"Strategic acquisition". Helsing to buy Australian manufacturer of underwater drones

German defense company Helsing will acquire Australian Blue Ocean, which specializes in the production of underwater drones. About writes Reuters.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed. Helsing noted that it plans to combine Blue Ocean's hardware and production facilities with its artificial intelligence technologies.

The company emphasizes that this "strategic acquisition" will accelerate the development and mass production of autonomous underwater drones designed to protect the maritime borders of countries.

"The need for a smart autonomous mass approach is clear, and together with Blue Ocean we can create an autonomous glider that will provide a major leap forward in underwater ISR operations for navies," said Amelia Gould, CEO of Helsing's maritime division.

The deal is subject to court, regulatory and shareholder approval. According to Helsing, the relevant approvals are expected within four months.

Helsing is one of a number of European defense companies that are actively expanding their presence in the maritime sector amid rising government defense spending due to the war in Ukraine.

• In late July, Bloomberg wrote that Germany preparing military procurement for 8,500 armored personnel carriers and dozens of fighters.