Helsing, the European defence technology leader, has taken a bold step to bolster its underwater capabilities by announcing the acquisition of Blue Ocean, a specialist in autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). This strategic move integrates Blue Ocean’s hardware and manufacturing expertise with Helsing’s AI-driven innovations, creating a powerhouse for autonomous maritime defence solutions.
The acquisition underscores Helsing’s commitment to accelerating the development and mass production of autonomous platforms for the underwater battlespace. By combining Blue Ocean’s team and operations—spanning the UK and Australia—with its own, Helsing aims to provide democratic allies with a critical technological edge in the maritime domain. This collaboration is particularly timely as NATO and AUKUS partners face growing security challenges in the North Atlantic and other key maritime regions.
“Together with Blue Ocean, we can build an autonomous glider that provides a big leap forward to conduct underwater ISR for navies,” said Amelia Gould, General Manager, Maritime at Helsing. “The need for a smart autonomous mass-approach is clear, and this acquisition strengthens our maritime offer to Europe and AUKUS.”
The move follows Helsing’s recent launch of the SG-1 Fathom, an autonomous underwater glider that underwent successful testing at BUTEC, an underwater military test range, in July. It also aligns with Helsing’s broader expansion strategy, including the establishment of a new Resilience Factory in Plymouth as part of a £350 million investment in the UK. By integrating Blue Ocean’s capabilities, Helsing is poised to further its ambitions in AI-powered autonomous systems, reinforcing its position as a leader in defence innovation.
Mike Deeks, Group Managing Director at Blue Ocean, echoed this sentiment: “Since first meeting Helsing, we have forged a strong working relationship, bringing together our Autonomous Underwater Vehicle technology with Helsing’s impressive Edge AI processing to create a highly effective anti-submarine warfare and wide area surveillance capability. These are critical to compiling the modern common operating picture and providing border and asset protection.”
The acquisition, which is subject to court, regulatory, and shareholder approval under Australian law, represents a significant milestone in the evolution of maritime defence technology. By uniting their strengths, Helsing and Blue Ocean are not only advancing sovereign capabilities but also setting a new standard for underwater intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). This collaboration could redefine how navies operate in the underwater domain, particularly in contested regions like the North Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific.
As the defence landscape continues to evolve, this acquisition signals a broader trend: the convergence of AI, autonomy, and advanced manufacturing is reshaping the future of maritime security. By fostering deeper partnerships and investing in cutting-edge technology, Helsing and Blue Ocean are positioning themselves—and their allies—at the forefront of this transformation.