Strategic partnership between Hensoldt and Helsing for defense technologies

Defence cooperation Hensoldt and Helsing Join Forces for Europe's Defence

2026-02-19 Source: dpa | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

The German defence companies Hensoldt and Helsing have agreed on a strategic partnership for the joint development of defence technologies.

The first joint product of the two companies will be the collaboration on Helsing's AI-powered autonomous combat aircraft CA-1 Europa.(Image: Helsing) — The first joint product of the two companies will be the collaboration on Helsing's AI-powered autonomous combat aircraft CA-1 Europa.
(Image: Helsing)

The first joint product of the two companies will be the collaboration on Helsing's AI-powered autonomous combat aircraft CA-1 Europa, the companies announced ahead of the Munich Security Conference.

The CA-1 Europa is to be equipped with sensors from Hensoldt in the future, it was explained. The plan is to integrate technologies and sensors in the fields of radar, optronics, self-protection, and electromagnetic warfare.

Helsing and Hensoldt are already working together with the Norwegian corporation Kongsberg to establish a satellite constellation for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition for Europe by 2029.

The future of modern defence systems lies in the intelligent and interconnected interaction of sensors and artificial intelligence.

Oliver Dörre, Chairman of the Board of Hensoldt

Gundbert Scherf, co-founder and co-CEO of Helsing, described CA-1 as "an offer for credible European deterrence." He emphasised the importance of domestic arms production for the sovereignty and superiority of the armed forces.

Independent of this specific individual project, the German Aerospace Industries Association emphasised: "Germany can, in good conscience, take on a central leadership role in European defence, as we possess pronounced industrial strength," said CEO Marie-Christine von Hahn. The order situation in the German aerospace industry is noticeably picking up. "This momentum should now be consistently utilised to fully exploit the potential of our companies."

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