EMET NEWS PRESS

Corporate Status

Twentyfour Industries GmbH is registered with the Munich Local Court under registration number HRB 298664. Clemens Kürten and Dr Erik Linden are listed as managing directors. The registered corporate seat is in Munich. The company also maintains a representative office in Berlin’s government district.

The company was founded in late 2024. Its public market launch began in January 2026 following an initial development phase outside public attention. At that point, the company stated that it had already commenced development, initial production and deliveries.

The organisation remains under construction at both personnel and industrial levels. Publicly available employee figures place the company within a range of 11 to 50 personnel. Vacancies focus on production engineering, electronics, embedded software, flight control, autonomy, procurement, export control and field testing.

The recruitment profile confirms the establishment of an internal technical and industrial core. The number of open key positions also indicates that essential capabilities had not yet been fully staffed by July 2026.

Leadership and Strategic Network

Clemens Kürten is co-founder, Chief Executive Officer and one of the company’s two managing directors. His responsibilities are located at the interface between corporate strategy, financing, political access and military market development.

Dr Erik Linden is co-founder, managing director and Chief Commercial Officer. He is responsible for sales, customer relations, market development and the commercial implementation of government and military programmes.

Martin Eichenhofer and Constantin Jung are listed as further members of the founding team. Their specific internal responsibilities are only partially documented in publicly available information.

The corporate leadership is supported by strategic advisers with military and political experience. General Sir Chris Deverell previously served as Commander of the United Kingdom’s Joint Forces Command and as a member of the Chiefs of Staff Committee. His former responsibilities included joint capabilities, special forces, cyber capabilities and defence intelligence. His involvement provides Twentyfour Industries with expertise in military capability planning, procurement logic and the introduction of new systems into established force structures.

Former Estonian Prime Minister Taavi Rõivas expands the network through political and economic access to NATO’s eastern flank. His role is particularly relevant to Baltic procurement markets and government contacts.

The strategic network improves access to political and military decision-making levels. It does not constitute evidence of a formal procurement decision.

Financing and Venture-Capital Investors

Twentyfour Industries raised a total of USD 11.8 million in equity financing in 2025. The financing round included Lakestar, OTB Ventures and 468 Capital. Lakestar was identified as the lead investor. The company’s valuation, ownership percentages and any special investor rights were not disclosed.

Lakestar is an established European venture-capital firm that increasingly invests in security, space and defence-related technologies. The investor maintains political, technological and financial networks across several European countries.

OTB Ventures focuses on deep tech, space, artificial intelligence, automation and security-relevant dual-use technologies. Its emphasis on Central and Eastern Europe may facilitate access to countries accelerating the expansion of drone and counter-UAS capabilities in response to the Russian threat.

468 Capital is a German-American early-stage investor with experience in organisational development, recruitment, international scaling and follow-on financing for technology-driven companies.

The investor consortium provides capital, recruitment access, international networks and support for future financing rounds. It also creates structural time pressure. Venture capital requires rapid scaling and market validation, while military testing, certification, budget approval and procurement regularly follow multi-year timelines.

According to company statements, the funding is intended for production capacity, product development, additional manufacturing sites, mobile production structures and the expansion of the operational organisation. The announced capacity of several thousand drones per month has not been confirmed by publicly available production data.

Q-X: In-House Platform for Training and Tactical Short-Range Operations

The Q-X is a modular 10-inch quadcopter designed for training and tactical short-range missions. The system is positioned as a European-manufactured, serially producible and cost-efficient platform.

According to manufacturer specifications, the Q-X reaches a maximum speed of 140 kilometres per hour, carries a payload of up to 2.5 kilograms and has an operational radius of up to 12 kilometres. The stated endurance is approximately 20 minutes. A modular rail system is intended to accommodate different payloads.

The additional claim that the platform can operate in 98 per cent of Central European weather conditions is an insufficiently substantiated manufacturer metric. The criteria, test procedures and thresholds for wind, precipitation, temperature and visibility have not been disclosed. The figure must therefore not be treated as a verified availability rate.

