A German defense company has supplied almost 2,000 AI-powered HF-1 kamikaze drones to Ukraine, developed in partnership with a Ukrainian manufacturer. The drones have already been used in combat and are now part of several Ukrainian military units.
Helsing, in collaboration with Ukrainian drone maker Terminal Autonomy, has delivered 1,950 units so far. The company is also testing a more advanced loitering munition—the HX-2—in Ukraine, which is now fully produced in Germany, Ukrinform reported.
Simon Bruynes, Helsing’s Ukraine operations representative, has scheduled the delivery of another 2,050 drones. The HF-1 features AI capabilities that allow it to lock onto a target and remain on it despite enemy countermeasures in the electromagnetic spectrum.
The same technology is integrated into the HX-2, a double X-wing strike drone. This model is designed to operate in areas where GPS signals or radio communications are jammed. In such cases, it automatically returns to the last known communication point, allowing the operator to reassess and update the mission.
Growing Role in Ukraine’s Defense
In January, Germany sent an aid package that included 600 HF-1 strike drones. By February, Helsing announced plans to produce 6,000 HX-2 drones for Ukraine, underlining the growing importance of AI-powered systems in countering Russian electronic warfare.
The HX-2’s resilience against jamming and its autonomous targeting capabilities are expected to strengthen Ukraine’s frontline operations, particularly in contested areas where traditional drones struggle to function effectively.
