German defense company Quantum Systems, a major supplier to Ukraine's frontline reconnaissance fleet, is developing an experimental electric drone capable of speeds over 650 km/h in horizontal flight. It uses bespoke battery cells from V4Smart GmbH, a Porsche AG subsidiary, and says the technology will feed development of a high-speed interceptor, Defense Express writes.
Speed is the bottleneck for anti-drone interceptors. Russia's newest Shahed-style strike drones, including jet-powered Geran variants, can reach speeds of 400 to 500 km/h and higher.
Ukraine doubled its 2025 interceptor production in just the first four months of 2026. Quantum Systems CEO Florian Seibel's racing project, aimed at the official world record for an electric drone, is also the company's first public bid to close the speed gap.
Record chase, with Porsche-subsidiary batteries
The current official record sits at 657.59 km/h, set by South African brothers Luke and Mike Bell with their Peregreen V4 drone in December 2025.
Australian developers Ben Biggs and Aidan Kelly have claimed a speed of 730 km/h for their Blackbird drone this year, but the result has not been officially certified.
Quantum Systems is targeting the 700 km/h mark with a "racing" platform built around exclusive components — chief among them the V4Smart battery cells from Porsche.
Quantum's Ukraine ties, and Wild Hornets at 315 km/h
Quantum Systems is deeply embedded in Ukraine's drone economy: it operates production facilities in Ukraine, turning out roughly 80 Vector reconnaissance drones a month, and runs 24/7 operator support out of its Australian office.
