Helsing plans drone factory near Munich in Hallbergmoos

Cosmopolitan city with high-tech Helsing builds resilient drone factory in Munich

2026-03-28 Source: Süddeutsche Zeitung | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

As other media, such as dpa, have already reported, the drone specialist Helsing wants to build a new plant near Munich to be prepared for all eventualities.

The start-up Helsing, which actually specialises in conventional combat drones, is gearing up for future military orders with plans for a new plant near Munich. Perhaps the new CA-1 UAV AI fighter aircraft (pictured) will also be scurrying out of the factory gates there in the future.(Source: Helsing) — The start-up Helsing, which actually specialises in conventional combat drones, is gearing up for future military orders with plans for a new plant near Munich. Perhaps the new CA-1 UAV AI fighter aircraft (pictured) will also be scurrying out of the factory gates there in the future.
(Source: Helsing)

cThe drone manufacturer Helsing is apparently about to make a 3-digit million investment in a new factory. The factory is to be built near Munich Airport. Helsing has already purchased a plot of land measuring around 25 hectares in the municipality of Hallbergmoos for this purpose. The next step is to draw up the corresponding development plan. The land has been secured in order to have an option up its sleeve so that Helsing can expand its production if necessary. At least that's what Helsing's head of Germany Wolfgang Gammel said. However, according to Gammel, it has not yet been decided when construction will take place and what will actually roll off the production line there in terms of armaments systems. Nor how many jobs can be offered. According to Gammel, this depends on further developments and further orders from the defence sector. Incidentally, the company, which was founded in 2021, is one of the most valuable German start-ups with a valuation of twelve billion euros.

Autonomous AI fighter aircraft to take off for the first time in 2027

As already mentioned, Helsing is known for its AI combat drones, which are being used in Ukraine. The company also builds underwater reconnaissance drones. One focus is on controlling the machines using artificial intelligence. Helsing is also working on the development of an autonomous AI fighter aircraft. Gammel confirms: "Next year is the first flight, so we are right on schedule!" According to him, the site in Hallbergmoos is to become a so-called "resilience factory". This means that it should remain functional in the event of an attack on Germany. The project is supported by the state government. Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger is also pleased that Bavaria was able to prevail in a nationwide location ranking with many others. And the mayor of Hallbergmoos, Benjamin Henn, welcomes the planned establishment: "This is important for us as a community and a considerable technological gain for the entire region." Of course, projects like this immediately bring out the critics, who will soon be presenting their arguments at a citizens' meeting.

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