What Quantum Aero does

Quantum Aero (Quantumaero Inc., (주)퀀텀에어로) is a Seoul-headquartered defense AI startup founded in February 2024 that builds AI-powered autonomous flight systems for unmanned aerial vehicles in military applications. The company's product stack consists of QuanTonomy, an AI-based autonomous aerial combat system that makes independent decisions and executes missions, supported by Quantum Core, a high-performance edge computer that processes large volumes of video and sensor data in real-time within the aircraft for ultra-low-latency decision-making. The company also serves as the exclusive Asian integration partner for Shield AI's Hivemind Enterprise autonomous flight software, embedding it into Korean defense platforms.

Quantum Aero generates revenue through defense AI software licensing, system integration services, and government-funded defense technology development projects. Its primary customers are the Republic of Korea military (Navy, Drone Operations Command) and major Korean defense contractors including Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), LIG Nex1, Hyundai Rotem, and Hanwha Defense. The company has secured a 3.7 billion KRW (~$2.76M USD) seed round in March 2025 and approximately 7 billion KRW (~USD 5.2M) cumulatively within its first year of operations, with additional capital deployed against contracts including the LIG Nex1 L-MDM drone munitions integration deal signed in January 2026.

The go-to-market motion is enterprise field sales targeting government defense agencies and prime contractors, supported by participation in major defense exhibitions (ADEX 2025, MADEX 2025, UMEX 2026), earned media coverage, and co-hosted government forums such as the National Defense AI Forum. Field validation has included V-BAT vertical takeoff unmanned aircraft combat experiments aboard the ROK Navy Dokdo vessel in June 2024 and at the Navy's 80th anniversary demonstration in September 2025. Geographic focus remains primarily South Korea, with the UMEX 2026 (UAE) showcase and an Australia MOU with HEO signaling initial international expansion.

Name

Quantum Aero

Legal name

Quantumaero inc.

Website

https://qaero.kr

Company type

Private

Founded year

2024

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Quantum Aero is a Seoul-based defense AI startup that builds AI-powered autonomous flight systems (QuanTonomy and Quantum Core) for unmanned military aircraft, serving the Republic of Korea military and Korean defense prime contractors as Shield AI's exclusive Asian integration partner.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defense AI Software and Autonomous Systems

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

Autonomy Software, AI & Mission Management (UAS/UXV) (IMABAIAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Autonomous Flight Control & Guidance Systems (UAS/Urban Air Mobility) (IMABAFAO), Aerial Robotics (Drones & UAV Autonomy) (HDAAAIAG), UAS Integration, Certification & Compliance Systems (Remote ID, Detect-and-Avoid) (IMABAIAO)

Keywords

• Defense AI software
• Autonomous flight systems
• Unmanned aerial vehicles
• Edge computing hardware
• Military AI solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Seoul

HQ country

South Korea

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Defense AI Software Licensing: Licensing of AI autonomous flight software (Quantonomy, Quantum Core, Hivemind Enterprise integration) to defense agencies and defense contractors. Government defense contracts for technology development and system integration.
2. System Integration Services: Integration support services for AI pilots in aerospace applications, including V-BAT unmanned aircraft systems. Technical cooperation and consulting for defense AI deployment.
3. Defense Technology Development: Participates in government-funded technology development projects including combat unmanned surface vessel integrated control autonomous mission system development.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Quantum Aero develops and integrates AI-based autonomous flight software and edge computing hardware for unmanned aerial vehicles used in defense applications. Its core products are QuanTonomy, an AI engine for autonomous aerial combat decision-making and mission execution, and Quantum Core, a high-performance edge computer that processes large volumes of video and sensor data in real-time within the aircraft. The company also serves as the exclusive Asia integration partner for Shield AI's Hivemind Enterprise autonomous flight software, providing integration services for Korean defense platforms.

Product overview

Quantum Aero offers an integrated AI-powered autonomous aerial combat system. The flagship offering consists of QuanTonomy, an AI-based autonomous aerial combat system that independently makes decisions and executes missions, supported by Quantum Core, a high-performance edge computer that processes real-time video and sensor data with ultra-low latency. Together, these products enable unmanned aerial vehicles to operate autonomously in complex combat environments, providing a complete solution from sensing to decision-making to mission execution.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• QuanTonomy AI-based next-generation scale aerial combat system that makes autonomous decisions and executes combat operations for unmanned aerial vehicles. Developed to enable a safer and more efficient future battlefield with solutions verified in real-world combat environments.
• Quantum Core High-performance edge computer designed to reliably run the QuanTonomy engine. Processes large volumes of video and sensor data in real-time within the aircraft, implementing ultra-low-latency decision-making environments that enable independent judgment and mission execution for unmanned aerial vehicles.
• Hivemind Enterprise Integration Services Integration of Shield AI's Hivemind Enterprise autonomous flight software for defense aircraft, supporting manned/unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capabilities and AI pilot development. Delivered to Korean defense agencies and contractors including KAI as Quantum Aero's exclusive Asia integration partnership offering.

