Helsing introduces the CA-1 Electronic Attack, an autonomous combat aircraft for electronic warfare

Helsing, the leading European defence technology company, today unveiled the CA-1 Electronic Attack (CA-1EA) at the International Aerospace Exhibition, an AI-powered autonomous aircraft specifically designed for electronic warfare. It is an expansion of the CA-1 Europa platform, on the basis of which Helsing is currently already building an autonomous combat aircraft, which from now on will be designated as the CA-1KA (Kinetic Attack).

To overcome modern air defence systems and destroy adversary reconnaissance systems, modern air forces require a mix of kinetic and non-kinetic effectors.

In the event of conflict, adversary forces use radar systems to locate and target combat aircraft. The CA-1EA then jams these hostile ground systems from the air, creating safe corridors for aircraft flying behind it to carry out their missions. It does not matter which type of combat aircraft the CA-1EA is protecting; it can operate alongside a variety of aircraft, including unmanned systems like the CA-1 Europa or conventional jets such as the Eurofighter.

The CA-1KA and the CA-1EA for electronic warfare share the same airframe, propulsion system, autonomy software suite, and ground control infrastructure. The primary difference between the aircraft lies in the payload. This standardised design keeps production and maintenance costs low, simplifies manufacturing, and facilitates operator training.

This concept allows the CA-1 platform to be further expanded, enabling it to be flexibly tailored to the requirements of European air forces.

The CA-1 platform is currently in development, with maiden flights for the CA-1 Europa attack version planned for early 2027. The CA-1 platform is being developed and manufactured by Helsing's subsidiary, Grob Aircraft, in southern Germany. It is the only truly European solution being offered to German and allied air forces. Initial Operating Capability (IOC) is scheduled for 2029 for the CA-1 KA and 2031 for the CA-1EA.

Stephanie Lingemann, Vice President Air Domain at Helsing, says: "Modern air forces cannot do without electronic warfare. Helsing has been working to develop this capability for years. The CA-1EA is the result: an unmanned system that operates alongside the CA-1KA at tactical range, but can also be deployed flexibly as a standalone platform for electronic warfare."