Photo: Getty Images
Ukraine halts orders for German Helsing HX-2 drones after frontline issues
Ukraine has decided to cancel additional orders of strike drones from the German company Helsing following problems during frontline testing, Bloomberg reports, citing sources.
According to an internal presentation by the German Ministry of Defense dated November 20, the HX-2 strike drone experienced takeoff problems during trials conducted by the 14th regiment of the Ukrainian Unmanned Aerial Systems unit. The presentation noted that the model, which was supposed to include AI components designed to assist with unmanned operation, lacked some of these tools. Bloomberg cited the presentation and interviews with five individuals in Germany and Ukraine familiar with the drones’ performance in the war. Three sources said Helsing drones encountered interference near the frontlines, causing a loss of connection with operators. The presentation and comments from two individuals indicated that these failures undermined demand for the drones, which are funded by the German government. Germany does not plan further orders until Ukraine expresses renewed interest, they said.
Helsing, in a statement, said it was unaware of the presentation and rejected many of Bloomberg’s conclusions, including claims that HX-2 drones had a high failure rate during takeoff. The company said several Ukrainian military units had expressed interest in the drones.
“The hit rate of the initial flights, which was officially documented, is encouraging. We are confident that HX-2 trial results will also translate into a high level of accuracy on the battlefield, including under electronic warfare conditions,” Helsing said, adding that it is too early to draw conclusions about the drones’ effectiveness on the Ukrainian frontline.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense stated it would not comment on classified information. Helsing was founded in 2021 to integrate artificial intelligence into European military systems. The war in Ukraine has shifted investor attitudes toward the company, as Europe has begun spending record sums on rearmament and new military technology development. Helsing has also pivoted toward developing AI-based hardware. Funds including General Catalyst, Lightspeed Ventures, and Accel participated in a June funding round that valued Helsing at €12 billion.
The HX-2 drones are Helsing’s first hardware to be deployed to combat zones, and their success is considered a key indicator, as the company dedicates increasing resources to developing aerial and underwater devices.
In December 2024, Helsing announced the HX-2, also known as the X-wing drone, which combines fixed wings with quadcopter propellers. It is a maneuverable missile drone capable of striking targets up to 100 kilometers away. The company reported that the system underwent combat testing with Ukrainian Unmanned Systems units and was approved for frontline use. At the time, Helsing said that “at least six Ukrainian army units submitted requests for HX-2 drones.”
In 2024, Helsing signed a contract to supply 4,000 strike drones, produced jointly with a Ukrainian company. According to the November presentation, roughly half of these HF-1 models had been delivered, with about 40% remaining in Ukraine’s stockpiles. The presentation noted that the parties reviewed the contract to supply HX-2 drones instead of another model. The HF-1, made of plywood, had been criticized in Ukraine for being too expensive and ineffective. In February of last year, Helsing announced plans to deliver an additional 6,000 HX-2 drones to Ukraine. At that time, the German Ministry of Defense said it had not committed to such an order, and Helsing did not disclose the purchaser.
Both Helsing models intended for Ukraine were to include three AI components: terminal guidance, mid-trajectory guidance, and visual target acquisition. However, according to the presentation and one source, not all AI components were installed. The presentation noted that only 25% of HX-2 drones successfully took off during frontline trials conducted by the 14th regiment. Three sources said the takeoff issues were influenced by mechanical problems with the catapult system.
Helsing denied that only a quarter of HX-2 drones passed the trials. A company spokesperson said the contract initially called for HF-1 deliveries first, followed by the more advanced HX-2. He added that less than 40% of HF-1 drones remain in Ukrainian stocks and are being used regularly. Bloomberg notes that trial failures are not uncommon. During tests in October with German and British forces, HX-2 drones successfully hit almost 100% of targets, outperforming their competitor, Stark Defence, which missed some targets due in part to software issues.
Other foreign-made drones in Ukraine have also faced criticism for effectiveness. Anduril’s Altius and Ghost drones initially struggled, with most units achieving only a 10% hit rate early in the war, the company said in November in response to media reports on failures. Both models were later significantly modified and deemed effective.
