German drone maker Helsing to work with car parts supplier Schaeffler

German drone startup Helsing is to collaborate with automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler.

The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding at a defence summit in Berlin, aiming to expand Helsing's drone production. 

"German automotive suppliers can scale like no other industry and provide rapid support in building resilient supply chains," said Helsing co-founder Gundbert Scherf. "The collaboration with Schaeffler will enable us to achieve fast and reliable mass production."

Schaeffler chief executive Klaus Rosenfeld spoke of an important first step towards involvement in the defence sector.

"We want to contribute to strengthening Germany's defence capabilities while also creating jobs," he said.

Schaeffler is currently affected by the crisis in the automotive industry, which is one of the company's most important customers.

Helsing wants to manufacture 10,000 to 20,000 drones as early as next year, and to be in a position to build 100,000 drones. 

The Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ) newspaper reported that the cooperation will focus on three areas.

Schaeffler will take over the manufacture and procurement of important electronic components.

Another focus is on jointly securing critical supply chains, including semiconductors and raw materials, while Schaeffler will also support Helsing in the production of drones.

The first talks on cooperation are said to have taken place just eight weeks ago. Helsing told the SZ that an agreement was reached very quickly.