Helsing

Background

Helsing was founded in Munich in 2021 by Torsten Reil, Gundbert Scherf, and Niklas Köhler — all with backgrounds spanning neuroscience, McKinsey, and deep tech — with the explicit thesis that software superiority, not hardware volume, will determine future battlefield outcomes. Spotify founder Daniel Ek joined as chairman through his Prima Materia vehicle.

The product line spans three domains. In air, Helsing offers Altra (reconnaissance-strike AI), Cirra (electronic-warfare AI), and Centaur (AI pilot software for manned fighters including the Eurofighter Typhoon EK and Saab Gripen). CA-1 Europa is its autonomous combat aircraft concept.

On land, the HX-2 loitering munition and HF-1 strike drone form the kinetic strike portfolio. Underwater, SG-1 Fathom and Lura deliver acoustic-processing and autonomy software for anti-submarine warfare, currently integrated with the UK Royal Navy.

Helsing routes hardware through partnerships — Rheinmetall for AI integration, Saab for Project Beyond/Centaur, Airbus Defence and Space for FCAS-related Wingman work, and Systematic for swarm-recon capabilities — while retaining the AI stack as its proprietary layer. Headcount is not publicly disclosed.

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