The launch of Helsing’s new attack drone comes as the company attempts to capitalize on growing interest in autonomous weapons, the effectiveness of which has been highlighted by the war between Russia and Ukraine.
The German artificial intelligence (AI) and security company Helsing launches its first attack drone, called HX-2. The company is trying to take advantage of the growing interest in autonomous weapons, mainly due to the war in Ukraine. The conflict already marks a step away from conventional military equipment, such as weapons, tanks and ammunition, to artificial intelligence and software-based weapons. Helsing’s new drones are expected to be used as shields against invasions along the country’s borders and against hostile ground forces.
New generation drones that act in swarms
The drone can be mass produced and is software-based, and can swarm. It has a range of up to 100 km and can be propelled with electrical energy. It is also capable of blocking resistance and complete electronic warfare, thanks to the sophisticated artificial intelligence functions incorporated.
According to the company, drones can be manufactured at a much lower unit cost than other traditional weapons systems, thanks to their ability to mass productionespecially with sophisticated techniques such as 3D printing. Production figures can reach tens of thousands a year.
Drones that combine with artillery systems to improve war strategy
Multiple HX-2 drones can be combined into swarms and controlled by a single human operator when deployed as part of the Altra reconnaissance and attack software. These drones can be used in conjunction with artillery systems to enhance war strategy. Helsing are trying to sell the HX-2 drone to NATO alliesincluding the United Kingdom, after the drone was already used in Ukraine.
Niklas Köhler, co-founder of Helsing, said in a press release on the company’s website: “With HX-2, we are creating a new category of intelligent effectors that combines mass, autonomy and precision. The individual HX-2 can attack armored targets in highly contested environments“.
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In a post on the artificial intelligence at the service of Europe and Defense“.
Drones for border defense
“When deployed along large-scale borders, HX-2 can serve as a powerful shield against invasion of enemy ground forces,” says Niklas Köhler, co-founder of Helsing.
Gundbert Scherf, co-founder of Helsing, also said in the press release: “NATO urgently needs technology to protect the integrity of the eastern flank. At Helsing, we have invested to develop this capability and give NATO an advantage through precision mass.
“HX-2 provides autonomy through software and artificial intelligencewhile retaining complete human control and supervision. “Electronic warfare had threatened to erode the ability to act, and we are returning this ability to operators,” concludes Scherf of the Helsing company.
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