tech

Helsing lands Germany's €580M combat-cloud contract

Germany is quietly building its own brain for future air warfare, and it wants Helsing to write the code. Berlin is lining up a €580mn contract for the Munich AI firm. The software would link fighters, drones, satellites and sensors, according to documents seen by Politico.

Helsing lands Germany's €580M combat-cloud contract

TL;DR

  • Germany is preparing a €580 million contract for AI firm Helsing to develop software for future air warfare.
  • The software, part of the Combat Fighter System Nucleus (CFSN), will link various assets like fighters, drones, and sensors.
  • This initiative is a national effort following the collapse of the joint Franco-German Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project.
  • Helsing will develop experimental uncrewed aircraft, control systems, and operating system software.
  • The deal involves a national security exemption to bypass a standard EU tender process.
  • Helsing, founded in 2021, is a rapidly growing European tech firm with existing defense products.