Company / Aerial Drones
Helsing
Munich-based defence AI company developing the HX-2 strike drone, the CA-1 Europa uncrewed combat aircraft and AI software for military systems.
Munich, GermanyAerial Drones systems
About the company
About Helsing
Helsing was founded in 2021 and is headquartered in Munich. The company started with AI software for defence and has since moved into building its own unmanned systems; its Altra software platform connects its drones.
The HX-2 is an AI-enabled loitering munition designed for mass production that can find targets when communications are jammed and operate in swarms; Helsing gives its range as up to 100 km. In 2025 the company announced production of 6,000 HX-2 for Ukraine, in addition to 4,000 HF-1 strike drones financed by Germany, and opened its first so-called Resilience Factory in southern Germany. In early 2026 the Bundestag approved a first Bundeswehr order for HX-2; field-trial problems reported by Bloomberg were disputed by the company.
Helsing is also developing the CA-1 Europa, an uncrewed combat aircraft intended as a drone wingman with first flight planned for 2027. In 2026 it chose Martinsburg, West Virginia, for its first US production site, which is to start with the HX-2.
In the news15 stories
Helsing hires Andriy Shevchenko as Managing Director Ukraine
People and appointments at Helsing: Andriy Shevchenko, a diplomat, former government member and member of parliament, takes over as Managing Director Ukraine with immediate effect – as the company significantly expands its commitment in the country.
Helsing appoints Frank Dirksen as Chief Commercial Officer
From June, Frank Dirksen will fill a newly created position at Helsing: Chief Commercial Officer. He brings leadership experience at Rheinmetall and 15 years of service in the Bundeswehr, the German Armed Forces.
Unmanned systems combined: ARX Robotics and Helsing demonstrate recce-strike with British Army in Kenya
At “Haraka Storm” in Kenya, ARX Robotics and Helsing ran through the entire chain with British soldiers: a UGV reconnoitres, an HX-2 strikes. The exercise showed how unmanned systems keep troops at a distance and let them act faster.
AI fighter jet X-BAT: Shield AI unveils autonomous vertical take-off aircraft with Hivemind pilot
In Washington D.C., Shield AI has shown a mock-up of the X-BAT – an autonomous AI fighter jet that takes off and lands vertically. It is to be operational from 2027/28. What lies behind the concept and which questions remain open.
Underwater drones: Helsing prepares acquisition of Australian AUV manufacturer Blue Ocean
AI meets underwater drones: buying Blue Ocean of Bibra Lake is to give Helsing hardware and manufacturing. The aim is autonomous systems in large numbers to secure the underwater domain in the North Atlantic and AUKUS waters.
Drone swarms for Europe: Helsing and Systematic form partnership
AI-enabled drone swarms are to be deployed directly from existing command systems in future: Helsing is integrating its platforms into Systematic Sitaware, which is used by more than 50 nations – including Austria.
Combat drone CA-1 Europa: Helsing unveils autonomous combat aircraft at Grob Aircraft in Tussenhausen
With the CA-1 Europa, Helsing presents a full-size combat drone that combines the Centaur AI pilot with Grob Aircraft's aircraft-building expertise. The jet is to fly in series-ready form in four years.
Underwater drones from Plymouth: Helsing builds “Resilience Factory” in England
German start-up Helsing is investing 350 million pounds in the UK: SG-1 Fathom underwater drones and the Lura AI software are to be produced in Plymouth, with the first systems delivered this year.
Underwater drones from Helsing: AI system Lura to monitor the oceans with the SG-1 Fathom glider
With Lura and SG-1 Fathom, Helsing aims to reshape maritime surveillance: underwater drones in swarms, an acoustic AI model and a single operator. The system has already been demonstrated in Portsmouth, and deployment is planned for this year.
Loitering munition in live test: Bundesheer delegation at demonstration in Slovenia
For two days, manufacturers showcased loitering munitions and the means to counter them at the Slovenian training area of Poček. Among the numerous military delegations was one from the Austrian Armed Forces (Bundesheer).
Loitering munition: Chief of Defence Breuer wants the Bundeswehr firing it this year
Carsten Breuer is pushing for maximum acceleration: systems from Helsing and Stark are apparently in the running, initially for testing. The loitering munition is to close a capability gap in the German armed forces.
Loitering munition for the Bundeswehr: Helsing and Stark to supply test systems
Test first, then procure at scale: the Bundeswehr plans to trial loitering munitions from at least two suppliers. Under discussion are Helsing with the HX-2 and Stark – two companies with a surprising personal connection.
Combat drones for Ukraine: Helsing is producing a further 6,000 HX-2
A first order for 4,000 units is followed by the next: Helsing is building the HX-2 in series and intends to spread the production of combat drones across several Resilience Factories in a decentralised way throughout Europe.
HX-2 drone: Helsing presents software-based, swarm-capable precision drone
Mass, autonomy and precision in one system: with the HX-2 drone, Helsing aims to withstand jamming and complement artillery. Production is already under way in Germany, and the software is in use in Ukraine.
AI drones in series production: Ukrainian makers and Helsing bring autonomous strike drones to the front
Jam-resistant, cheap and in large numbers: according to the Wall Street Journal and Bild, AI drones in Ukraine are moving from trials to mass production. At the centre are Auterion's Skynode S module and 4,000 drones from Helsing.