Ukraine Halts Orders for HX-2 Drones Amid Launch Reliability Concerns
Ukraine has decided to postpone further orders for the Helsing HX-2 military drone after reports indicated that only one in four of these advanced strike drones have successfully launched. This situation has raised significant concerns regarding the reliability and effectiveness of the technology amid ongoing combat operations against Russia.
This decision comes amid escalating tensions in the region, as the use of drones has become crucial in modern warfare. The failure rate of the HX-2 is particularly alarming, as Ukraine had anticipated deploying these drones to enhance their tactical capabilities.
The HX-2 is designed with onboard artificial intelligence, enabling it to continue functioning despite attempts to disrupt its operations through hostile electronic warfare measures. "Onboard artificial intelligence ensures that HX-2 is immune to hostile electronic warfare (EW) measures through its ability to search for, re-identify and engage targets even without a signal or a continuous data connection," noted Helsing, the manufacturer of the drone.
Discussions are ongoing within the Ukrainian military regarding potential adjustments or alternative solutions to address these launch issues. The postponement of new orders reflects a cautious approach as the nation assesses its current arsenal and determines the best path forward in the conflict. As the situation develops, further updates from the military regarding drone capabilities are expected.