Germany Builds AI Defense System With Helsing Deal
Politico says Germany is preparing a €580 million Helsing deal for AI defense software, unmanned combat aircraft, drones and satellite systems.
Germany has begun building its own national defense system combining combat aircraft, drones and satellites after the end of a joint sixth-generation fighter project with France and Spain, according to Politico.
The publication reported, citing sources, that German authorities are preparing a €580 million contract with the defense company Helsing. The deal is tied to the development and testing of software for the Combat Fighter System Nucleus.
At the same time, Germany’s Defense Ministry is concerned about relying on a single contractor for the project. The Bundeswehr also wants to avoid additional parliamentary scrutiny of the deal. The contract is divided into two parts and is planned for 2026 and 2027.
Under the agreement, Helsing is expected to deliver two experimental unmanned combat aircraft, two ground control stations and related software that can be used across the entire project, Politico reported.
Helsing was founded in 2021 and initially focused on artificial intelligence software. After the start of the conflict in Ukraine, the German company began working with Rheinmetall and Saab to help integrate AI into weapons systems.