German AI company Helsing moves into attack drone market

Helsing’s new strike drone launch comes as the company tries to capitalise on the growing interest in autonomous weapons, the effectiveness of which has been highlighted by the war between Russia and Ukraine.

German artificial intelligence (AI) and security company Helsing has launched its first strike drone, named HX-2.

The move comes as the company attempts to take advantage of increasing interest in autonomous weapons, mainly because of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The conflict has already marked the move from conventional military equipment, such as guns, tanks and munitions, to artificial intelligence and software-based weapons.

Helsing’s new drones are expected to be used as counter-invasion shields along country borders and against hostile ground forces.

The drone can be mass-produced and is software-based, as well as swarm-capable. It has a range of up to 100km, and can be electrically-propelled. It is also capable of jamming resistance and full electronic warfare, due to sophisticated on-board artificial intelligence features.

According to the company, the drones can be manufactured at a much lower unit cost than other traditional weapon systems, because of their ability to be mass-produced, especially with sophisticated techniques such as 3D printing. The production numbers can reach into tens of thousands annually.

Several Hx-2 drones can combine into swarms and be controlled by only one human operator, when being deployed as part of the Altra recce/strike software. These drones can be used along with artillery systems, for an enhanced warfare strategy.

Helsing is attempting to sell the HX-2 drone to NATO allies, including the UK, following the drone already being used in Ukraine.

Niklas Köhler, co-founder of Helsing, said in a press release on the company’s website: “With HX-2, we are creating a new smart effector category that combines mass, autonomy and precision. Individual HX-2s can reliably engage armoured targets in highly contested environments.

“When deployed along borders at scale, HX-2 can serve as a powerful counter invasion shield against enemy land forces.”

Gundbert Scherf,co-founder of Helsing, also said in the press release: “NATO urgently requires technology to protect the integrity of the Eastern Flank. At Helsing, we’ve invested to develop this capability and give NATO an edge through precision mass.

“HX-2 is providing autonomy through software and AI, while retaining full human control and oversight. Electronic warfare had threatened to erode the ability to act, and we are giving this ability back to operators.”