Germany Ruled Out Palantir in April. Helsing's Rival Software Faces 30 Offers and a 2027 Prototype
Palantir's exclusion made sovereignty a condition of entry in Germany's military-AI contest. Helsing must now show what combat experience adds, how its software connects to NATO's Maven and whether it can meet a 2027 prototype date.
Palantir's exclusion made sovereignty a condition of entry in Germany's military-AI contest. Helsing must now show what combat experience adds, how its software connects to NATO's Maven and whether it can meet a 2027 prototype date.
Helsing's targeting software arrives in a German contest whose first decision was taken in April, when Vice Adm. Thomas Daum ruled out Palantir. European origin now gets a bidder through the door and no further. Helsing's case will turn on what its combat experience in Ukraine contributes, on how a national system exchanges data with the Maven installation NATO already runs, and on a Bundeswehr prototype due in the second quarter of 2027.
Berlin, Nov. 11
Helsing will present AI-based military targeting software in Berlin on Wednesday, Nov. 11, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing the invitation. The agency's account carried no product name, technical specifications or customer.
The invitation called it "crucial that we be able to conduct precise reconnaissance, make the right decisions in the face of uncertainty, and act with precision on the battlefield, with autonomy and without dependencies: from Europe and for Europe".
The Bundeswehr has made clear that it will not, for now, buy Palantir's Maven Smart System, the software NATO's military headquarters and several member states use. Daum, the inspector of Germany's Cyber and Information Domain, gave the reason earlier this year: "Allowing industry personnel access to national German datasets is out of the question."
Germany aims to introduce its own AI system from 2027, with full implementation in 2028. Daum told Handelsblatt in September that the military was evaluating offers from 30 companies, most of them German, with France's ChapsVision among the foreign candidates. He expected a prototype in the second quarter of 2027 and a complete alternative to Palantir by mid-2028. No supplier has been chosen, so Helsing presents its product before a procurement decision and after the buyer has set the timetable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Helsing presenting on Nov. 11?
AI-based military targeting software, shown in Berlin. Reuters, citing the invitation, reported no product name, technical specifications or customer ahead of the event.
Why is Palantir not in Germany's contest?
Vice Adm. Thomas Daum, the Bundeswehr's inspector for the cyber and information domain, told Handelsblatt in April that he did not see a Palantir contract happening. He said giving industry personnel access to national German datasets was out of the question.
When does Germany expect its own system?
Daum said in September that he expects a prototype in the second quarter of 2027 and a complete alternative to Palantir by mid-2028. No supplier has been chosen.
Who else is competing?
Daum described offers from 30 companies, most of them German, with France's ChapsVision among the foreign candidates. In April, Anadolu reported a shortlist of Almato, Orcrist and ChapsVision for the planned military cloud and AI project.
Does NATO use Palantir's Maven?
Yes. NATO acquired Maven for Allied Command Operations at SHAPE in March 2025 and declared full technical operational capability on June 22, 2026. Germany and France have not adopted it for their own forces, Euronews reported.
AI-generated summary, reviewed by an editor. More on our AI guidelines.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.