Helsing said the CA-1 Europa platform is already being developed as an autonomous combat aircraft. That kinetic attack version will now be designated CA-1KA, while the new electronic warfare variant will be known as CA-1EA.
The company said modern air forces need a mix of kinetic and non-kinetic effectors to overcome modern air defence systems and destroy adversary reconnaissance systems. In a conflict, hostile forces use radar systems to locate and target combat aircraft.
The CA-1EA is intended to jam hostile ground systems from the air. Helsing said this would create safe corridors for aircraft flying behind it to carry out their missions.
The company said the CA-1EA can operate alongside different types of combat aircraft. These include unmanned systems such as the CA-1 Europa and conventional jets such as the Eurofighter.
The CA-1KA and CA-1EA share the same airframe, propulsion system, autonomy software suite and ground control infrastructure. Helsing said the main difference between the aircraft is their payload.
The standardised design is intended to keep production and maintenance costs low. It is also intended to simplify manufacturing and operator training.
Helsing said the approach allows the CA-1 platform to be expanded further. The company said the platform can be flexibly tailored to the requirements of European air forces.
The CA-1 platform is currently in development. Maiden flights for the CA-1 Europa attack version are planned for early 2027.
The platform is being developed and manufactured by Grob Aircraft, Helsing’s subsidiary in southern Germany. Helsing described it as the only truly European solution being offered to German and allied air forces.
Initial Operating Capability is scheduled for 2029 for the CA-1KA. For the CA-1EA, Initial Operating Capability is planned for 2031.
“Modern air forces cannot do without electronic warfare. Helsing has been working to develop this capability for years,” said Stephanie Lingemann, Vice President Air Domain at Helsing.
“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,” Lingemann said.
