AI-guided drones cause majority of combat losses in Ukraine war
Helsing, a German defence company, claims that AI-guided drones are responsible for 80-90% of combat losses on both sides in the Ukraine war. The company supplies the HX-2 loitering munition to Ukraine and argues that NATO defence budgets should be rebalanced to prioritize autonomous systems over conventional tanks.
What happened
Gundbert Scherf, co-founder and co-chief executive of Helsing, stated that drones are responsible for 80 to 90 percent of combat losses on both sides of the Ukraine war.
Helsing supplies the HX-2 loitering munition to Ukraine, a kamikaze drone whose flight path and engagement are guided by AI systems until a target is identified and attacked.
Reported impact
The HX-2 drone and similar loitering munitions have become the dominant weapons system in the Ukraine war, causing the majority of casualties and equipment losses on both sides.
Index analysis
Scherf attributed the dominance of drones in Ukraine to direct operational experience and transparency from Ukrainian forces about casualty statistics.
The statement challenges conventional military doctrine and suggests that budget allocation in NATO countries, including Germany's Bundeswehr, may not reflect lessons from the Ukraine conflict.
Governance controls
The Bundeswehr is conducting trials and evaluation of the HX-2 loitering munition system, though no decision on integration into standard forces has been announced in these sources.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.