Key Takeaways
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The latest generation of Reliant drone featured a hybrid-electric power unit.
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Reliant can now carry electro-optical sensors, laser-target designators, and synthetic aperture radar.
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The MOSAIC UXS software ecosystem’s integration is intended to improve interoperability between RELIANT and other unmanned platforms.
A German company has made upgradation to its long range drone. Called Reliant, the drone’s upgraded version offers increased payload capacity, broader mission flexibility.
Developed by Quantum Systems, the latest generation of Reliant featured a hybrid-electric power unit and increases the system’s payload capacity to up to 9 kg, enabling a much broader range of missions.
Depending on operational requirements, Reliant can now carry electro-optical sensors, laser-target designators, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), SIGINT and electronic warfare payloads, as well as SATCOM, relay and other mission-specific capabilities.
Drone offers impressive range, and long-range endurance
“Reliant’s upgrades are the result of continuous feedback from military users and partners, and our answer to enhance long-range capabilities for NATO, Europe and our allies,” said Martin Karkour, Chief Revenue Officer at Quantum Systems.
“We can now offer a truly unique capability, with a minimal logistical footprint, payload superpower and impressive range and endurance – completely built on a resilient supply chain. We are very proud of that.”
Beyond the platform itself, Reliant is fully integrated into the MOSAIC UXS software platform, making it interoperable with other unmanned systems in multi-domain operations. Together with operator workstations, training, sustainment and lifecycle support, Quantum Systems delivers a complete long-range unmanned capability rather than a standalone aircraft, according to a press release.
Reliant also completes Quantum Systems’ Family of Aerial Systems, complementing the short-range Twister and the mid-range Vector AI platforms. Quantum Systems UAS solutions are already in service with a range of NATO and allied armed forces, notably with the German Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as per the release.
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Reliant drone will now compete for major global contracts
Reliant is built around a secure European supply chain and supported by Quantum Systems’ growing industrial base, providing customers with a system without any Chinese components or ITAR restrictions. Designed around a fully European supply chain and minimal logistical footprint, Reliant will now compete for major global contracts.
The MOSAIC UXS software ecosystem’s integration is intended to improve interoperability between RELIANT and other unmanned platforms, supporting coordinated operations across multiple domains. Quantum Systems also offers operator workstations, training, sustainment and lifecycle support as part of a broader capability package.
The approach reflects a wider shift in defence technology, where the effectiveness of unmanned aircraft increasingly depends not only on their flight performance but also on their ability to exchange information and operate alongside other systems.
This expanded payload flexibility could make RELIANT suitable for a broader range of defence and security applications, including persistent surveillance, reconnaissance, communications support and electronic intelligence gathering.
Despite its increased capabilities, RELIANT retains an emphasis on compact logistics and ease of deployment. The aircraft can be assembled by a two-person team and operated by a single operator, according to the manufacturer.
The upgrade comes amid growing interest in unmanned systems that can deliver flexible surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities without requiring extensive infrastructure. Its increased payload capacity, hybrid-electric propulsion and integration with MOSAIC UXS represent a broader effort to combine platform performance with networked, software-enabled operations.
Prabhat, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, is a tech and defense journalist. While he enjoys writing on modern weapons and emerging tech, he has also reported on global politics and business. He has been previously associated with well-known media houses, including the International Business Times (Singapore Edition) and ANI.
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