- Press Release
- 12. Feb. 2026
HENSOLDT and Helsing join forces for autonomous combat aircraft CA-1 Europa
Leading European companies will work together to develop autonomous combat air systems
London, 12 FEB 2026: HENSOLDT and Helsing, two leading European defence technology companies, have signed a strategic partnership to develop AI-enabled combat air systems. The collaboration will advance modern defence technologies within a sovereign European technology architecture and strengthen the security of Western democracies at a time of significant geopolitical change.
The first joint initiative will focus on Helsing’s AI-enabled autonomous combat aircraft, the CA-1 Europa, designed to enhance Europe’s defence capability and technological leadership.
Helsing's CA-1 Europa will be equipped with advanced HENSOLDT sensor technologies, integrating radar, optronics, self-protection and electromagnetic warfare systems. HENSOLDT’s software suite, MDOcore (Multi-Domain Operations Core), will serve as the digital backbone for multi-domain data fusion, networking and mission coordination. Combined with Helsing’s AI agent, Centaur, the uncrewed aircraft will be capable of autonomous mission execution and secure information processing.
The partnership will meet the needs of a rapidly evolving security environment. Modern military systems must capture, process and act on information at speed. The combination of high-performance sensors and AI-driven software is critical to improving adaptability, resilience and operational efficiency. Both companies are committed to ensuring technological sovereignty through the development of European solutions.
HENSOLDT brings extensive experience in AI-enabled sensor systems and data fusion across air, land, sea, space and cyber domains. Helsing contributes advanced AI capabilities, including autonomous flight control, networked operations and the ability to process large volumes of data independently. Each partner will lead within its core area of expertise.
Beyond the air domain, HENSOLDT and Helsing are already collaborating with Norway’s Kongsberg on a sovereign European satellite constellation for Intelligence, Surveillance and Target Acquisition (IST), supported by a fully networked communications layer planned by 2029.
In the coming months, the companies will prepare their first joint demonstrations, working closely with customers and partners to test new technologies and transition them into operational use.
Oliver Dörre, CEO of HENSOLDT: "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."
Dr. Gundbert Scherf, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Helsing: "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. The partnership between Helsing and HENSOLDT is a joining of forces of two national champions. We are united by a commitment to massive investments in future technologies."
