At Europe’s largest defence exhibition, DSEI in London, Helsing and Systematic have announced a landmark partnership to deliver sovereign AI-powered swarm capabilities, seamlessly integrated with existing command and control (C2) systems. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in Europe’s digital defence industrial base, offering military leaders enhanced decision-making, precision targeting, and mass strike capabilities.
By combining Helsing’s AI-powered defence platforms with Systematic’s SitaWare C4ISR suite—already deployed by over 50 nations—the partnership aims to revolutionise the recce-strike complex. This integration will enable military forces to become instantly “drone ready,” accelerating the deployment of autonomous sensors and effectors as drone swarms. The technology will facilitate faster data exchange between drones, including ISR platforms and the Helsing HX-2 strike drone, which is currently operational in Ukraine.
“This partnership brings together two entrepreneurial and sovereign European technology companies: Systematic, the leader in interoperable battle management systems, and Helsing, at the forefront of AI-enabled reconnaissance and strike,” said Gundbert Scherf, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Helsing. “We share a mission and an ambition—to intelligently network our forces at the speed the threat situation demands. What wins wars is not individual systems, but the ability to connect them and to iterate at the speed of relevance. Together, we will deliver exactly that for Europe’s defence.”
The integration of Helsing’s AI capabilities with Systematic’s SitaWare suite will empower users to execute mission-critical tasks at unprecedented speed and scale. These tasks include developing target lists, creating plans and orders, tasking strike assets, deconflicting airspace, and delivering fused friendly and enemy force pictures. Data gathered from uncrewed systems will support a comprehensive F3EAD (find, fix, finish, exploit, analyse, disseminate) capability, allowing commanders to operate with greater efficiency and precision.
“Systematic has always been at the forefront of data delivery for military operations, with Helsing emerging as one of the major European players in AI and new technologies,” said Michael Holm, Chairman and Founder of Systematic. “As the AI age is increasing how we can use data, partnerships such as this help our users to get the most out of their systems, and the other platforms that support them. As Europe continues to invest in its own defence technological and industrial base, we are helping to improve European sovereignty, while also providing our allies and partners with advanced data solutions.”
The partnership underscores a broader trend in European defence innovation, where collaboration between tech firms is strengthening the continent’s ability to respond to evolving security challenges. By leveraging AI and autonomy, Helsing and Systematic are not only enhancing operational readiness but also reinforcing Europe’s strategic autonomy in defence technology.
As Europe continues to draw lessons from conflicts like Ukraine, this collaboration between Helsing and Systematic sets a precedent for how sovereign capabilities can be developed and deployed at scale. The integration of AI-powered swarm technologies with established C2 systems will undoubtedly shape the future of military operations, ensuring that European forces remain at the forefront of defence innovation.