Planet and Quantum Systems Partner on Joint Satellite and Drone Monitoring Capabilities for European Defense Customers

BERLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 18, 2025--

Planet Labs GmbH, a leading provider of daily data and insights about change on Earth, and Quantum Systems, a German-based leader in Unmanned Systems, today announced a strategic partnership with the aim to jointly solicit customer interest in AI-enabled 'Tip & Cue’ intelligence solutions. This collaboration will focus on gauging customer interest in development of joint solutions that would bring together Planet's wide-area satellite change detection and very high resolution (VHR) tasking, connected to Quantum Systems' high-precision reconnaissance solutions to enhance efficiency for defense customers, particularly within Europe.

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The partnership leverages the European footprint of both companies to seek to address the urgent need for complementary, action-oriented solutions in key areas of interest. The capabilities of both companies support European defense priorities, and a joint solution would be intended to leverage AI analysis on broad area satellite data to create prompt, actionable cues for front-line drone units.

“This strategic partnership is a significant step toward delivering actionable, near-real-time intelligence to the defense community spanning the Space and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle domains, driven by European innovation,” said Charlie Candy, Chief Revenue Officer at Planet. “By collaborating to bring this joint multi industry solution concept to market, we are exploring a path to move beyond data delivery and provide concrete operational value. Both Planet and Quantum Systems have already been critical supporters of Ukraine's defense efforts. In creating this partnership, we can maximize impact and help ensure other European nations have the most efficient tools to aid in securing peace and stability across the region.”

The product concept is for Planet’s Broad Area Monitoring satellite data and VHR tasking, combined with Planet’s analytics feeds, to enable automated change detection over large areas to identify new points of interest—the critical ‘Tip.’ Working alongside Quantum Systems’ MOSAIC UXS software suite, this alert could trigger a precise ‘Cue’ for the deployment of an assigned Unmanned Vehicle for surveillance with detailed multi-sensor drones. This type of product design would ensure that limited, high-value drone assets are only deployed against confirmed and relevant targets, drastically improving operations precision and resource management, and reducing the cognitive load on analysts.

Florian Seibel, Co-founder & Co-CEO at Quantum Systems, added, “Our collaboration with Planet brings intelligence from orbit to the operators. Tapping the insights from Earth imaging satellites covering large areas can ensure that operators and our deployed assets can make more precise and effective decisions, while increasing their safety. This partnership in promoting our complementary technologies is a demonstration of our shared commitment to investing in the capabilities that matter most to our customers, translating strategic data into fast and precise decision making.”

About Planet

Planet Labs Germany GmbH is part of the Planet group and is based at Planet’s European headquarters in Berlin. Planet Labs PBC (NYSE: PL) is the parent company of the Planet group with global headquarters in San Francisco, USA. Planet is a leading provider of global, daily satellite imagery and geospatial solutions. Planet is driven by a mission to image the world every day, and make change visible, accessible and actionable. Founded in 2010 by three NASA scientists, Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest Earth observation fleet of imaging satellites. Planet provides mission-critical data, advanced insights, and software solutions to customers comprising the world’s leading agriculture, forestry, intelligence, education and finance companies and government agencies, enabling users to simply and effectively derive unique value from satellite imagery. Planet Labs PBC is a public benefit corporation listed on the New York Stock Exchange as PL. To learn more visit www.planet.com and follow us on X (formerly Twitter) or tune in to HBO's ‘Wild Wild Space’.

About Quantum Systems

Quantum Systems is a leading European company developing AI-powered unmanned systems. It provides autonomous, military, and integrated mission solutions for armed forces, government agencies, and commercial clients. Combining proven hardware with artificial intelligence and interoperable software, Quantum Systems delivers reliable intelligence for critical operations.

Using advanced technologies such as edge computing and AI-based real-time data processing, Quantum Systems enables fast, precise decision-making and seamless integration of data from air, land, and sea operations.

Founded in 2015 and headquartered at Oberpfaffenhofen Special Airport near Munich, the company operates globally with offices in the U.S., Australia, Ukraine, the UK, Lithuania, Estonia and Romania - delivering trusted technology that drives the future of data-driven defense solutions.

Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release are “forward-looking statements” about Planet within the meaning of the securities laws, including statements about Planet’s strategic partnerships, the expansion of the high resolution capacity of Planet’s fleet and the delivery of such capacity to Planet customers, and Planet’s future growth in new and existing markets. Such statements, which are not of historical fact, involve estimates, assumptions, judgments and uncertainties. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those addressed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors are detailed in Planet’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Planet does not undertake an obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect future events, except as required by applicable law.

