Munich-based defense startup Helsing has launched Clarity, an AI-powered platform designed to process battlefield data from sensors, satellites, and drones. The system identifies potential threats and generates targeting information for human review, positioning itself as a European alternative to the US-based Palantir Maven system.
The company emphasizes data sovereignty, ensuring that military information remains under European control. This launch aligns with Germany's strategy to develop its own national AI targeting system, with a rollout scheduled for 2027 and full implementation expected by 2028. Germany has explicitly opted against using Palantir's software.
Helsing, founded in March 2021, currently offers a portfolio that includes HX-2 strike drones and CA-1 Europa aircraft. On November 4, 2026, the firm transferred ownership of its MissionOSBw source code to the German Bundeswehr, a contribution valued at €580 million.
In July 2026, Helsing secured $1.8 billion in a Series E funding round, bringing the company's total valuation to $18 billion. The firm is now positioning its technology as a trusted local partner for European governments seeking to avoid reliance on foreign vendors for sensitive military operations.
