Munich-based defense startup Helsing is merging with its partner Blue Ocean. The company is thereby expanding its expertise in maritime technologies. Blue Ocean is an Australian marine technology specialist based in Bibra Lake. The company develops and operates autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) and has locations in the UK and Australia. Helsing aims to combine Blue Ocean’s hardware and production expertise with its own artificial intelligence. The entire team and existing locations will be retained and integrated into Helsing’s corporate structure.
Integrating AI and underwater technology
The goal of the acquisition is to accelerate the development and series production of autonomous systems for underwater space protection. This will give democratic partner nations a technological edge in the maritime domain. Helsing and Blue Ocean plan to strengthen defense capabilities in the North Atlantic and in the maritime regions of the AUKUS alliance by combining European and Australian capacity.
The transaction is part of Helsing’s strategic expansion in AI-driven defense systems. The startup recently partnered with Arx Robotics to develop “an AI-based reconnaissance and engagement system for European defense.” Previously, Helsing presented its own maritime platform with the autonomous underwater glider SG-1 Fathom. The prototype was successfully tested in July at a military testing facility. Just a few months earlier, Helsing had announced an investment of 350 million British pounds to build a new “Resilience Factory” in Plymouth, England, to create manufacturing and testing capacity for autonomous systems.
Expanding maritime capabilities in Europe and Australia
Amelia Gould, General Manager Maritime at Helsing, emphasizes:
“The need for intelligent, autonomous mass approaches is obvious. Together with Blue Ocean, we can build autonomous gliders that represent a major leap forward for underwater reconnaissance and monitoring. Blue Ocean has been an important partner for us over the past twelve months. Since we want to significantly strengthen our maritime offering for Europe and AUKUS partners, the merger is a logical next step. Together, we offer our customers a unique combination of expertise, rapid innovation, and cutting-edge technology.”
Mike Deeks, Group Managing Director of Blue Ocean, also sees the merger as a consistent further development:
“We are combining our autonomous underwater vehicle technology with Helsing’s impressive AI data processing to create effective anti-submarine and large-area surveillance capabilities. These are crucial for a modern, shared operational picture and for protecting borders and critical infrastructure.”
The acquisition is to be carried out under Australian law as a so-called “Scheme of Arrangement.” The transaction remains subject to approval by the relevant court and the Australian government.
