In a decisive move reflecting Europe’s shifting defence landscape, Helsing has secured a monumental €600 million in Series D funding, achieving a valuation of €12 billion. This pivotal moment signals Europe’s renewed commitment to technological sovereignty and marks Helsing’s emergence as the continent’s foremost leader in advanced defence innovation.
The Series D round, led prominently by Daniel Ek’s Prima Materia, with further participation from industry giants Saab, Accel, Lightspeed Ventures, Plural, General Catalyst, and new investors BDT & MSD Partners, underscores growing international confidence in Europe’s strategic defence initiatives.
Historically, Europe’s defence sector has lagged behind major global competitors, particularly the United States and China, in autonomous and AI-driven capabilities. However, recent geopolitical pressures—most notably Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and escalating strategic competition with China—have reshaped European perspectives on defence autonomy. This transformation necessitates substantial investment in cutting-edge technologies to ensure Europe’s security resilience and strategic independence.
Helsing’s technological portfolio, encompassing AI-driven solutions for unmanned aerial systems, autonomous fighter aircraft, strike drones, and underwater gliders, positions it uniquely to provide cross-domain defence capabilities essential for contemporary and future warfare environments. This comprehensive approach addresses Europe’s historical fragmentation in defence capabilities, delivering the integration crucial to future-proofing Europe’s strategic autonomy.
Daniel Ek highlighted the urgency and significance of Helsing’s mission, emphasizing that investing in technological sovereignty is no longer optional but essential. “Helsing is uniquely positioned with its AI leadership to deliver critical capabilities across all defence domains,” Ek noted. His statement reflects broader European recognition of AI, autonomy, and precise, scalable defence solutions as cornerstones for credible deterrence and effective defence operations in the modern geopolitical landscape.
Today’s substantial funding round, building upon Helsing’s earlier €450 million Series C in 2024, emphasizes Europe’s ambition to assert itself as a significant global defence technology actor. With such robust financial backing and strategic vision, Helsing’s ascendancy symbolizes a broader European resolve to reclaim its strategic autonomy and actively shape global security dynamics.
The message from Helsing’s latest achievement is clear: Europe has officially entered the global defence arena prepared to lead, not merely participate.
Katerina Urbanová
Source: Helsing
Photo credit: Helsing
