German HX-2 Drones See Combat Use in Ukraine, Despite Earlier Setbacks

Ukrainian forces are increasingly deploying German-made HX-2 loitering munitions, or “kamikaze drones,” along multiple frontline sectors, according to recent reports. The drones, produced by Helsing, are designed for precision strikes against armored vehicles, artillery, and military infrastructure at ranges up to 100 kilometers. This comes after reports of setbacks and a pause in recent orders earlier this year.

HX-2 in Action: Reports from the Front Lines

Russian forces have reported being struck by HX-2 drones, with claims that the drones are targeting support elements, such as repair crews and road network installation teams, in rear areas. According to a report from Militarnyi, Russian military personnel have shared images on social media showing debris identified as remnants of HX-2 drones. The drones are reported to “glide towards the target, making them difficult to detect acoustically,” and employ a “follow-up guidance” system while disabling video transmission during the final attack phase. [Defence Blog]

Helsing and the HX-2: Development and Deployment

The HX-2 was publicly introduced in late 2024 as a one-way attack unmanned aerial system. Helsing announced plans to ship an additional 6,000 HX-2 drones to Ukraine in February 2025, but Ukraine subsequently paused new orders due to performance issues. [Bloomberg]

The drones utilize artificial intelligence (AI) for high autonomy and can operate in swarms. The HX-2 is equipped with a warhead weighing several kilograms. [Militarnyi]

Earlier Concerns About Performance

Recent data from Ukraine deployments indicated the HX-2 drones successfully reached their targets only about one-third of the time. Problems included unstable video transmission, limitations in target acquisition, and rigid sensor systems. Helsing had previously claimed hit rates “close to or at 100 percent” during trials in Germany and the UK. [Politico]

Germany’s Drone Investment

Germany is investing heavily in drone technology as part of a broader effort to modernize its military. The planned purchase of 4,350 HX-2 drones, along with related equipment, is valued at €267.7 million. [Politico] Helsing, founded in 2021, has become a prominent German defense firm, attracting significant investment, including from former Spotify CEO Daniel Ek. [Politico]