Germany’s Helsing to buy Australian underwater drone firm Blue Ocean

German defence startup Helsing announced plans to acquire Blue Ocean, an Australian manufacturer of underwater drones, as part of its strategy to expand into AI-powered maritime defense systems.

Helsing did not disclose the deal’s value but said Blue Ocean’s hardware and production expertise will be integrated with its own artificial intelligence technology to accelerate the development and scaling of autonomous underwater drones.

The company described the deal as a “strategic acquisition” that will enable faster deployment of autonomous gliders designed for naval intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). “The need for a smart autonomous mass-approach is clear,” said Amelia Gould, Helsing’s maritime general manager.

The acquisition remains subject to court, regulatory, and shareholder approval, expected within four months.

The move comes amid growing European defense investments driven by the war in Ukraine. Other German firms, including Rheinmetall and Thyssenkrupp, are also expanding their naval operations through acquisitions and spinoffs.