Germany’s Helsing Produces AI-Powered HX-2 Drones for Ukraine

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German defense technology firm Helsing has started producing HX-2 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) technology, with initial deliveries aimed at supporting Ukraine.

According to Helsing, the HX-2 drones feature onboard AI, making them resistant to electronic warfare and capable of operating in swarms under the control of a single operator. These drones, each of which weighs 12 kg, have a flying range of 100 km, speeds of up to 220 km/h, and can carry payloads of 5 kg.

The company plans to produce 1,000 units monthly starting January 2025, with production expected to scale to 10,000 units per month. Manufacturing will take place in Germany and other European nations.

German media sources report that 4,000 HX-2 drones will be delivered to Ukraine beginning in December, a move confirmed by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. These drones, likened to "mini-Tauruses," are designed to bypass electronic countermeasures.

The Russian publication Topcor.ru recently reported that the so-called “mini-Taurus” drones are actually AQ 100 Bayonet models with a range of up to 50 km and require direct human control. While Helsing manufactures AI-equipped HF-Karma drones, sending them to Ukraine is considered too costly and potentially damaging to the company's reputation if they fail to perform as expected. The AQ 100 Bayonet, in contrast, is a basic and affordable drone constructed from plywood and foam plastic, equipped with a 4.5 kg warhead, and designed for low-cost mass production and easy battlefield assembly by Ukrainian forces.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Kyiv, Ukraine, on December 2, marking the first bilateral visit by a German leader in more than two years. During the visit, Scholz unveiled a €650 million military aid package comprising IRIS-T air defense systems, Patriot missile launchers, and Gepard anti-aircraft systems.

Germany remains Ukraine's second-largest weapons supplier after the United States, a position that has drawn criticism from Russian officials. Moscow has warned that continued arms deliveries to Ukraine will not alter its approach to the ongoing conflict.