Helsing Acquires Grob Aircraft to Enhance Air Combat Tech
On Friday, June 4th, European defense startup, Helsing, announced its acquisition of German aircraft manufacturer Grob Aircraft SE from its current owner, H3 Aerospace, for an undisclosed amount.
Grob Aircraft has experience in military and general aviation and is involved in flight training programs globally. Headquartered in Tussenhausen, Germany, Grob Aircraft employs around 275 people. The company’s composite aircraft technology offers lightweight, durable, and aerodynamic designs, suitable for integrating Helsing’s AI capabilities. Grob Aircraft has its own airfield and planned aircraft deliveries and training services. Helsing claims the acquisition will help make the area a center for aerospace innovation and create additional jobs for the region.
The acquisition of Grob Aircraft demonstrates Helsing's commitment to advancing AI-powered aircraft. According to Helsing, merging Grob’s expertise in composite aircraft manufacturing with Helsing’s artificial intelligence and software solutions will unlock significant potential for innovation and growth.
Helsing and Grob have previously collaborated. Helsing employed Grob aircraft in the development of its AI-powered Cirra threat-detection software used onboard combat aircraft. The companies plan to continue their collaboration to test and mature relevant hardware, software, and AI capabilities for future air combat.
“Our competencies complement each other perfectly, our growth ambitions are congruent,” Helsing Co-Founder and Co-CEO Gundbert Scherf stated in a press release, “and we are both absolutely determined to bolster Europe’s defense sovereignty.”
Despite being Europe's most valuable defense technology startup, valued at €5 billion ($5.7 billion), Helsing has faced difficulties recently. In December, the company unveiled its HX-2 strike drone, reportedly already deployed in Ukraine, and in February announced plans to build a factory in Germany to produce additional drones for the country.
However, Bloomberg reported in April that users were experiencing issues with Helsing’s flagship AI software, citing glitches and the high cost and lower effectiveness of its drones compared to alternatives. Helsing has maintained confidence in its technology, describing it as “first-in-class.”
A major strategic partnership with Rheinmetall AG, one of Europe’s largest defense firms, also fell through last year.
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