Helsing HX-2 AI kamikaze drones deployed to Ukraine
Helsing, a German defense firm, announced the deployment of 4,000 HX-2 AI-powered kamikaze drones to Ukraine, with deliveries underway in December 2024. The autonomous drones are designed to search for and engage targets without continuous human control, though the company states a human operator can remain in the loop for critical decisions. Earlier prototypes have been tested in live-fire combat against Russian forces.
What happened
German defense firm Helsing announced delivery of 4,000 HX-2 'Karma' kamikaze drones to Ukraine in December 2024. Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated he was 'very pleased' that delivery of these AI-equipped drones was 'already underway.'
The HX-2 is an electric-propelled drone with a top speed of 136–137 mph and 62-mile range, designed to search for, re-identify, and engage targets autonomously without continuous data connection or human operator control. The company states a human operator may 'stay in the loop,' but the drones are designed to act autonomously.
Core components of the HX-2 have already been tested in live-fire combat scenarios against Russian troops earlier in 2024. The HX-2 is classified as a loitering munition designed for anti-tank and anti-structure operations.
Index analysis
Helsing co-founder Niklas Köhler stated the HX-2 'combines mass, autonomy and precision' and can 'reliably engage armored targets in highly contested environments.' Co-founder Gundbert Scherf said NATO has been eager for the technology.
Governance controls
Helsing states that a human operator always remains 'in control of critical decisions,' though the drone can seek out, re-identify, and engage targets without a signal or human operator. When paired with Helsing's Altra software, swarms of HX-2 drones can be controlled by a single human operator.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.