Estonian ministry, Helsing sign joint statement on AI-driven cooperation in defense tech

TALLINN - Estonia's Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur and Gundbert Scherf, co-founder and co-CEO of European defense-AI company Helsing, signed a joint statement on Wednesday to affirm a shared commitment to advancing Estonia's defense capabilities through the development and application of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

As part of this joint initiative, Helsing will expand its operations within Estonia and the Baltic region, and make significant investments in the sum of 70 million euros, including the establishment of new operational facilities, the Estonian Ministry of Defense said in a press release.

The ministry said it is dedicated to pioneering new defense technologies for the Estonian defense forces and exploring the potential of AI-enabled solutions, including software-defined reconnaissance and strike capabilities. This collaboration with Helsing's Estonian entity, Helsing OÜ, is a key step in these efforts, aligning with Estonia's strategic objective to promote national security and attract top European defense companies. The company will collaborate closely with Estonian industrial partners to provide AI-driven defense capabilities, directly supporting the ministry's strategic goals.

"The new security environment in Europe requires a determined response from governments as well as the defense industry to be ahead of the curve in developing and fielding modern defense capabilities. The decision by Helsing to locate some of its operations to Estonia is also a sign of recognition for Estonia’s dedication to strengthening national defense and providing a conducive environment for defense tech companies," Pevkur was quoted as saying.

Gundbert Scherf, the co-CEO of Helsing, said that protecting NATO's eastern flank is a mission of critical importance, while the security challenges we face as an alliance are evolving rapidly.

"Delivering robust deterrence requires not only the latest technological advancements but also strong collaboration between government and industry. We are proud to partner with Estonia, a nation that has consistently demonstrated leadership in embracing cutting-edge technologies. Together, we are committed to developing Defence AI capabilities that will strengthen the Estonian defense forces and the entire alliance," he said.

According to the joint statement, both parties will work together to explore the application of advanced AI-capabilities for the Estonian defense forces, drawing on recent lessons from global conflicts. The parties will also seek cooperation opportunities in testing new technologies.