Overview

• The full‑scale CA‑1 Europa design study was revealed at Helsing’s Grob Aircraft site in Bavaria, with development and testing underway at the facility the company acquired in June.
• The three‑to‑five‑ton, high‑subsonic jet is designed for modular payloads, internal weapons carriage, and operations either singly, as a loyal wingman, or in swarms for roles including reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and deep strike.
• CA‑1 will be natively controlled by Helsing’s Centaur AI pilot, which the company previously demonstrated taking full control of a Saab Gripen E during beyond‑visual‑range trials.
• Helsing projects initial operations within roughly four years and claims unit costs at a fraction of modern fighters, while keeping engine choice, payload specifics, and precise pricing undisclosed.
• Reporters note strong visual and dimensional similarities to Boeing Australia’s MQ‑28 Ghost Bat as CA‑1 enters a crowded European market that also features Airbus/Kratos XQ‑58A efforts and other CCA‑type partnerships.