Referendum: Residents vote in favor of drone manufacturer Helsing's factory

The Bavarian municipality of Hallbergmoos has given the green light to defense contractor Helsing, a manufacturer of military drones, to establish a facility in the community. In a local referendum, 59 percent of residents voted in favor of the municipality creating the necessary planning regulations for a defense technology site, with 41 percent opposing the project.

Bavaria's Minister of Economic Affairs, Hubert Aiwanger, welcomed the decision, stating it demonstrates that the community recognizes both the significant economic opportunities and the responsibility to strengthen Germany's defense capabilities. The planned site in the Freising district aims to integrate research, software development, and industrial production, with expectations of creating more than 300 jobs. Construction of the defense center is slated to begin next year.

Helsing plans to invest a three-digit million euro sum in a new factory near Munich Airport. The company is known for producing combat drones, some of which are deployed in Ukraine. A key focus for Helsing is the development of AI-driven drone control systems. Last year, Helsing acquired the German aircraft manufacturer Grob. Under the project title "CA-1 Europa," Helsing intends to develop an unmanned combat aircraft at the Grob facility in Tussenhausen over the coming years.

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It shows that the big economic opportunities and our responsibility to strengthen Germany's defense capability have been recognized in the community.