Elevating Littoral Operations with Quantum Systems’ Vector and Twister UAS
As the Australian Army confronts evolving threats in contested littoral zones, the need for advanced tools capable of disseminating real-time intelligence, precise targeting, and situational awareness has never been more critical. Technologies such as uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) are transforming battlefield operations, bridging capability gaps where traditional assets fall short. Quantum Systems Australia plays a pivotal role in this evolution, offering platforms aligned with Australia’s strategic defence objectives to bolster frontline forces with solutions for the emerging battlefield.
As the Army transitions to a focused, integrated force, the demand for land and maritime strike capabilities underscores the importance of optimised littoral manoeuvres. Systems such as the Vector and Twister UAS thrive in these scenarios, advancing layered autonomous intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) tools to empower forward operators.
Vector, recently selected under the DEF129-SUAS program to support the Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force, features an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) capability uniquely suited to confined or austere environments, such as ship decks with limited space. With up to 180 minutes of endurance and a resilient command-and-control link, Vector delivers reliable ISR coverage over land or sea. Its advanced AI-driven autonomy and GNSS-denied navigation capability allow the aircraft to maintain precise positioning and operate seamlessly in environments where GPS signals are degraded or unavailable. Its adaptability and precision make it the ultimate choice for wide-area reconnaissance and rapid response in dynamic scenarios.
The Twister UAS complements Vector by offering portability and flexibility for close infantry support and tactical operations. This rucksack-portable eVTOL system autonomously deploys in under two minutes, enabling forces to swiftly relocate, redeploy, and adapt to evolving threats in real time. Twister utilises high-resolution video and advanced AI capabilities for object detection, tracking, and classification to achieve precise threat identification in complex environments. It excels in GPS-denied conditions by leveraging onboard AI and vision-based navigation. In littoral environments, Twister or a Twister swarm can be launched from naval vessels, amphibious assault craft, or land to conduct reconnaissance, identify landing zones, and detect obstacles, equipping command teams with actionable intelligence. Twister also relays target data to naval or aerial support to facilitate precise fire missions, minimising collateral damage.
Together, Vector and Twister can form a cohesive ISR network bridging tactical and operational intelligence needs. Vector acts as a forward ISR node, providing wide-area reconnaissance and serving as an air bridge to extend communication networks. Simultaneously, Twister excels in close-range intelligence gathering, allowing forces to identify threats, neutralise obstacles, and maintain situational awareness. This interplay ensures continuous operational coverage, seamless communication, and rapid decision-making across command echelons. Their multi-domain functionality supports joint operations across land, sea, and air.
Quantum Systems’ UAS platforms directly support the Australian Army’s mission to deter and deny threats. By enhancing force protection, transmitting precise targeting data, and shortening decision cycles through layered autonomous intelligence, these tools are indispensable for modern defence. As the Army continues its transformation, Quantum Systems remains committed to contributing mission-critical solutions that secure Australia’s future in an evolving defence landscape.
