German defense technology startup Helsing is developing a fleet of advanced underwater drones, known as SG-1 Fathom, designed to operate submerged for up to three months. These uncrewed submarines aim to protect critical subsea infrastructure, such as communication cables, from potential threats, including suspected sabotage activities.
The SG-1 Fathom drones are equipped with Helsing’s proprietary AI software, Lura, which can detect and classify underwater threats by analyzing sound patterns. According to the company, Lura processes data 40 times faster than human operators and emits sound 10 times quieter than conventional systems, enhancing both detection capabilities and stealth.
Designed for scalability, a single operator can manage hundreds of these drones simultaneously, allowing for extensive monitoring of underwater regions. While each drone has a limited detection range, their collective deployment compensates for this limitation. However, experts have noted potential vulnerabilities to electronic jamming, which could affect navigation systems.
Helsing’s initiative aligns with broader European efforts to bolster underwater infrastructure security. The drones have undergone testing at a naval base in southern England and are expected to be operational within a year. This development reflects a growing emphasis on leveraging AI and autonomous systems to address emerging maritime security challenges.