HENSOLDT and Helsing join forces for autonomous combat aircraft CA-1 Europa

German companies HENSOLDT and Helsing have signed a strategic partnership to develop AI-enabled combat air systems. Their first joint initiative will focus on Helsing’s AI-enabled autonomous combat aircraft, the CA-1 Europa, designed to enhance Europe’s defence capability and technological leadership, the two companies said in a media release.

“Our deterrence requires sovereign air superiority,” said Dr. Gundbert Scherf, co-founder and co-CEO of Helsing. “With the CA-1, we are making a clear offer for credible European deterrence. The sovereignty and superiority of our armed forces depend on our systems being developed and produced by national industry champions. The partnership between Helsing and Hensoldt is a joining of forces between two national champions. We are united by our commitment to massive investment in future technologies.”

Helsing’s CA-1 Europa will be equipped with advanced HENSOLDT sensor technologies, integrating radar, optronics, self-protection and electromagnetic warfare systems. HENSOLDT’s software suite, MDOcore (Multi-Domain Operations Core), will serve as the digital backbone for multi-domain data fusion, networking and mission coordination. Combined with Helsing’s AI agent, Centaur, the uncrewed aircraft will be capable of autonomous mission execution and secure information processing, said the company.

“The partnership between Helsing and HENSOLDT is a joining of forces of two national champions. We are united by a commitment to massive investments in future technologies.”

“The future of modern defence systems lies in the intelligent and networked interaction of sensor technology and artificial intelligence,” said Oliver Dörre, CEO of HENSOLDT. “We share a common goal with Helsing: to responsibly develop innovative technologies and thus contribute to Europe’s security policy capabilities.”

Modern military systems must capture, process and act on information at speed, he added. The combination of high-performance sensors and AI-driven software is critical to improving adaptability, resilience and operational efficiency. Both companies are committed to ensuring technological sovereignty through the development of European solutions.

HENSOLDT brings extensive experience in AI-enabled sensor systems and data fusion across air, land, sea, space and cyber domains. Helsing contributes advanced AI capabilities, including autonomous flight control, networked operations and the ability to process large volumes of data independently. Each partner will lead within its core area of expertise.

Beyond the air domain, HENSOLDT and Helsing are already collaborating with Norway’s Kongsberg on a sovereign European satellite constellation for Intelligence, Surveillance and Target Acquisition (IST), supported by a fully networked communications layer planned by 2029.

In the coming months, the companies will prepare their first joint demonstrations, working closely with customers and partners to test new technologies and transition them into operational use.