The confirmed performance data indicate a small-drone platform for FPV training, visual-line-of-sight operations and tactical short-range reconnaissance. The platform can theoretically carry sensors, communications modules and other lightweight payloads.

Qualified military payloads, approved effectors, autonomous target tracking, verified electronic-protection measures and confirmed operational capability under GNSS disruption or electronic warfare conditions have not been documented. Such capabilities cannot be inferred solely from the platform’s modular design.

Twentyfour Industries states that it produced several hundred drones during its first business year and delivered them to users in several European countries. User countries, quantities, military units, contract values and acceptance conditions have not been disclosed.

The use of a company quadcopter in a Bundeswehr training environment has been documented. This confirms practical access to military users. It does not demonstrate broader introduction into service or serial procurement.

The basic architecture of a 10-inch quadcopter presents limited technological barriers to entry. Competitive advantage must therefore derive from reproducible quality, software control, supply-chain resilience, low production costs, rapid payload integration, training and logistical support.

Merops: Entry into the Counter-UAS Market

The cooperation with Perennial Autonomy expands the business model to include an unmanned interceptor against hostile drones.

Merops is intended to detect, track and engage targets in close proximity. International reporting cites a speed of more than 180 miles per hour, an operating altitude of up to approximately 16,000 feet and a unit price below USD 10,000.

The repeatedly cited figure of more than 4,000 Russian drones engaged originates from the manufacturer and user environment. Operational employment of the system in Ukraine is documented. No independent breakdown by timeframe, target type, operational unit, hit rate or confirmed engagement result is publicly available.

The figure must therefore be treated as an unverified operational success claim. It must not be equated with 4,000 independently confirmed kills.

Twentyfour Industries is expected to manufacture Merops in Germany or elsewhere in Europe and support its introduction into service. The publicly known scope of the agreement remains limited. It has not been clarified whether the company will manufacture complete systems, assemble subsystems or primarily provide industrial and logistical support.

The scope and duration of production rights, access to source code, software-modification rights, integration rights, spare-parts responsibility and the distribution of future revenue also remain undisclosed.

Pure licence or contract manufacturing would create production volume and market access but only limited technological autonomy. Comprehensive modification, integration and maintenance rights would give Twentyfour Industries a stronger position in relation to European customers.

Perennial Autonomy and Technology Dependence

Perennial Autonomy is the foreign technology partner behind Merops. The company develops and operates the system in connection with operational requirements from Ukraine. Publicly available information indicates integration into the US defence-tech and financing environment.

Merops development is based on requirements arising from Ukraine’s defence against Russian long-range and attack drones. This operational involvement increases the system’s military relevance but complicates external attribution of development work, intellectual property, software control and export jurisdiction.

Twentyfour Industries faces two forms of dependence. First, the core technology was not developed by the German partner. Second, modifications, exports and further development may depend on approval from foreign rights holders or government authorities.

The industrial value of the cooperation therefore depends not only on the number of systems manufactured. Access to technical documentation, software, test procedures, spare-parts sources and future system improvements is decisive.

Export Control

Different and potentially overlapping export-control regimes may apply to the Q-X and Merops.

German exports of military drones, specially designed components, software and technical documentation are generally subject to the Foreign Trade and Payments Act and the Foreign Trade and Payments Ordinance. If a system is classified as a weapon of war, additional authorisation requirements may apply under the War Weapons Control Act.

The specific classification depends on design, military purpose, payload, armament and system function. An unarmed training quadcopter must be assessed differently from an autonomous interceptor carrying a warhead or comparable effect mechanism.

US regulations may also apply to Merops. If the system contains controlled US technology, software, components or technical data, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations may be applicable.

In that case, production in Germany could remain dependent on US re-export, end-use and technology-transfer authorisations. A European manufacturing site would not automatically establish full European freedom of disposal.

