Quantum Systems' Apex Recordhunter electric drone hits 777 km/h in record attempt

What's the deal? German drone maker Quantum Systems flew its battery-powered Apex Recordhunter experimental drone at 777 km/h (483 mph) on 20 October 2026, faster than any battery-electric drone before it and well above the 500-600 km/h cruise speeds of Russia's jet-powered attack drones. Chief revenue officer Martin Karkour announced the run; the return leg required for an official record is still to come.

Why it matters: The Apex, built by Quantum Systems' N3XT experimental team in Germany on special battery cells developed by a Porsche subsidiary, beat its own June 2026 mark of 699 km/h. Co-CEO Sven Kruck tied the demonstrator directly to the threat from Russia's jet-powered one-way attack drones such as the Geran, with lessons from the record attempt feeding the company's interceptor work. The programme complements Quantum's fielded systems including the Vector and Reliant ISR drones, which are in service with Western militaries and used in Ukraine.

Read more: Defence Blog