Planet and Quantum Systems Partner on Joint Satellite and Drone Monitoring Capabilities for European Defense Customers

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Andrew Painter hopped off the mound in excitement in the fifth inning after his 97.2 mph fastball got James Wood to strike out for a second time.

Phillies fans — some groups called themselves Andrew's Painters, others Painter's Painters — waved paintbrushes and erupted in cheers with each strikeout for the rookie pitcher.

Painter delivered a masterpiece in his major league debut.

The 22-year-old Painter — considered to have one of the top arms in any level of baseball — tossed four-hit ball and struck out eight over 5 1/3 innings Tuesday in the Phillies' 3-2 win against the Washington Nationals. Painter tipped his cap to the cheering crowd of 40,709 fans as he left the mound in the sixth after he allowed a one-out single to C.J. Abrams.

“It was awesome,” Painter said. “Crowd showed up tonight. Just kind of soaked all of it. I don't think I could have drawn it up much better.”

He struck out the side in the fifth, walked one and allowed a run when Abrams scored on a run-scoring single by Daylen Lile off reliever Tanner Banks.

Painter wanted to stay in the game and at least finish the inning. Phillies manager Rob Thomson wasn't going to push the right-hander almost 1,000 days since his big league path was elongated by Tommy John surgery.

Thomson asked Painter on the mound visit if he enjoyed his first game.

“He shook his head no,” Thomson said with a laugh. “Then he figured out what I said and shook his head yes.”

Painter received a rousing ovation as he made the long walk from the bullpen to the dugout before the game and kept the fans on their feet when he struck out Wood on a nasty 12-6 curveball to open the game. Painter kept the Nationals flailing at breaking balls and swinging over high hard stuff the rest of the game.

Painter mixed curves, sweepers and sliders with a fastball that nearly touched 100 mph and flashed every bit of greatness that has been predicted of him since he was the 13th overall pick in the 2021 amateur draft and signed for a $3.9 million bonus.

Painter sprinted through Philadelphia’s system in 2022, going 6-2 with a 1.48 ERA in 26 appearances spread across two Class A teams and Double-A Reading.

He hurt his elbow during spring training in 2023 and had Tommy John surgery later that year.

The 6-foot-7 right-hander emerged the top candidate to win the Phillies’ fifth starter job as he attempted to crack the rotation before his 20th birthday. Instead, the injury set him back at least two seasons, and he went 5-8 with a 5.26 ERA during two minor league stops last season.

He’s been deemed good to go and joins a stout rotation that this season will include Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sánchez and Jesús Luzardo.

“We've been waiting a while for this,” Thomson said. “So have our players.”

The two-time reigning NL East champion Phillies gave him needed run support with solo home runs from Kyle Schwarber and Adolis Garcia. Painter left with the Phillies leading 3-0.

“He didn't seem fazed by anything out there," Schwarber said. “That was pretty cool. I mean, even before the game, there's no pacing, no nothing. Just felt like he was mentally prepared for what he was about to do. That's impressive.”

The first outing sure seemed a like preview for even more impressive starts over his career.

“I felt like I was in control of the pace of the game,” Painter said.

Considered the organization's top pitching prospect since Cole Hamels, Painter entered the season ranked No. 26 among all prospects in baseball. Painter gave up seven hits and struck out eight in 11 2/3 innings in spring training this year.

“If we can keep him healthy, this guy's going to be really good for a long time,” Thomson said. “He's going to have a really great career. He's one of those upper-echelon guys. He's got the combination of power and command. The future is bright for him.”

Painter said every part of his game felt in sync, from pregame warmups to keeping his emotions in check while pitching in front of about 40 friends and family in his ticket group. He changed from his No. 24 jersey into a Phillies hoodie and shorts and jogged back onto the field after the final out for photos and hugs with his parents, former coaches and everyone who made the trip.

That included a kiss with his fiancée.

Painter took a knee before he ever threw a regular-season pitch. He posted proposal photos on Instagram in March with his girlfriend, Shelby.

What's more nerve-wracking, proposing or taking the mound?

“I'm not sure,” Painter said with a laugh. “We'll revisit that.”

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson, second from left, releases pitcher Andrew Painter, center, during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Andrew Painter greets teammates during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Philadelphia Phillies' Andrew Painter pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Philadelphia Phillies fans that call themselves "Painter's Painters" pose for a photo as they cheer on rookie Phillies pitcher Andrew Painter during his MLB debut in a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Dan Gelston)

Philadelphia Phillies' Andrew Painter pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Philadelphia Phillies' Andrew Painter pitches during the second inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)