Helsing Expands Air Capabilities Helsing buys Grob Aircraft and drives innovation in aviation and defense

Helsing drives development of next-generation air combat capabilities with acquisition of Grob Aircraft SE

Helsing, the leading European defense technology company, has signed an agreement to acquire Bavarian aircraft manufacturer Grob Aircraft SE. Together, the two companies will develop next-generation air combat technologies. Grob Aircraft's expertise as a composite aircraft manufacturer and Helsing's AI and software solutions together create significant potential for innovation and growth.

Grob Aircraft has many years of experience in military and civil aviation and is an established partner for flight training programs worldwide. Based in Tussenhausen, Germany, the company employs around 275 people and uses composite materials for lightweight, durable and aerodynamic designs that are ideal as a platform for Helsing's AI. Grob Aircraft has an airfield at its headquarters and a well-filled pipeline of planned aircraft deliveries and training.

The two companies have already worked together successfully in the past. Aircraft from Grob Aircraft served as the development platform for Cirra, Helsing's AI-supported software solution for electronic warfare. Cirra enables the real-time assessment of threat scenarios.

Together, the two partners intend to further develop hardware, software and AI solutions for the air combat of the future. The acquisition strengthens both companies equally. Helsing's focus on the areas of land, sea, air and space will benefit from Grob Aircraft's specialized expertise in the air domain - particularly with regard to the design and production of composite aircraft.

The investments planned by Helsing in Tussenhausen will create new jobs in Bavaria. The collaboration fits in seamlessly with the state government's goal of making Bavaria a hotbed of innovation in the fields of aerospace and AI.

Dr. Gundbert Scherf, co-founder and co-CEO of Helsing, said:

"With this acquisition, we are deepening our partnership with Grob Aircraft. Our companies have already worked together successfully in the past and we value and respect each other very much. Our competencies complement each other perfectly and our growth ambitions are congruent. And we are both absolutely determined to strengthen sovereignty in Europe's defense industry. As we continue to expand our expertise together, we are also advancing Bavaria as a European hub for advanced technology and innovation in defense."

André Hiebeler, Managing Partner of Grob Aircraft, said:

"Helsing's vision and technological expertise are a perfect fit for us. Helsing is a technology leader in AI and software, and we have decades of experience as a manufacturer of composite aircraft. Together, we are creating a unique partnership to redefine innovation in our sector."

Helsing acquires Grob Aircraft SE from H3 Aerospace GmbH & Co KG. The acquisition is subject to the usual regulatory approvals. All parties have agreed not to disclose the contractual terms.