Helsing and Systematic Forge Partnership to Deliver Sovereign European AI-Powered Swarm Capabilities

London, 10 September 2025 – At the DSEI defence exhibition, European defence technology companies Helsing and Systematic announced a landmark partnership to equip Europe with AI-powered swarm capabilities, fully integrated with existing C2 and C4ISR systems.

Partnership Details

• Helsing contributes its AI defence platform Altra and the HX-2 strike drone, already operational in Ukraine.

• Systematic provides its proven SitaWare C4ISR suite, used by more than 50 nations worldwide.

• Together, the companies aim to enable armed forces to make faster decisions, coordinate precision mass strikes, and deploy autonomous sensors and effectors in swarm operations.

• The collaboration allows operators to handle critical tasks such as target list generation, strike asset tasking, and airspace deconfliction at unprecedented speed.

Speed and Operational Efficiency

According to the companies, the integrated system can make mission execution up to ten times faster compared to traditional setups, where a single operator controls and reviews one drone at a time. The joint system supports the complete F3EAD process – Find, Fix, Finish, Exploit, Analyse, and Disseminate – combining ISR missions with strike capabilities for end-to-end operational effectiveness.

Lessons from Ukraine

Key functions of the new platform were developed in close cooperation with Ukrainian operators. Features such as rapid mission uploads, control, target designation, and automated battle damage assessment reflect direct battlefield experience. These lessons ensure the system is optimized for modern, high-intensity conflicts.

Interoperability and Scalability

The solution is built on an open architecture, ensuring full interoperability with existing command-and-control frameworks. It supports multi-user views, permissions, and cross-platform coordination, making it scalable for larger formations and multinational operations.

Strategic Importance for Europe

• Sovereignty: The partnership strengthens Europe’s defence technological independence, reducing reliance on non-European suppliers.

• Technological Edge: AI enables real-time, on-the-edge data processing, minimizing decision-making delays and accelerating strike coordination.

• Expanded Capabilities: By combining ISR drones with the HX-2 strike platform, European forces gain a versatile toolkit for reconnaissance, targeting, and precision engagement.

Challenges Ahead

• Regulation and Responsibility: The deployment of autonomous swarms raises ongoing questions around accountability and proportionality in warfare.

• Cybersecurity: AI-powered drones must be protected against electronic warfare and hacking attempts.

• Training and Logistics: Effective use requires comprehensive training, robust logistics support, and continuous system development.

This partnership marks a significant step in building a sovereign European digital defence base. By merging Helsing’s AI-enabled reconnaissance and strike capabilities with Systematic’s battle-proven C4ISR suite, European forces will be better equipped to operate faster, smarter, and more connected on the battlefields of the future.