Dual-use provisions may additionally apply to sensors, navigation technology, encryption, thermal-imaging equipment, electronics and certain software components.

It is not publicly known which control-list classifications apply to the Q-X and Merops, whether US re-export controls are applicable or which approvals have already been obtained for the planned German production. Export control therefore represents a potential constraint on European production, further development and exports to third countries.

Production Strategy and Supply Chains

Twentyfour Industries places modular, distributed and rapidly scalable production at the centre of its positioning. The manufacturing architecture is intended to be transferable to multiple sites and to allow production closer to user countries or potential operational areas.

Distributed manufacturing can increase resilience against supply interruptions, sabotage, cyberattacks and physical disruption. It also requires standardised processes, uniform quality assurance, certified suppliers and controlled software configurations.

Current vacancies confirm the development of capabilities in UAV production, electronics manufacturing, embedded Linux, flight control, autonomy, mechanical design, procurement, export control and field testing.

A four-digit monthly production rate has not yet been demonstrated.

The claimed depth of European manufacturing also remains unclear. Small drones require motors, electronic speed controllers, flight computers, radio modules, cameras, sensors, semiconductors and battery cells. Significant dependencies on Asian and US suppliers remain in several of these categories.

The decisive factor is not the location of final assembly but the origin of critical components, the availability of alternative suppliers and control over firmware, encryption and onboard software.

Relationship with the Bundeswehr

Twentyfour Industries has documented contacts and demonstration opportunities within the Bundeswehr environment. A company quadcopter has been used in the training of Bundeswehr personnel. The Q-X and Merops have been presented at military events and technology demonstrations.

A company account also refers to a Q-X demonstration in the presence of senior political and military decision-makers. Independent confirmation of this specific setting was not available in the material reviewed. The statement must therefore not be treated as a reliable procurement indicator.

Demonstrations, troop trials and political visibility indicate access and interest. They do not replace a formal selection decision or serial-production contract.

No major Bundeswehr order, parliamentary EUR 25 million submission or long-term framework agreement has been publicly confirmed.

The operational test remains the transition from demonstration and evaluation to regular procurement.

Political Representation

Twentyfour Industries has been registered in the German Bundestag lobby register since February 2026. Its declared areas of interest include Bundeswehr affairs, armaments, defence policy, aerospace, cybersecurity, industrial policy, research and European Union legislation.

The company states that it maintains regular contact with members of the Bundestag and representatives of the federal government. Katharina Nahrung, Emil Kämmer, Clemens Kürten and Dr Erik Linden are listed as individuals involved in political representation.

No separate lobbying expenditure and no full-time-equivalent personnel were reported for the 2025 financial year. This is not unusual for young companies in which political representation is conducted by management alongside other responsibilities. The entry alone provides no basis for suspecting inaccurate reporting.

According to the register, Katharina Nahrung worked as a parliamentary research assistant to a member of the Bundestag until August 2024. As the relevant member of parliament and any direct connection to procurement decisions have not been documented, the information has limited analytical value.

The substantiated assessment is that Twentyfour Industries conducts political representation, maintains an office in the government district and seeks access to defence and industrial-policy decision-making processes.

Competitive Environment

The relevant competition must be separated by market segment.

In the field of small tactical reconnaissance and multi-role drones, Twentyfour Industries competes with European and Ukrainian manufacturers offering low-cost, modular and rapidly available platforms. Quantum Systems operates primarily in a more technically advanced segment involving longer-range reconnaissance drones and is therefore only partially a direct competitor.

In the counter-UAS segment, Tytan Technologies and Marduk Technologies are more closely aligned with the Merops profile. Tytan develops high-speed interceptor drones against hostile unmanned systems. Marduk focuses on electro-optical detection and counter-UAS solutions.

Helsing, Stark and ARX Robotics compete less through identical platforms than for capital, specialist personnel, political attention and European defence programmes. Donaustahl has greater overlap in the field of low-cost effectors and tactical drone systems.

