German defense innovator Helsing will acquire Australian underwater drone company Blue Ocean to strengthen its position in AI-driven maritime systems. The deal, pending approval, is expected to close within four months.
By combining Blue Ocean’s hardware and manufacturing with Helsing’s artificial intelligence expertise, the company plans to mass-produce autonomous underwater drones for naval intelligence and surveillance missions. “Together we can deliver a major leap in underwater ISR capabilities,” said Amelia Gould, Helsing’s maritime general manager.
The acquisition aligns with Europe’s wider defense buildup amid the war in Ukraine, as firms such as Rheinmetall and Thyssenkrupp pursue naval expansion strategies to meet rising global demand.
