Ukraine has paused further purchases of HX-2 strike drones from German miltech startup Helsing after problems were identified during combat tests at the front. These include difficulties with takeoff, unstable operation in electronic warfare conditions, and the absence of some of the declared AI modules.
Ukraine has paused further purchases of HX-2 strike drones from German miltech startup Helsing after problems were identified during combat tests at the front. These include difficulties with takeoff, unstable operation in electronic warfare conditions, and the absence of some of the declared AI modules.
According to Bloomberg, the relevant conclusions are contained in an internal presentation prepared for the German Ministry of Defense. The document refers to the testing of the HX-2 by a unit of the 14th Regiment of Unmanned Systems of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, where a significant part of the devices could not take off stably. It is also noted that the drones lost contact with their operators due to the influence of Russian electronic warfare equipment.
The HX-2 is positioned as a strike drone with elements of autonomous control and claimed AI functions for navigation without constant operator control. However, according to Bloomberg, some of these components were not actually integrated into combat samples. The presentation also noted that only about a quarter of the devices were able to successfully launch during field tests, in particular due to mechanical problems with the catapult.
Germany, which is financing the purchase of these drones for Ukraine, does not plan new orders until Kyiv confirms its interest in continuing the program. Helsing, however, said it was not familiar with this presentation, rejected claims about the low reliability of the HX-2 and insisted that the results of the first flights were «encouraging.» The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense refused to comment on the details of the tests.
Helsing is one of the most valuable defense startups in Europe, with a valuation of around €12 billion. The company was founded in 2021 to implement AI in military systems, and after the start of a full-scale war, it moved on to developing its own weapons. The HX-2 was the company’s first vehicle approved for combat use.
Previously, dev.ua wrote about how the investment company of Spotify co-founder Daniel Ek led a €600 million financing round in German defense company Helsing, which raised its valuation to €12 billion. Earlier, the startup announced the supply of HX-2 strike drones to Ukraine.
