Resilience Conference 2024 in London brought together global leaders in defence, technology, and investment to discuss the evolving landscape of security in an increasingly uncertain world. Among the most compelling voices was Dr. Gundbert Scherf, Co-CEO of Helsing, Europe’s leading AI defence company, who joined Paul Kwan of General Catalyst in a thought-provoking discussion about innovation, resilience, and the future of defence technology.
The State of European Defence
Opening the conversation, Dr. Scherf set the stage with a sobering yet hopeful reflection on the state of European defence.
“Defence doesn’t always move quickly,” he remarked, recounting an anecdote shared by a European leader at a recent conference. The leader described a snail’s journey from Moscow to Europe, illustrating the slow pace of progress in defence. While acknowledging the slow pace of change, he underscored the urgency of adapting to a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
Dr. Scherf highlighted the stark reality that Europe is emerging from three decades of relative peace, a period he described as a “break from history.” “For 30 years, democracies faced few serious challenges, but that’s really changed,” he said, underscoring the moral imperative to act decisively in defending democratic values.
The war in Ukraine has cast a long shadow over Europe, sharpening focus on the need for innovation and resilience. As Dr. Scherf put it, “We have a war for two and a half years, and what we’ll talk about is quite serious. It takes effort and resilience from all of us.”
Helsing: A Snapshot of Progress
Founded four years ago, Helsing has emerged as a transformative force in European defence. Working with sovereign entities in the UK, France, Germany, the Eastern Flank, the company has established itself as a multi-domestic leader.
“We are the largest AI software defence company in the UK and Europe,” Dr. Scherf shared. “Our mission is to protect democracies, and we’re proud to have supported the Ukrainian Armed Forces early in the conflict.”
This mission has taken on a moral weight in light of the conflict in Ukraine, which Dr. Scherf described as a defining moment for democracies. Helsing’s involvement in supporting Ukraine reflects its commitment to defending democratic values on the global stage.
Backed by $937 million in funding, Helsing’s growth reflects both the necessity and opportunity for defence tech in today’s world. This funding has allowed the company to “deploy technology at the pace of tech rather than acquisition,” a critical distinction in an industry often hampered by bureaucracy and procurement.
Origins: A Mission-Driven Beginning
Paul Kwan highlighted Helsing’s unique founding story.
“Imagine a video game entrepreneur, a defense innovator, and an AI technologist meeting in a bar and deciding within 30 minutes to start a company,” Kwan quipped.
Dr. Scherf clarified with a smile: “It was over coffee, not drinks. But yes, we shared a conviction that democracies are worth protecting, and that technology could and should play a pivotal role.”
In 2019, this vision was contrarian. AI and software solutions for defense were nascent, and the founding team’s decision to focus on these areas—despite the absence of geopolitical catalysts like ChatGPT or the war in Ukraine—was a bold gamble.
Radical Collaboration: Primes and Governments
One of Helsing’s distinguishing strategies has been “radical collaboration” with established defence primes and government users.
“People too quickly turn to the disruptor narrative,” Dr. Scherf explained. “For us, it’s about complementing the primes. Fighter jets, for example, have lifecycles spanning decades, and you need to integrate new technology with existing systems.”
Helsing’s approach balances confidence in its unique capabilities with humility and a willingness to engage deeply with established players. This strategy has enabled the company to bridge gaps between innovation and impact, ensuring that new technologies can be effectively deployed within legacy systems.
Ethical and Sovereign Defense
The conversation turned to ethics and technological sovereignty, central to Helsing’s mission. Operating across Europe’s fragmented national boundaries, the company has embraced a multi-domestic model, ensuring its solutions are tailored to the sovereign needs of each nation while fostering collaboration.
“If you’re working on the most sensitive things, you’ve got to set up structures that allow trust,” Dr. Scherf emphasised. “The challenge of Europe’s fragmentation can become an opportunity if designed correctly.”
Lessons from Ukraine
Ukraine’s resilience and ingenuity in the face of adversity have profoundly shaped Helsing’s culture and operations. Dr. Scherf described Ukraine’s remarkable ability to adapt and innovate under pressure, from leveraging AI to improve targeting systems to scaling drone production faster than Europe could supply artillery shells.
“Ukraine has become a proving ground for defence tech,” he said. “If your technology can be deployed and add value there, it’s the ultimate test. The speed of adaptation and learning is unparalleled.”
Beyond the operational insights, Helsing’s work with Ukraine embodies a moral imperative. “Ukraine is defending all of us,” Dr. Scherf stressed. “They are on the front lines of protecting democracy, and helping them is not just a duty but a privilege.”
Unlocking Europe’s Potential
In closing, the discussion turned to the broader challenges of fostering innovation in defence. Dr. Scherf highlighted the importance of attracting world-class talent and creating “programs of record” to scale successful innovations.
“You have to lead with the mission,” he said. “People join for the mission, and they stay for it. Europe has the talent and the resources; we just need to organise them better.”
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