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European Defence Technology Start-up Unveils First Attack Drone
Roula Khalaf, Editor of the Financial Times, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
Helsing, a European defence technology start-up, has unveiled its first attack drone, HX-2, which is already being used in Ukraine. The company is pitching the drone to the UK and other NATO allies, claiming it can produce tens of thousands of AI-enabled drones a year at a lower cost than existing systems, using advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing.
A "Counter-Invasion Shield"
NATO "urgently requires technology to protect the integrity of the eastern flank," said Gundbert Scherf, co-founder of Helsing, referring to the military alliance’s members in eastern and central Europe. The company believes that if deployed at scale along borders, the HX-2 drones will act as a "counter-invasion shield" against enemy forces on the ground.
Shift in Modern Warfare
The use of autonomous systems, particularly AI-enabled drones, has become increasingly prevalent in modern warfare, as seen in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia. The country has underlined the need for advanced technology to outsmart the enemy, with one of the challenges being Russian electromagnetic jamming, which disrupts GPS and communications between drones and their operators.
HX-2 Drone Capabilities
The HX-2 drones can fly up to 100km and will be equipped with software that enables them to search for, re-identify, and engage targets even without a signal or a continuous data connection. A human operator will retain control at all times.
Helsing’s Ambitions
Helsing, founded in 2021, was valued at €4.95bn during its latest funding round in the summer, led by General Catalyst and included Accel and Lightspeed Venture Partners. The company has pledged to set up a manufacturing facility in the UK as part of a £350mn investment in the country over the next five years.
Conclusion
Helsing’s HX-2 drones have the potential to revolutionize the defence industry, offering a cost-effective and innovative solution for military forces. As the world continues to evolve, it is crucial for companies like Helsing to stay ahead of the curve, providing cutting-edge technology to meet the needs of modern warfare.
FAQs
Q: What is the HX-2 drone capable of?
A: The HX-2 drone is an AI-enabled attack drone that can fly up to 100km and search for, re-identify, and engage targets even without a signal or a continuous data connection.
Q: Who is behind the development of the HX-2 drone?
A: Helsing, a European defence technology start-up, is behind the development of the HX-2 drone.
Q: How much was Helsing valued during its latest funding round?
A: Helsing was valued at €4.95bn during its latest funding round in the summer, led by General Catalyst and included Accel and Lightspeed Venture Partners.
