Helsing is a European defense technology company that builds AI software and increasingly hardware to strengthen the deterrence and defense capabilities of democratic nations. Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Munich, the company focuses on fusing data from sensors such as cameras, radar and infrared across drones, vehicles and soldiers, then applying AI to detect threats and support real-time battlefield decision-making.
Its software portfolio spans the Altra battlefield-management platform, the Lura system for electronic warfare, and Cirra electronic-warfare AI. Helsing has also moved into hardware, developing the HX-2 loitering munition, the SG-1 Fathom autonomous underwater surveillance drone, and the CA-1 Europa unmanned combat aerial vehicle concept. The company emphasizes resilient autonomy that can operate in GPS-denied and contested environments.
Helsing has become one of Europe's most valuable startups. It raised a roughly 600 million euro Series D in 2025 and, per 2026 reporting, has been raising approximately 1.2 billion dollars at an 18 billion dollar valuation, with backers including Prima Materia (Daniel Ek), Lightspeed and Dragoneer. Notable engagements include a contract with Saab to integrate Cirra into the Eurofighter's Arexis EW suite and a Bundeswehr framework for HX-2 munitions. Helsing positions itself as a sovereign European alternative in defense AI, working closely with national militaries across the continent.