German defense support has begun mass production of its advanced AI-powered HX-2 "Karma" kamikaze drones, with initial deliveries to Ukraine scheduled for this month. The production follows a cooperation agreement signed in February between Ukraine's Ministry of Industry and Trade and Helsing for nearly 4,000 unmanned aerial vehicles.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed that deliveries of the AI-equipped drones are already in progress, as reported by German media outlet Bild.
The HX-2 drone features an x-shaped wing design with four electric motors and weighs approximately 12 kilograms. It can reach speeds of up to 220 kilometers per hour with a range of 100 kilometers. The drone can be equipped with various warheads optimized for different targets including armored vehicles, personnel, and structures.
A key innovation of the HX-2 is its onboard artificial intelligence system, which enables autonomous operation even when faced with electronic warfare measures. The AI allows the drone to independently search for and re-engage targets without requiring constant data connection, while maintaining human oversight for critical decisions.
The drone's sophisticated sensor package likely includes electro-optical and thermal imaging cameras in its nose section. Helsing's Altra software enables swarm control of multiple HX-2 drones by a single operator.
According to Helsing co-founder Niklas Köhler, "HX-2 combines mass, autonomy and precision" and can effectively engage armored targets in contested environments. When deployed at scale, it can serve as a defensive shield against enemy land forces.
Early prototypes have already seen combat testing against Russian forces in eastern Ukraine, with operational lessons incorporated into the final production version. The system features wireless software update capability to adapt to evolving threats and tactics.
The company states that the HX-2 is designed for cost-effective mass production compared to similar systems like the US Switchblade or Russian Lancet drones, though specific pricing details were not disclosed.