AI News

Reuters • Maria Rugamer

Helsing transfers combat-system software source code to German military procurement agency

German defense AI firm Helsing has handed Germany’s military procurement agency the source code for a mission operating system designed for future combat drones and other air-warfare systems. The transfer gives the government ownership of software that has traditionally remained with industry, shifting control over a foundational element of future military platforms.

2026-11-04T02:04:22.689949-08:00

AI

Recent Coverage

Helsing transfers combat-system software source code to German military procurement agency

German defense AI firm Helsing has handed Germany’s military procurement agency the source code for a mission operating system designed for future combat drones and other air-warfare systems. The transfer gives the government ownership of software that has traditionally remained with industry, shifting control over a foundational element of future military platforms.

2 sources Bookmark this story

Germany commissions MBDA to demonstrate an airborne laser weapon for combat aircraft

Germany’s BAAINBw has contracted MBDA Deutschland to build a demonstrator addressing the challenges of integrating a directed-energy weapon onto a tactical aircraft. The initiative is intended to lay groundwork for a Luftwaffe capability to engage drones and cruise missiles; the reports do not specify a platform, schedule or weapon performance.

6 sources Bookmark this story

Breaking Defense

High activity

Saab flight-tests in-house AI agent on Gripen E for beyond-visual-range combat

Saab says it has flight-tested an internally developed AI agent aboard the Gripen E, validating its performance in simulated beyond-visual-range combat scenarios. The agents are trained for multiple air-combat tasks and are being developed for crewed and uncrewed aircraft, with Saab targeting possible operational deployment within months.

20 sources Bookmark this story

United pairs defensive AI with Starlink rollout, targeting fleetwide Wi-Fi by end of 2027

United Airlines is deploying defensive artificial intelligence and strengthening cybersecurity operations as it expands in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity across its fleet, CISO Deneen DeFiore said. The rollout is expected to reach the entire fleet by the end of 2027; the report does not specify the AI systems or cybersecurity measures involved.

1 source Bookmark this story

Former SpaceX engineer leads Shield AI’s vertical-landing X-Bat fighter effort

Shield AI is developing the X-Bat, a vertical-landing combat aircraft, under the leadership of a former SpaceX engineer. The project places the company among efforts to shape next-generation combat aviation, where autonomous operations and unconventional aircraft configurations are emerging features of future fighter concepts.

1 source Bookmark this story

Create a free account to see more recent AI stories and keep bookmarks in one place.