Hensoldt and Helsing have partnered to develop artificial intelligence-enabled combat air systems centered on Europe’s sovereign defense technology architecture.
Helsing said Thursday that the joint effort aims to advance its CA-1 Europa, an AI-powered autonomous combat aircraft engineered to enhance Europe’s defense capability and technological leadership.
How Does the Partnership Enhance the CA-1 Europa?
The collaboration will center on Helsing’s CA-1 Europa, with Hensoldt equipping the uncrewed aircraft with a comprehensive suite of sensors, including radar, optronics, self-protection systems and electronic warfare platforms. These sensors will be integrated with Helsing’s Centaur AI agent using Hensoldt’s Multi-Domain Operations Core, or MDOcore, which acts as the digital backbone for real-time data fusion and mission coordination across multiple domains.
“The future of modern defence systems lies in the intelligent and networked interplay of sensor technology and artificial intelligence. What connects us with Helsing is the common goal of responsibly advancing innovative technologies and thereby contributing to Europe’s capacity to act in terms of security policy,” said Oliver Dörre, CEO of Hensoldt.
Why Is the Hensoldt & Helsing Joint Effort Significant?
The two European defense technology companies aim to address evolving security challenges by delivering an autonomous aircraft capable of operating in contested, information-intensive environments while maintaining national control over system development and production. The platform is intended to meet the need to capture, process, and act on information at speed. The combined features of the sensors and Centaur enable the CA-1 Europa to perform autonomous mission execution and secure information processing at the speeds required by modern warfare.
“Our deterrence requires sovereign air superiority. 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 able to be further developed and produced by national industry champions,” said Gundbert Scherf, co-founder and co-CEO of Helsing.