Helsing and HENSOLDT Unveil an AI-Piloted Combat Aircraft
On February 12, 2026, Munich-based AI defence company Helsing and sensor specialist HENSOLDT announced a strategic partnership to develop the CA-1 Europa -- an autonomous combat aircraft powered by artificial intelligence, capable of flying solo missions or operating as part of coordinated swarms.
The announcement marks a significant step in European efforts to build sovereign, next-generation air combat capability. Helsing, now valued at approximately $12 billion following its $600 million Series D round, is betting that AI-native aircraft will reshape how European air forces fight. HENSOLDT, a publicly traded German defence electronics company, will integrate its radar, optronics, and electronic warfare systems into the platform.
Joint demonstrations are planned for later in 2026, with the first flight targeted for 2027.
What the CA-1 Europa Actually Is
The CA-1 Europa is designed as a loyal wingman-class autonomous combat aircraft -- a category that sits between traditional drones and crewed fighter jets. Unlike surveillance drones that relay data back to human operators, the CA-1 is intended to make tactical decisions in flight using onboard AI.
Key design features reported so far:
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AI pilot: Helsing's core software stack, trained on simulated and real-world combat data, acts as the aircraft's autonomous decision-making system
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Solo or swarm capable: The CA-1 can fly independent missions or coordinate with multiple units in a networked swarm
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Integrated sensor suite: HENSOLDT contributes radar, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems, and electronic warfare capabilities -- giving the aircraft the ability to detect, track, and potentially jam enemy systems
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European sovereignty: Built entirely on European technology, reducing dependence on US platforms and export restrictions
This is not a paper concept. Helsing already demonstrated autonomous drone swarm capabilities in Ukraine, and its software has been operational in real combat environments. The CA-1 represents an evolution from software-only AI to a full hardware-software integrated platform.
Why HENSOLDT Is the Right Sensor Partner
HENSOLDT brings something Helsing cannot build alone: decades of experience in military-grade sensor systems. The company produces radar systems for the Eurofighter Typhoon, optronics for armoured vehicles, and electronic warfare suites used by multiple NATO nations.
For the CA-1, HENSOLDT's contribution includes:
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Active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for all-weather target detection
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Electro-optical sensors for precision identification at range
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Electronic warfare modules for self-protection and spectrum dominance
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Data fusion capabilities that feed directly into Helsing's AI decision engine
The partnership reflects a broader pattern in European defence: traditional hardware companies teaming with AI-native startups to accelerate capability development. Neither company could build the CA-1 alone in the timeline required by European governments now racing to rearm.
The Competitive Context
The CA-1 enters a crowded but strategically critical category. Several nations and companies are developing autonomous wingman platforms:
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Boeing's MQ-28 Ghost Bat (Australia/US) -- the most advanced Western loyal wingman, already flying
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Dassault's nEUROn (France/Europe) -- a stealth UCAV demonstrator
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Turkish Aerospace's ANKA-3 -- a jet-powered stealth combat drone
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China's GJ-11 Sharp Sword -- reportedly operational
What distinguishes the CA-1 is its AI-first architecture. While competitors largely adapt existing drone platforms with added autonomy, Helsing is building the aircraft around the AI from the start. The sensor integration with HENSOLDT means the AI has native access to the full electromagnetic picture, not a bolted-on data feed.
For European defence planners, the stakes are high. The EU and its member states have committed to spending over $800 billion on defence in the coming years. Autonomous air combat systems are a priority, and the CA-1 positions Europe to build its own capability rather than buy American.
The Munich Factor
It is no coincidence that both companies are rooted in Munich. The Bavarian capital has emerged as Europe's leading defence technology hub, with $1.7 billion in defence startup funding raised in Munich alone -- an 18x increase since 2020, according to Dealroom and the NATO Innovation Fund.
Helsing operates its main engineering centre in Munich alongside offices in London and Paris. HENSOLDT is headquartered in Taufkirchen, just south of Munich. The geographic proximity enables the kind of rapid, integrated hardware-software development that this partnership requires.
Munich's cluster also includes Isar Aerospace (space launch), Quantum Systems (tactical drones), ARX Robotics (ground robots), and dozens of other defence tech companies visible on our interactive European defence tech map.
What This Means for Job Seekers
The CA-1 programme will drive significant hiring across both companies and their supply chains. Helsing currently has 24 open positions on DefenceJobs.org, spanning AI engineering, systems integration, and programme management. That number is expected to grow as the programme moves from concept to flight testing.
The roles this partnership creates fall into several categories:
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AI and machine learning engineers -- building the autonomous decision-making systems that are the core of the CA-1
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Sensor and RF engineers -- integrating HENSOLDT's radar and EW systems with the AI stack
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Systems engineers -- managing the interface between hardware and software in a safety-critical application
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Flight test engineers -- a new discipline combining traditional aerospace testing with AI validation
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Programme managers -- coordinating across two major companies and likely multiple government customers
For engineers working in adjacent fields -- automotive autonomy, commercial AI, or traditional aerospace -- the CA-1 represents the kind of programme that defines careers. The combination of AI, sensors, autonomy, and military-grade reliability is a technical challenge unlike anything in the commercial sector.
Browse all AI and software roles in European defence or explore autonomous systems companies hiring across Europe.
Key Takeaways
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The CA-1 Europa is Europe's most ambitious AI combat aircraft programme, combining Helsing's AI-native software with HENSOLDT's proven sensor and electronic warfare technology
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First demos are planned for 2026 and first flight for 2027 -- an aggressive timeline that signals real urgency from both companies and their government backers
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Munich continues to consolidate its position as Europe's defence tech capital, with both partners operating from the Bavarian cluster
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Hiring will accelerate significantly in AI, sensor engineering, autonomy, and systems integration -- check open positions at Helsing for current opportunities