Munich-based Helsing is set to commence production of AI-powered miniature unmanned submarines in the United Kingdom, specifically designed for persistent surveillance of critical underwater infrastructure. Production will initiate at a facility in Plymouth later this year, with initial output anticipated to be in the hundreds, scaling up to thousands over time.
This project is part of a significant private investment deal worth £350 million ($476 million), which was announced in December 2024. The initiative falls under Trinity House, a bilateral agreement between the UK and Germany aimed at co-developing essential defense capabilities.
Ned Baker, the UK Managing Director at Helsing, emphasized the company’s alignment with government goals for enhancing national defenses and stimulating economic growth. He stated that the establishment of the first UK Resilience Factory will not only fulfill Helsing’s financial commitment but also bolster the country’s defenses by attracting further private investment to support the Armed Forces.
The Plymouth facility will specifically manufacture SG-1 Fathom autonomous underwater gliders, which were introduced to the public in May. These advanced gliders are equipped with the Lura software platform, allowing them to classify and localize acoustic signatures from naval platforms, demonstrating a stealth advantage over other AI surveillance models. Capable of operating at depths of 1,000 meters (3,281 feet), the SG-1 boasts an impressive endurance of three months and can reach a top speed of 3 knots (5.5 kilometers, or 3.5 miles per hour). With the capability for a single operator to remotely manage hundreds of these gliders, real-time detection, classification, and reporting of underwater threats can be seamlessly executed.
The investment in this technology is expected to generate specialized, high-value jobs in the UK, particularly in the southwest, and significantly aid in doubling the size of Helsing’s operations in the region.
UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, articulated the necessity of adapting defense spending to meet emerging threats, highlighting a commitment to increasing defense expenditure to 2.6% of GDP by April 2027. She noted that initiatives like Helsing’s establishment of the first UK Resilience Factory are integral to securing national interests and unlocking the economic potential within the defense sector, ultimately benefiting the workforce across the UK through the government’s strategic Plan for Change.
