Helsing, the European defence tech powerhouse, is diving deeper into maritime autonomy with the acquisition of Blue Ocean, a specialist in autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). This isn’t just another tech buyout—it’s a strategic play to merge Blue Ocean’s hardware and manufacturing muscle with Helsing’s AI prowess, creating a formidable force in underwater autonomy.
The move is about more than just scaling up production. It’s about accelerating the development of autonomous platforms to dominate the underwater battlespace. With Blue Ocean’s operations staying put in the UK and Australia, Helsing is positioning itself as a key player in safeguarding critical maritime zones—think the North Atlantic and the AUKUS alliance.
This isn’t Helsing’s first splash in maritime autonomy. Earlier this year, it unveiled the SG-1 Fathom, an autonomous underwater glider that aced its tests at the British Underwater Test and Evaluation Centre (BUTEC). Throw in a £350 million investment in a new Resilience Factory in Plymouth, and you’ve got a company dead set on leading the charge in AI-driven maritime defence.
Amelia Gould, General Manager, Maritime at Helsing, nails it: “The need for a smart autonomous mass-approach is clear, and together with Blue Ocean we can build an autonomous glider that provides a big leap forward to conduct underwater ISR for navies.” Blue Ocean’s tech, combined with Helsing’s AI, isn’t just about surveillance—it’s about building a smarter, faster, and more effective underwater ISR capability for navies.
Mike Deeks, Group Managing Director at Blue Ocean, echoes this sentiment: “Since first meeting Helsing we have forged a strong working relationship bringing together our Autonomous Underwater Vehicle technology with Helsing’s impressive Edge AI processing to create a highly effective anti-submarine warfare and wide area surveillance capability. These are critical to compilation of the modern common operating picture and providing border and asset protection.”
This isn’t just a partnership—it’s a full-scale integration. Blue Ocean’s hardware expertise and manufacturing know-how, combined with Helsing’s AI capabilities, could reshape the maritime autonomy landscape. The acquisition is a clear signal that Helsing is serious about dominating the underwater domain, and it’s not just about defence. It’s about giving democratic allies a technological edge in an increasingly contested maritime environment.
The real question is, how will this move shake up the industry? Will other defence tech firms follow suit, or will Helsing’s bold play set a new standard for maritime autonomy? One thing’s for sure—this isn’t just a game-changer for Helsing and Blue Ocean. It’s a wake-up call for the entire sector.