Schaeffler and Helsing Form Strategic Alliance to Mass-Produce AI-Powered Strike Drones

The German industrial giant Schaeffler, traditionally known as a leading automotive supplier, has officially announced a strategic partnership with the defense AI startup Helsing to initiate the mass production of strike drones. This collaboration aims to establish a large-scale manufacturing base for cost-effective, high-tech unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with advanced artificial intelligence. Amidst a significant downturn in the global automotive sector, Schaeffler is seeking to diversify its revenue streams by applying its precision engineering expertise to the defense industry, filling the current gap in affordable weapon systems across Europe. This is reported by NewsToday24 editorial team, citing sueddeutsche.

Under this project, Helsing will be responsible for the software architecture and AI development, enabling drones to autonomously identify targets and effectively bypass electronic warfare countermeasures. Schaeffler will adapt its existing production lines for the assembly of components and final units, utilizing mass-manufacturing techniques perfected in the automotive world. The primary focus is on the creation of "kamikaze drones" designed to operate in swarms. This transition of a major automotive supplier into the military sector underscores a significant structural shift in the German economy, where civilian technology is increasingly being repurposed to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Bundeswehr and NATO allies.

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