Quantifiable outcome

• Successful V-BAT vertical takeoff and landing combat experiment on Republic of Korea Navy's Dokdo vessel (June 2024)
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• LIG Nex1coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Contract signed for drone multi-purpose guided missile (L-MDM) system integration. Quantum Aero provides autonomous mission control and AI capabilities for integration into LIG Nex1's drone weapons systems.
• CoxwaveminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Partnership for sovereign AI defense technology development. Collaboration aimed at building sovereign AI capabilities for Korean defense sector.
• Republic of Korea Drone Operations CommandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2025Scientific cooperation MOU signed with the Drone Operations Command under the Ministry of National Defense for the development and advancement of unmanned aircraft. Supports the command's strategic objectives for drone warfare capabilities.
• Halla University Industry-Academia CooperationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2025MOU for AI combat drone technology development and professional talent cultivation. Academic partnership focused on research and development as well as building specialized workforce for defense AI sector.
• Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2025Partnership with KAI to develop AI pilots for aerospace applications using Hivemind Enterprise software. Collaboration aims to advance autonomous systems for defense aircraft and support KAI's manned/unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capabilities. Quantum Aero provides integration support as part of the partnership.
• Shield AIcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2024Asia's first exclusive partnership with US defense AI company Shield AI. Quantum Aero serves as integration partner for Shield AI's Hivemind Enterprise autonomous flight software in the Asian market. The collaboration focuses on developing AI pilots for aerospace applications and advancing autonomous systems for defense aircraft.
• Hyundai RotemminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic technology partner. Listed as part of Quantum Aero's technology partner ecosystem for defense solutions.
• Korean AirminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic technology partner. Listed as part of Quantum Aero's technology partner ecosystem for defense solutions.
• Huneed TechnologiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic technology partner. Listed as part of Quantum Aero's technology partner ecosystem for defense solutions.
• Hanwha Defense USAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic technology partner. Listed as part of Quantum Aero's technology partner ecosystem for defense solutions.
• Hanwha SystemsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic technology partner. Listed as part of Quantum Aero's technology partner ecosystem for defense solutions.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Shield AI: US-based defense AI company and creator of Hivemind Enterprise autonomous flight software. Quantum Aero is Shield AI's exclusive Asia integration partner, making it the closest direct comparable in terms of product offering and customer category (military UAS autonomy).
• Helsing: European defense AI company building AI-enabled autonomous capabilities for sovereign defense forces. Comparable as a peer delivering AI autonomy software to allied militaries seeking sovereign capability, mirroring Quantum Aero's positioning with the ROK military.
• Tekever: Europe-based defense AI/drone company providing AI-enabled unmanned surveillance systems for maritime and border security. Comparable in combining UAS platforms with AI mission software for defense and government customers.
• Auterion: Open-source drone autonomy software company building the operating system for autonomous fleets across defense and commercial markets. Comparable as a peer in autonomy software platforms for UAS, particularly for government and defense integrators.
• Edge Autonomy: US-based provider of autonomous unmanned systems including UAS platforms (e.g., Penguin C, Vapor). Comparable in delivering autonomous air platforms with integrated AI mission management to defense customers.

Broad incumbents

• Anduril Industries: US defense AI/autonomy company building autonomous air, sea, and ground systems with AI-driven mission software. Comparable as a peer in defense AI autonomy software and unmanned systems, though broader in scope than Quantum Aero's UAS-focused offering.
• Skydio: US autonomous drone manufacturer with a significant defense and public-safety business. Comparable as a peer in AI-driven autonomous flight for defense customers, though broader in product portfolio (manufactured hardware vs. Quantum Aero's software focus).

Emerging players

• DroneShield: Australian counter-UAS and drone-detection company. Adjacent peer in the defense drone AI ecosystem, addressing the threat side rather than the friendly autonomous UAS side of the same defense market Quantum Aero serves.

Others

• LIG Nex1: Korean defense prime contractor and Quantum Aero's L-MDM integration partner. Comparable as a domestic defense counterpart and key channel partner for Quantum Aero's guided-munitions autonomy work, but operates as a tier-1 prime rather than a software-focused peer.
• Hanwha Aerospace: Korean defense prime with growing AI/autonomy ambitions and a Quantum Aero strategic partnership. Comparable as a Korean defense ecosystem counterpart and potential acquirer/integrator, though materially larger and broader in scope.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Quantum Aero