Helsing is a German defence-technology company headquartered in Munich, valued at around $14bn, and one of Europe's three defence unicorns (startups valued at over $1bn), alongside Quantum Systems (also German, drones) and Tekever (Portuguese, drones). It was co-founded by Gundbert Scherf, who serves as co-CEO, and Niklas Köhler. The firm focuses on applying artificial intelligence to military applications. It is increasing its investments in Britain as part of the broader Anglo-German defence relationship cemented by the July 2025 friendship treaty. In November 2025 the EU AI Champions Initiative announced a partnership between Helsing and Mistral, a French AI developer, to adapt AI models for defence and security.
The HX-2 is a drone with wings in the shape of an X and a range of 100km. Its AI systems help it attack targets, such as tanks, even if they are protected by communications-jamming technology. Helsing is also building an autonomous fighter it calls "Europa". Helsing acquired Blue Ocean, which makes autonomous submarines.
Daniel Ek, Spotify's founder, is a big investor in Helsing, leaving the firm less reliant on American venture capital. In February 2026 the budget committee of Germany's legislature cut expenditure on contracts with Helsing and Stark Defence, a rival, calling for "moderation" in defence spending. In February 2026 Germany agreed to buy attack drones worth €269m from both Helsing and Stark Defence.
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