Twentyfour Industries’ principal differentiation does not lie in a single technologically unique product. It lies in the stated ability to combine proprietary platforms, licensed manufacturing, training, integration and lifecycle support within one organisation.

Source Base and Intelligence Gaps

The corporate-register data, management structure, investors, Q-X platform, Merops cooperation and contacts within the Bundeswehr environment are documented.

Production figures, user countries, monthly manufacturing capacity, Merops engagement numbers, order backlog and European component content are based predominantly on company or partner statements.

The material reviewed contains no documented company response to open questions concerning production output, supply chains, Merops rights, export control or Bundeswehr contracts.

No statement from the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support is available. Independent user assessments, technical evaluation reports and substantiated statements by external defence analysts are also absent from the source base.

The available intelligence is sufficient for a reliable corporate and structural profile. It is insufficient for a final assessment of production maturity, operational military performance and long-term market viability.

Intelligence Assessment

Twentyfour Industries is assessed as an emerging industrial integrator combining a proprietary small-drone platform with externally sourced counter-UAS technology.

The Q-X enables the establishment of production, training and support structures. The platform alone does not create a durable technological advantage.

Merops could move the company into an operationally prioritised market segment. The cooperation simultaneously increases dependence on foreign intellectual property, regulatory approvals and a single technology partner.

Political and military connectivity is developed. It improves visibility and access but does not demonstrate a formal procurement decision.

Primary indicators for further assessment are a confirmed major Bundeswehr contract, verified four-digit monthly production, additional European production sites, a further financing round, the introduction of Merops by European armed forces and the publication of reliable revenue or order figures.

Until such indicators materialise, Twentyfour Industries remains a financially supported, politically connected and industrially ambitious defence-tech company with genuine market access but without demonstrated serial-production and programme maturity.

Glossary

AWG

German Foreign Trade and Payments Act. The statutory basis for restrictions on Germany’s foreign trade and the control of security-relevant exports.

AWV

German Foreign Trade and Payments Ordinance. Specifies authorisation requirements and restrictions under the Foreign Trade and Payments Act.

BAAINBw

Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support. The central German authority for the development, procurement and in-service management of military equipment.

Counter-UAS

The combined technical and operational measures used to detect, track, disrupt and engage unmanned aircraft.

Defence Tech

Technology companies developing systems and services for armed forces, security authorities or military infrastructure.

Dual Use

Goods, software or technologies that can be used for both civilian and military purposes and may therefore be subject to export controls.

EAR

Export Administration Regulations. US rules controlling the export and re-export of civilian and military-relevant goods and technologies.

Embedded Linux

A Linux-based operating system used in integrated computers, including flight-control units, sensor platforms and communications equipment.

FPV

First Person View. A control method in which the operator receives the drone’s live camera feed through goggles or a display.

GNSS

Global Navigation Satellite System. The collective term for satellite-navigation systems including GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou.

ITAR

International Traffic in Arms Regulations. The US control regime governing defence articles, military technologies, software and technical data.

KWKG

German War Weapons Control Act. Regulates the production, transport, trade and export of goods classified as weapons of war.

Lifecycle Support

Planning and support covering a system’s development, procurement, operation, maintenance and eventual withdrawal from service.

Merops

An unmanned interceptor developed by Perennial Autonomy for the engagement of hostile drones.

Payload

A sensor, communications device, effector or other mission-specific component carried by a platform.

Q-X

A modular 10-inch quadcopter developed by Twentyfour Industries for training and tactical short-range missions.

Stealth Mode

A corporate development phase in which products, financing or business activities are communicated publicly only to a limited extent.

Technology Transfer

The transfer of technical knowledge, software, manufacturing processes or usage rights between companies or states.

UAS

Unmanned Aircraft System. The complete system consisting of an unmanned aircraft, control equipment, communications and supporting infrastructure.

Venture Capital

Risk capital used to finance young companies with high growth potential and a correspondingly high risk of failure.

