Germany's Helsing, HENSOLDT Team Up on Autonomous Systems for Euro CCA

The partnership will upgrade Helsing's CA-1 autonomous aircraft with HENSOLDT's sensor technologies and AI capabilities.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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German companies Helsing and HENSOLDT have announced a partnership to develop "AI-enabled combat air systems" by upgrading Helsing's CA-1 autonomous aircraft. HENSOLDT will provide sensor technologies, radar, optronics, self-protection, and electromagnetic warfare systems, as well as its Multi-Domain Operations Core software suite. The goal is to enable the CA-1 to perform autonomous missions and secure information processing.

Why it matters

This partnership combines the expertise of two German defense technology leaders to advance autonomous and AI-powered military systems, which are seen as crucial for the future of modern defense. It also contributes to Europe's efforts to bolster its security and defense capabilities.

The details

Under the agreement, Helsing's CA-1 autonomous aircraft will be fitted with the company's AI agent Centaur. HENSOLDT will integrate its sensor technologies and software suite to maximize the CA-1's capabilities in areas like radar, optronics, self-protection, and electronic warfare. The uncrewed aircraft will be able to execute autonomous missions and securely process information.

  • The CA-1 was unveiled in September 2025.
  • The CA-1 is expected to be operational within four years.

The players

Helsing

A German company developing autonomous and AI-powered defense systems, including the CA-1 uncrewed aircraft.

HENSOLDT

A German defense technology company that provides sensor technologies, radar, optronics, self-protection, and electromagnetic warfare systems.

Gundbert Scherf

Cofounder and CEO of Helsing.

Oliver Dörre

CEO of HENSOLDT.

Kongsberg

A Norwegian company that Helsing and HENSOLDT are working with to develop a European satellite constellation for Intelligence, Surveillance and Target Acquisition.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Gundbert Scherf, Cofounder and CEO of Helsing (breakingdefense.com)

“The future of modern defence systems lies in the intelligent and networked interplay of sensor technology and artificial intelligence.”

— Oliver Dörre, CEO of HENSOLDT (breakingdefense.com)

What’s next

The CA-1 autonomous aircraft is expected to be operational within four years, as Helsing and HENSOLDT continue to develop and integrate their technologies.

The takeaway

This partnership between two leading German defense technology companies demonstrates the growing importance of autonomous and AI-powered systems for the future of modern warfare. By combining their expertise, Helsing and HENSOLDT aim to contribute to Europe's security and defense capabilities.