Two of Europe’s foremost defence technology powerhouses, HENSOLDT and Helsing, have formalized a strategic alliance aimed at accelerating the development of AI-driven combat air systems. This partnership is designed to forge a sovereign European technology ecosystem capable of addressing the urgent demands of modern warfare and shifting geopolitical realities.
The cornerstone of this collaboration is the enhancement of Helsing’s advanced uncrewed aircraft, the CA-1 Europa. This platform is set to be transformed by integrating HENSOLDT’s sophisticated sensor suite, which includes cutting-edge radar, optronics, and electronic warfare systems. The aircraft will be further empowered by HENSOLDT’s MDOcore software, a digital backbone that enables seamless multi-domain data fusion and mission coordination. When paired with Helsing’s AI agent, Centaur, the CA-1 Europa will possess the capability to execute complex missions autonomously while processing vast amounts of secure battlefield data.
This technological convergence directly addresses a critical need in modern defense: the ability to capture, interpret, and act upon information at unprecedented speed. By fusing high-performance sensors with agile AI-driven software, the partnership aims to deliver systems with superior adaptability and operational resilience.
Both companies will operate within their proven spheres of expertise. HENSOLDT contributes deep knowledge in sensor technology and data fusion across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. Helsing brings its pioneering work in artificial intelligence, particularly in autonomous flight control, networked operations, and large-scale data processing. This division of labor ensures a focused and effective development pathway.
The collaboration extends beyond the air domain. HENSOLDT and Helsing are already working with Norway’s Kongsberg on a sovereign European satellite constellation for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (IST), supported by a secure communications network slated for completion by 2029.
In the near term, the partners will initiate joint technology demonstrations, working closely with military customers to validate new capabilities and accelerate their transition from concept to operational reality.
Oliver Dörre, CEO of HENSOLDT, emphasized the synergy, stating that the future of defense lies in the intelligent interplay of sensors and AI, a goal shared with Helsing to bolster Europe’s security policy autonomy. Dr. Gundbert Scherf, Co-CEO of Helsing, framed the initiative as a critical component of deterrence, asserting that sovereign air superiority is non-negotiable. He characterized the partnership as a “joining of forces of two national champions,” united by a commitment to massive investment in future technologies to ensure the superiority of European armed forces.
