Quantum Aero ramps up defense-drone production and launches its sovereign-AI FPV drone, QA Strike 101

Quantum Aero is pushing domestic sourcing of core drone components across a homegrown ecosystem, and has launched its first defense FPV drone, QA Strike 101.

Quantum Aero, a defense-AI and mission-autonomy company, announced on June 9 that it has launched QA Strike 101, its first FPV (first-person-view) drone for defense use.

QA Strike 101 was developed to meet the sharply rising demand for FPV drones in modern warfare, and is designed for missions spanning reconnaissance, strike, and counter-drone engagements. It weighs 2 kg on its own, carries up to 4 kg of mission equipment and payload, reaches a top speed of 180 km/h, and operates at a control range of about 3 km, enabling rapid reconnaissance and strike missions in close-range tactical environments.

Sourcing core components at home

Beyond building a drone platform, Quantum Aero is pursuing domestic production of the core technologies behind an independent Korean defense-AI and autonomy ecosystem. It is currently working with domestic companies to localize eight core components needed to operate an FPV drone, including the flight-control computer (FC), camera module, and battery system.

The company expects this to reduce dependence on foreign technology and secure a stable supply chain, while strengthening Korea's defense-export competitiveness. QA Strike 101 will undergo a range of performance and operational tests, and will make its first public appearance at the Ministry of National Defense's “drone vs. counter-drone” event.

Recent battlefields, including the war in Ukraine, prove the strategic value of low-cost, high-efficiency FPV drones. Quantum Aero will build a next-generation defense FPV drone ecosystem on Korea's own sovereign AI and a domestic supply chain.Dongkeun Jeon, Chairman of the Board

A growing FPV drone family

Starting with QA Strike 101, Quantum Aero plans to roll out a range of defense FPV drones this year, including reconnaissance, loitering-munition, and swarm variants. To meet future mass-production demand, it is also securing production facilities and supply chains, building a foundation to scale up Korea's defense FPV drone industry.

Over the long term, Jeon said, the goal is a Korean mission-autonomy system that integrates not just drone platforms but autonomous flight, swarm control, and mission-autonomy software.

Building on its defense-AI and mission-autonomy technology, Quantum Aero is developing a sovereign AI platform applicable to unmanned systems including UAVs, UGVs, and USVs, with a vision of growing into a leading company in Korea's defense-AI sector.