Helsing, a European defence-technology firm, has introduced its latest project: the CA-1 Europa, an autonomous, uncrewed combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). According to Helsing, the full-scale design concept was revealed through its Grob Aircraft subsidiary, with plans to have a production model operational within four years.
The firm said the CA-1 Europa unites its Centaur autonomy software stack with Grob’s aircraft design and manufacturing credentials, targeting a jet in the 3–5 ton class. Helsing noted it is collaborating with aerospace partners across Europe to ensure scalability, robustness, and sovereignty within the supply chain.
Designed for multi-role operations, the CA-1 Europa is intended to fly at high subsonic speeds and execute missions either independently or in coordinated swarms. Its architecture will support modular payloads, sensor systems, self-protection measures, and mission software — all managed via an advanced software platform. Helsing will also supply a command-and-control suite to enable planning and oversight of complex autonomous operations.
Leadership at Helsing emphasized that the CA-1 Europa is a strategic step toward securing Europe’s autonomy in high-end combat aircraft capabilities. Torsten Reil, co-founder and co-CEO, stressed the risk of dependency on external technologies and the need to remain at the forefront of uncrewed combat innovation. Meanwhile, the company’s air-domain director noted that emerging combat air systems will favor attritable platforms anchored by intelligence and software.
