Helsing Unveils the CA-1 Electronic Attack

Autonomous aircraft Helsing Unveils the CA-1 Electronic Attack

2026-06-12 Source: Press release Helsing GmbH| Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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Helsing has unveiled the CA-1 Electronic Attack, an autonomous combat aircraft for electronic warfare.

The CA-1 Electronic Attack expands Helsing’s autonomous aircraft portfolio with dedicated electronic warfare capabilities for future European air operations.(Source: Helsing GmbH) — The CA-1 Electronic Attack expands Helsing’s autonomous aircraft portfolio with dedicated electronic warfare capabilities for future European air operations.
(Source: Helsing GmbH)

Helsing, Europe’s leading defence technology company, today unveiled the CA-1 Electronic Attack (CA-1EA), an AI-enabled autonomous aircraft specifically designed for electronic warfare at the International Aerospace Exhibition. It is an extension of the CA-1 Europa platform, on which Helsing is already developing an autonomous combat aircraft that will now be designated as the CA-1KA (Kinetic Attack).

To overcome modern air defence systems and destroy hostile reconnaissance systems, modern air forces require a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic effects.

In the event of conflict, opposing forces use radar systems to detect and engage combat aircraft. The CA-1EA disrupts hostile ground-based systems from the air, creating safe corridors for aircraft flying behind it so they can carry out their missions. It is irrelevant which type of combat aircraft the CA-1EA is protecting, as it can operate alongside a variety of aircraft, including unmanned systems such as the CA-1 Europa and conventional jets such as the Eurofighter.

The CA-1KA and the CA-1EA electronic warfare variant share the same airframe, propulsion system, autonomy software suite and ground control infrastructure. The key difference between the aircraft lies in the payload. This standardised design keeps production and maintenance costs low, simplifies manufacturing and facilitates operator training.

This concept enables the CA-1 platform to be further expanded, allowing it to be flexibly adapted to the requirements of European air forces.

The CA-1 Europa platform is currently under development, with the first flights of the CA-1KA attack variant planned for early 2027. The platform is being developed and manufactured by Helsing subsidiary Grob Aircraft in Southern Germany. It is the only genuinely European solution being offered to German and allied air forces. Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for the CA-1KA is planned for 2029, while the CA-1EA is scheduled to reach IOC in 2031.

Stephanie Lingemann, Vice President Air Domain at Helsing, said: “Modern air forces cannot operate without electronic warfare. Helsing has been working for years to advance this capability. The CA-1EA is the result: an unmanned system that operates within tactical range alongside the CA-1KA, while also being flexible enough to be deployed as a standalone electronic warfare platform.”

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Date: 08.12.2025

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