Helsing to Acquire Australian Underwater Drone Manufacturer Blue Ocean
The German company Helsing, known for supplying drones to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has announced plans to acquire the Australian underwater drone manufacturer Blue Ocean. This deal is expected to contribute to the development of autonomous platforms for maritime defense.
Helsing and Blue Ocean plan to combine their technological capabilities for the faster development of autonomous maritime systems. This will provide democratic allies with a technological edge in the maritime domain. The acquisition includes the integration of Blue Ocean’s hardware and manufacturing capabilities with Helsing’s software solutions and artificial intelligence. The companies also intend to integrate their teams and operational processes.
Amelia Gould, General Manager of Helsing’s Maritime Division, emphasized the importance of creating autonomous underwater vehicles for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR). According to her, the need for intelligent autonomous systems is evident.
Helsing currently supplies HF-1 and HX-2 kamikaze drones to Ukraine, capable of operating at a distance of up to 100 km. The company is also actively testing its platforms with several European countries and collaborating with Mistral. Expanding into the underwater segment reflects a general trend among defense firms to diversify solutions across different environments, from aerial to underwater.
| Company | Country | Main Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Helsing | Germany | Drones, AI-based solutions |
| Blue Ocean | Australia | Underwater drones |
