Ukraine has paused additional orders of HX-2 strike drones from German defence technology firm Helsing after technical problems emerged during frontline testing, according to Bloomberg.
The decision followed field trials by Ukraine’s 14th Regiment, a unit specializing in unmanned aerial systems. During the tests, the HX-2 reportedly experienced repeated difficulties at launch and during operation. An internal German military presentation dated Nov. 20 and reviewed by Bloomberg said several drones failed to take off and lacked some of the artificial intelligence features promised in the system’s design.
The presentation, prepared by a unit reporting to General Gunter Schneider at the German Defense Ministry, said the HX-2 was expected to include AI-enabled terminal guidance, midcourse navigation, and visual target acquisition. However, not all of these functions were installed on the drones tested in Ukraine.
People familiar with the trials said the drones also struggled under intense electronic warfare conditions near the front line, where jamming disrupted communications between the drone and its human operator. Mechanical problems with the launch catapult further reduced reliability during deployment attempts, according to the document and people briefed on the tests.
As a result, Germany does not plan to place a follow-on order for HX-2 systems unless Ukraine formally signals renewed interest. The drones are funded by the German military and supplied to Ukraine as part of Berlin’s support package.
Helsing, Europe’s most valuable defence technology startup, said it was not aware of the German military presentation and rejected several of its conclusions. The company denied claims of a high takeoff failure rate and said Ukrainian units continue to show interest in the HX-2. Helsing added that early hit-rate data was encouraging and argued it is too soon to draw firm conclusions from limited frontline testing.
Unveiled in December 2024, the HX-2 is Helsing’s first in-house strike drone delivered to an active war zone. It features an X-wing design combining vertical takeoff with forward flight and is advertised as an AI-enabled system capable of operating at ranges of up to 100 kilometers.
The setbacks underscore the rapid and unforgiving innovation cycle of the war in Ukraine, where systems are tested under combat stress and quickly refined or abandoned as battlefield conditions evolve.
Source: Defence Blog