Quantum Systems drones back in the air after malware scare

Quantum Systems drones have returned to service with Germany’s Bundeswehr after a cyberattack led the military to ground them as a precaution. The company says it contained the threat and that operating its unmanned systems poses no risk to users, though it has disclosed few details about the incident.

Malware was reportedly found in an update to QBase, software used to plan missions, monitor flights and process data. Reports said the update reached German military servers and those of other customers, but did not infect the drones directly; the Bundeswehr was reportedly the only customer to ground its fleet. Quantum Systems, which supplies drones to Ukraine, is also due to receive German funding for tens of thousands of interceptor drones to be built in Ukraine.