Helsing Unveils Lura: Ai Submarines To Guard Europe'S Undersea Assets
Helsing launches Lura, an AI system on SG-1 Fathom mini-subs, to protect underwater infrastructure, operating in GPS-denied environments. Valued at ~"5" billion after hefty funding, it partners with Airbus and others, planning 2025 European deployment.
It uses a large acoustic model to classify and localise sounds made by ships and submarines with increased sensitivity and speed. Helsing claims that Lura can detect acoustic signatures that are up to ten times quieter than traditional models, operating at speeds up to 40 times faster than human operators .
A single operator can task and monitor hundreds of gliders from a Maritime Headquarters, receiving accurate intelligence at 10% of the cost of ...
Protecting Europe's Critical Undersea Infrastructure Depends on Coordination and Collaboration. Commentary. Jun 18, 2025.
European defense technology company Helsing has introduced Lura, an artificial intelligence-powered system integrated into a fleet of autonomous mini-submarines designed to monitor and deter threats to critical underwater infrastructure. The technology, unveiled as a response to perceived vulnerabilities in maritime cables, pipelines, and coastal zones, represents an application of AI in real-time subsurface surveillance.
Lura functions as a large acoustic model, leveraging extensive datasets of subsurface sound to identify vessels through passive sonar. This system is embedded within the SG-1 Fathom, an autonomous underwater vehicle measuring 1.95 meters in length and weighing 60 kilograms. The SG-1 is propelled by buoyancy engines rather than conventional propellers, a design choice aimed at reducing acoustic signatures. This configuration is stated to enable stealth surveillance capabilities, achieving operational speeds an order of magnitude greater and acoustic levels 40 times lower than human-operated systems, particularly in Global Positioning System (GPS)-denied environments.
The operational model for Lura involves the deployment of multiple SG-1 vehicles as a networked constellation. Each SG-1 unit is engineered to periodically surface for brief intervals to transmit acquired data via satellite. This distributed operational framework is projected by Helsing to enable a single operator to manage hundreds of these autonomous vehicles, thereby reducing operational costs by up to 96% when compared to traditional manned patrols.
Helsing's development of Lura and the SG-1 Fathom has been supported by significant financial backing. The company has secured a €209 million Series B funding round, augmented by a €450 million strategic investment, bringing its valuation to approximately €5 billion.
The initiative aligns with broader European defense strategies. Helsing maintains collaborative partnerships with established defense contractors, including Airbus, Saab, and Rheinmetall, and with the AI research company Mistral AI. Lura’s technical capabilities are presented as complementary to existing EU and NATO defense planning structures, notably the European Union’s €800 billion "ReArm Europe" initiative. Helsing has stated its intent to commence live operational deployments of SG-1 fleets across European waters beginning in 2025. This development signifies a shift towards integrated artificial intelligence networks for maritime defense purposes.
🛡 Helsing unveils AI mini-sub Lura to protect Europe’s underwater infrastructure
European defence startup Helsing has launched Lura — an AI-powered system inside a fleet of autonomous mini-subs designed to track, detect, and deter threats to cables, pipelines, and coastal waters in real time.
🔍 AI below the surface • Lura is a large acoustic model, trained on decades of subsurface sound data to identify vessels with passive sonar. • Integrated into the SG-1 Fathom — a 1.95m, 60kg autonomous sub powered by buoyancy engines instead of propellers. • Capable of stealth surveillance 10x quieter and 40x faster than humans, operating in GPS-denied zones.
📊 A scalable European security network • Fleets of SG-1s can form a constellation of subs, each surfacing briefly to transmit data by satellite. • One operator can oversee hundreds of vehicles, slashing costs vs manned patrols by up to 96%. • Initial funding includes €209M Series B and €450M strategic round — valuation now ~€5B.
🫱 Expanding defence partnerships • Collaborates with Airbus, Saab, Rheinmetall, and Mistral AI. • Lura’s tech complements EU/NATO defence plans, including the EU’s €800B “ReArm Europe” initiative. • Aims to deploy SG-1 fleets for live operations across EU waters starting 2025.
With Lura and the SG-1, Helsing isn’t just protecting Europe’s coasts — it’s building an underwater AI network to reshape maritime defence from the deep up.
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It uses a large acoustic model to classify and localise sounds made by ships and submarines with increased sensitivity and speed. Helsing claims that Lura can detect acoustic signatures that are up to ten times quieter than traditional models, operating at speeds up to 40 times faster than human operators .
A single operator can task and monitor hundreds of gliders from a Maritime Headquarters, receiving accurate intelligence at 10% of the cost of ...
Protecting Europe's Critical Undersea Infrastructure Depends on Coordination and Collaboration. Commentary. Jun 18, 2025.
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