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Helsing, a German company, acquires Australian underwater drone manufacturer

Helsing, a German defence startup, announced on Wednesday that it would acquire Blue Ocean, an Australian underwater drone manufacturer, in order to expand its AI powered autonomous systems for the marine sector.

Helsing said it would combine Blue Ocean's manufacturing and hardware capabilities with its artificial intelligence (AI) but did not specify a value.

Helsing said that the "strategic purchase" would allow it to accelerate plans for developing and mass producing autonomous underwater drones in order to protect maritime domains of countries.

Amelia Gould, general manager of Helsing Maritime, said: "The need for an intelligent autonomous mass-approach for navies is clear. Together with Blue Ocean, we can build an automated glider that will provide a huge leap forward for conducting underwater ISR (intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance).

Helsing says that the acquisition is subjected to approval by court, regulators and shareholders.

A spokesperson for Helsing said that the approval by the authorities was expected within four months.

Helsing has joined other European defence firms that are currently enjoying a surge of government funding as a result of the war in Ukraine and have shown interest in the maritime sector.

Thyssenkrupp, a German defence giant, is planning to spin-off its TKMS division to unlock its growth this month.

(source: Reuters)