
Podcast: Critical Care episode 6 - Embedded sustainment with the Royal Netherlands Air Force
What happens when sustainment stops being a service and becomes a partnership?
