Media: Ukraine to receive 4000 German attack drones with artificial intelligence

18 November, 2024 HX-2 Karma kamikaze drone.

2024. Photo: Bild Ukraine's military will receive 4,000 artificial intelligence-controlled attack drones from Germany.

The German newspaper Bild reported on this, citing its own sources, according to European Pravda. The publication notes that the German company Helsing has received permission to supply them. It also cites the words of Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who actually confirmed these intentions.

It is noted that these are HX-2 Karma kamikaze drones, which have high autonomy in the face of jamming and can very effectively hit targets at a considerable distance through the use of artificial intelligence technology. Starting in December, they may begin to be delivered to the Ukrainian Defense Forces in batches of several hundred units per month.

HX-2 Karma kamikaze drone.

2024. Photo: Bild

According to Bild's sources, some prototypes are allegedly already being tested in real combat conditions in eastern Ukraine and are being improved based on the results.

It is noted that the drone's feature was modern software that helped it navigate the terrain using many "markers" and fly to the target even in difficult weather conditions, as well as the influence of electronic warfare. Once the drone has identified the target and the operator has confirmed it, it is then able to strike autonomously, even if communication is lost, i.e., apparently, a homing system is used at the final part of the flight. The German publication also states that the range of this kamikaze drone is allegedly four times longer than that of typical Ukrainian counterparts.

However, it is worth noting that the article does not specify which specific drones are used for comparison. However, it is stated that they were significantly cheaper than the American Switchblade and Russian Lancet drones.

Boris Pistorius, Minister of Defense of the Federal Republic of Germany. Photo from open sources

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said he had been "very pleased that the delivery of these drones equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) technology is already underway" and that Ukraine would be able to use them against important enemy targets, Bild reported.

In February 2024, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Ukrainian Ministry of Industry and Trade and Helsing.