Quantum Systems: Export Restrictions Prevent Germany From Purchasing Ukrainian Interceptors
Although Germany is interested in Ukrainian innovations, especially interceptor drones, the Bundeswehr currently cannot buy them directly because of existing regulations and Ukraine’s ban on weapons exports.
This was stated by Matthias Lehna, Vice President of Quantum Systems and Managing Director of QFI, during a podcast interview with Militarnyi.
According to Lehna, joint ventures could eventually provide a legal way to overcome these restrictions.
“In Ukraine, expanding business opportunities to grow domestic industry is not the top priority right now, because the country is at war. Everything we hear from the government reflects the reality of a nation that has to defend itself,” Lehna said.
German drone manufacturer Quantum Systems is actively investing in Ukrainian companies and establishing joint ventures with them.
Among the recipients of its investments is Frontline Robotics, a startup developing software and robotic systems for the defense sector.
The company has also invested in WIY Drones, which produces the STRILA interceptor drones.
“Can Germany already purchase interceptor drones here? If we are talking about our investment in WIY and their developments – at the moment, this is not possible,” said Matthias Lehna.
He added that current regulations and Ukraine’s export ban make such plans difficult to carry out in the near term.
Shift toward joint ventures
Last summer, Frontline Robotics asked Quantum Systems to help establish production facilities outside Ukraine after the company was affected by Russian strikes.
According to Matthias Lehna, this led to discussions about expanding production of Ukrainian-made systems in safer locations.
“That was when we began exploring how such a model could work. It is not just about business interests, but also about creating conditions for the safe production of Ukrainian products,” he said.
In December 2025, Quantum Systems and Frontline Robotics opened a joint drone manufacturing facility in Germany.
At Quantum Systems, executives believe that a similar cooperation model could also be applied with other partners and across other sectors.
“That is why we want to create more joint ventures. Within the company, this direction will be structured as Q Industry – a separate business unit of Quantum Systems,” said Matthias Lehna.
He also stressed that this is critically important for Ukraine, as Western militaries are currently revising their military doctrines and planning to procure innovative weapons systems.
