German drone maker Quantum Systems said it will explore a merger with kamikaze‑drone start‑up Stark after a funding round let it purge investors opposed to weapons. The $1.2 billion round valued Quantum at $8 billion and gave Florian Seibel to restructure the shareholder base. He framed the move as a way to bring his two “babies” together under one roof, clearing the path for deep‑strike missile projects.

Stark, founded by Seibel in 2024, builds loitering munitions that dive into targets. Its latest financing placed a €3.2 billion tag on the company, prompting Quantum to weigh acquisition costs against other targets. A combined entity would present a strategic challenge to German rival Helsing and could accelerate Quantum’s push to become Europe’s largest defence‑tech group, possibly paving a significant route to an IPO.

Quantum expects revenue above €700 million this year and aims for over €1 billion by 2027, with EBITDA projected at €200 million in 2026. The funding round, led by Blackstone, Airbus, Advent and Noteus, supplies the firepower for any deal, but Seibel warned that a merger remains optional. Regardless, the shake‑up signals a swift consolidation in Europe’s drone market.