Lura AI is leading a quiet revolution beneath the surface of Europe’s seas. Built into Helsing’s compact SG-1 Fathom submarine, this intelligent system is reshaping how underwater threats are detected and deterred. Submarines have long been vital for stealth operations. But today, they’re being joined by agile, affordable, and fully autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). And none stands out quite like the SG-1, powered by Lura AI.
The SG-1 is small—under two meters long and weighing just 60 kilograms—but incredibly capable. Instead of using noisy propellers, it glides silently through the ocean using a smart buoyancy engine. This design helps it avoid detection and conserve energy, making it perfect for long-term undersea missions.
But what sets the SG-1 apart is its brain: Lura AI. Think of it like a language model, but for sound. Trained on years of acoustic data, Lura AI can recognise and classify the unique noise patterns of submarines, ships, and other underwater activity. Its four passive sonar sensors allow it to hear sounds that are ten times quieter than what human operators can detect—and it processes that data forty times faster.
Because it’s fully autonomous, the SG-1 doesn’t need a crew. Hundreds can be deployed at once, forming a smart, self-managing constellation of mini-subs. Each one operates independently, briefly surfaces to send data via satellite, and goes back to work. A single human operator on land can manage the entire network, reducing costs and response times.
Rapid Growth, Bold Backers: Helsing’s Defence Ambitions
Since launching in 2021, Helsing has scaled fast. In 2023, the company secured €209 million in Series B funding from General Catalyst and defence giant Saab. Less than a year later, it raised another €450 million, bringing its total valuation to €5 billion.
Helsing has built strong partnerships with top defence players, including Airbus and Rheinmetall. Its AI systems already support radar upgrades for Saab’s JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet and play a role in the next-gen Future Combat Air System. Helsing has also teamed up with Mistral AI to develop advanced “vision-language-action” models that help machines make better decisions in complex battlefield environments.
One standout deal came in June 2024, when Helsing signed a major framework agreement with Airbus. Together, they’re developing the “Wingman” project—an AI-powered drone jet designed to fly alongside crewed aircraft like the Eurofighter.
Why Lura AI Matters Now More Than Ever
Events like the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline sabotage exposed how vulnerable undersea infrastructure really is. Europe’s data cables, energy lines, and communication systems need better protection. With Lura AI, Helsing delivers a scalable and stealthy tool for that job.
European governments are taking notice. The EU’s “ReArm Europe” strategy plans to unlock €800 billion in defence funding over four years. Autonomous platforms like SG-1 Fathom are expected to play a key role in this investment surge.
Globally, Helsing faces stiff competition. In the U.S., companies like Anduril, Shield AI, and Skydio are developing their own AI-driven defence systems. Anduril’s Orca drone for the U.S. Navy, for example, handles long-range missions with minimal human input. Shield AI recently raised $240 million, pushing its valuation to $5.3 billion.
Still, Helsing’s unique focus on European sovereignty, stealth tech, and rapid deployment gives it a competitive edge. And with Lura AI at its core, it’s building the future of autonomous maritime defence—one silent mission at a time.
Dr. Gundbert Scherf, Helsing’s Co-CEO, summed it up: Lura AI helps navies detect threats early, so they can act faster. Amelia Gould, who leads Helsing’s maritime division, added that the UK’s maritime legacy must evolve. With Lura AI and the SG-1 fleet, Europe is moving from legacy systems to learning systems—where each mission improves the next.
