– Helsing, the leading defence AI company in Europe, has unveiled the HX-2, a new type of strike drone. HX-2 is designed from the ground up to be software-based, mass-producible, and swarm-capable – a major milestone on Helsing’s mission to strengthen the security of democracies.
HX-2 is an electrically propelled x-wing-precision munition with up to 100 km range. Advanced on-board AI enables full electronic warfare and jamming resistance, capabilities developed and tested through Helsing’s extensive experience in Ukraine. When operating as part of Helsing’s Altra recce/strike software, multiple HX-2s can assemble into swarms, controlled by single human operators.
HX-2 has been designed to be mass-producible and at significantly lower unit cost than conventional systems, thus providing a powerful complement to artillery systems. To manufacture HX-2, Helsing is ramping up production in Europe.
Niklas Köhler, co-founder of Helsing, said:
“With HX-2, we are creating a new smart effector category that combines mass, autonomy and precision. Individual HX-2s can reliably engage armored targets in highly contested environments. When deployed along borders at scale, HX-2 can serve as a powerful counter invasion shield against enemy land forces.”
Gundbert Scherf, co-founder of Helsing, said:
“NATO urgently requires technology to protect the integrity of the Eastern Flank. At Helsing, we’ve invested to develop this capability and give NATO an edge through precision mass. HX-2 is providing autonomy through software and AI – while retaining full human control and oversight. Electronic warfare had threatened to erode the ability to act, and we are giving this ability back to operators.”
HX-2 is already in production and the core technology is currently deployed in Ukraine and 4,000 are to be supplied.
The electrically-powered HX-2, which has an x-shaped main wing and tail configuration, weighs close to 26 1/2 pounds (12 kilograms), has a top speed of almost 137 miles per hour (220 kilometers per hour), and a maximum range of 62 miles (100 kilometers).
Sources: Helsing;