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Helsing, a German defense company has recently announced plans to manufacture 6,000 of its cutting-edge HX-2 strike drones for Ukraine, assisting the country with its ongoing war with Russia. The company has also completed its first “Resilience Factory” in southern Germany, dedicated to mass-producing these advanced munitions. This new production facility is a crucial step in Helsing’s strategy to enhance Europe’s sovereignty in drone manufacturing, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The HX-2 strike drone, which was revealed late last year, represents a new frontier in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) designed for modern warfare. These drones are equipped with onboard artificial intelligence (AI), which enables them to operate autonomously in swarms, resist electronic warfare measures, and carry out precise strikes. With a range of up to 100 kilometers, the HX-2 is built to navigate contested environments for long distances, where traditional drones might face disruptions.
Helsing’s facility in southern Germany, which boasts an initial monthly production capacity of over 1,000 drones, is the first of several planned “high-efficiency production” plants across Europe. These facilities are designed to scale up rapidly in response to conflict, with the potential to produce tens of thousands of units, meeting the high demand for unmanned systems in modern combat.
In addition to the HX-2 strike drones, Helsing is also fulfilling a previous order from Ukraine for 4,000 of its HF-1 attack drones, which are currently in the process of being delivered. The HX-2’s design prioritizes mass production at a significantly lower unit cost than traditional systems, making it an affordable yet powerful solution to address the increasing reliance on drone technology in contemporary land warfare.
As drone warfare continues to evolve, Helsing’s new production capabilities and innovative drone designs promise to play a key role in shaping the future of military operations in Ukraine and beyond.
