Florian Seibel, co-founder and CEO of Quantum-Systems GmbH, discusses the rapid advancements in drone technology, the role of drones in warfare and how artificial intelligence factors in.
The former German army helicopter pilot and aeronautical engineer in 2015 co-founded a maker of reconnaissance drones, aiming to tap into his creative side after years in the military. In the past decade, his company, backed by Peter Thiel, has grown to about 400 employees worldwide.

Its unmanned aerial vehicles were first used primarily in low-stress fields such as agriculture and archaeology. But today, 90% of its sales go to the military sector, with the Munich company providing thousands of drones to Ukraine, where its AI features can keep the aircraft flying even when Russian jamming disrupts steering, navigation and communication.