Personnel Register

General Sir Chris Deverell

Retired British general and strategic adviser to Twentyfour Industries. Former Commander of the Joint Forces Command and member of the British Chiefs of Staff Committee. His previous responsibilities included joint capabilities, special forces, cyber capabilities and defence intelligence.

Martin Eichenhofer

Co-founder of Twentyfour Industries. Has an academic background at ETH Zurich. His specific operational responsibility within the company has not been clearly disclosed.

Klaus Hommels

Founder and Chairman of the European venture-capital firm Lakestar. Indirectly part of the Twentyfour Industries investor environment through Lakestar. Supports stronger private-sector financing of European technology, security and defence companies.

Constantin Jung

Co-founder of Twentyfour Industries. His operational role and internal responsibilities have not been described in detail in publicly available company information.

Clemens Kürten

Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer and managing director of Twentyfour Industries. Responsible for corporate strategy, financing, public positioning and access to political and military decision-makers. Has an academic background at the University of St Gallen and previous professional experience in consulting.

Dr. Erik Linden

Co-founder, managing director and Chief Commercial Officer of Twentyfour Industries. Responsible for sales, customer relations, market development and the commercial implementation of government and military programmes. Has an academic background at the University of St Gallen.

Katharina Nahrung

Listed in the German Bundestag lobby register as a person involved in the political representation of Twentyfour Industries. According to the register, she worked as a parliamentary research assistant to a member of the Bundestag until August 2024. The identity of that member is not reliably established in the source base reviewed.

Taavi Rõivas

Former Prime Minister of Estonia and strategic adviser to Twentyfour Industries. Supports the company in political and economic access to the Baltic states and NATO’s eastern flank.

References

Twentyfour Industries
Twentyfour Industries Is Out of Stealth: European Drones at Scale
19 January 2026
https://twentyfour.industries/twentyfour-industries-is-out-of-stealth-european-drones-at-scale/

Twentyfour Industries
European Drones at Scale – Q-X Product Information
Accessed: 17 July 2026
https://twentyfour.industries/

Twentyfour Industries
Legal Notice
Accessed: 17 July 2026
https://twentyfour.industries/impressum/

German Bundestag
Lobby Register – Twentyfour Industries GmbH, R007848
Status: 22 May 2026

 https://www.lobbyregister.bundestag.de/suche/R007848

Handelsblatt
Small Drone Made in Europe – Produce First, Advertise Later
19 January 2026
https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/industrie/start-up-kleinstdrohne-made-in-europe-erst-produzieren-dann-bewerben/100191528.html

The Wall Street Journal
Famed Merops Drone Interceptor to Be Made in Europe
13 May 2026
https://www.wsj.com/business/deals/perennial-autonomy-and-twentyfour-industries-strike-deal-to-make-merops-drone-in-germany-ecd9347c

Twentyfour Industries
Twentyfour Industries Demonstrates Perennial Autonomy’s Merops C-UAS at Erding
May 2026
https://twentyfour.industries/press-release-twentyfour-industries-demonstrates-perennial-autonomys-merops-c-uas-at-erding/

Twentyfour Industries
Twentyfour Industries Welcomes General Sir Chris Deverell as Strategic Advisor
May 2026
https://twentyfour.industries/press-release-twentyfour-industries-welcomes-general-sir-chris-deverell-as-strategic-advisor/

Tech.eu
Lakestar-Backed German Drone Maker Twentyfour Industries Emerges from Stealth
19 January 2026
https://tech.eu/2026/01/19/lakestar-backed-german-drone-maker-twentyfour-industries-emerges-from-stealth/

Resilience Media
Twentyfour Industries Emerges from Stealth with $11.8M for Mass-Produced Drones
19 January 2026
https://resiliencemedia.co/twentyfour-industries-emerges-from-stealth-with-11-8m-for-mass-produced-drones/

Twentyfour Industries
Current Job Openings
Accessed: 17 July 2026
https://twentyfour-industries.jobs.personio.com/?language=en