Helsing Debuts Advanced AI Surveillance for Underwater Operations
Both AI underwater surveillance systems can detect threats in the ocean.
European defence technology company Helsing has unveiled two new systems designed to enhance underwater surveillance and security: the Lura software platform and the SG-1 Fathom underwater glider. The announcement was made during a demonstration at HM Naval Base Portsmouth.
According to the company, the Lura platform leverages AI to detect underwater threats, offering a scalable and autonomous approach to maritime surveillance. 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.
The SG-1 Fathom is an autonomous underwater glider that operates with the Lura system to create a mobile surveillance network. Each glider can patrol underwater for up to three months, detecting and reporting threats in near real time. Helsing highlights that the system can function as a large-scale constellation of sensors, akin to satellites monitoring the oceans, and can be managed by a single operator from a maritime headquarters.
Dr Gundbert Scherf, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Helsing, emphasised the strategic importance of underwater surveillance:
“Lura detects so our navies can deter. We must harness new technologies to keep pace with the threats against our critical infrastructure, national waters, and way of life. Deploying AI to the edge of underwater constellations will illuminate the oceans and deter our adversaries, for a strong Europe.”
The SG-1 Fathom gliders are designed to be deployed in strategic areas such as the North Sea, the Baltic, and the Atlantic. Helsing stated that the system offers surveillance capabilities at 10% of the cost of crewed anti-submarine warfare patrols. The company is working with partners including Blue Ocean Marine Tech Systems, Ocean Infinity, and Qinetiq to deliver the system within the year.
Amelia Gould, General Manager of Helsing Maritime, also commented:
“To protect ourselves from increasing threats, especially underwater, we must do defence differently. The UK has a proud history of maritime innovation and must never stand still. Lura and SG-1 will form an ever-evolving mission cycle, learning from each deployment to iterate at the pace of the threat – a true 21st-century defence capability.”
The unveiling of Lura and SG-1 Fathom reflects growing interest from several navies in scalable underwater surveillance solutions, and Helsing aims to deploy the system globally as both a contracted service and a naval-operated capability.
