German drones for Ukraine: How good are they?

Germany's involvement in supplying advanced drones to Ukraine has become a pivotal point in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. At the heart of this development is Helsing, a high-profile startup based in Bavaria, which has been tasked with delivering thousands of HX-2 combat drones to the Ukrainian military. These drones, equipped with artificial intelligence, have been developed as part of a multi-million-euro contract funded by the German government. In addition to its work with Ukraine, Helsing recently secured a significant order from the German armed forces, further highlighting the company’s growing influence in the European defense sector. The HX-2 is classified as a loitering munition system, often referred to as a kamikaze drone. It is designed to hover over a target area before striking with precision. According to Helsing, the HX-2 can fly up to 100 kilometers, making it one of the more capable systems currently deployed on the battlefield. The Ukrainian military has been using such drones extensively against Russian troops and equipment, particularly in areas where traditional air support is limited or unavailable. A correspondent from Deutsche Welle was present during a combat operation involving these drones, providing firsthand insight into their deployment. At a frontline position near Pokrowsk in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region, Ukrainian soldiers prepare for another mission. Two soldiers, a technician and an electrician, assemble wings onto a large black box—the HX-2 drone. Nearby, a pilot and navigator ready themselves for takeoff, checking laptops and monitors while also setting up a string of lights to maintain morale. Their task is clear: to disrupt Russian logistics routes and weaken enemy positions. This particular unit had previously used the earlier model, the HF-1, developed in collaboration with a Ukrainian manufacturer. However, starting early in 2025, Helsing began delivering 6,000 units of the newer HX-2 model, which represents the company’s independent design effort. Despite the positive reports from Helsing and some Ukrainian commanders, there have been concerns raised about the performance of these drones. Earlier in the year, Western and German media outlets published critical reports citing Ukrainian soldiers who claimed technical issues during testing last year. According to a report by Die Welt, many of the drones were reportedly unable to launch or crashed shortly after takeoff. Additionally, the accuracy of hits was said to be low. These accounts came from soldiers actively engaged in combat along the front lines in eastern Ukraine. Helsing responded to these criticisms, stating that members of the Ukrainian army are conducting joint tests with Helsing employees at the front. The initial results of these tests were described as “encouraging.” The company emphasized that the HX-2 is being tested under real conditions, which they believe provides a more accurate assessment of its capabilities than laboratory settings. According to Ukrainian commander “Black,” the HX-2 offers distinct advantages in aerial warfare. He noted that the drone’s agility makes it harder for enemies to shoot down. Its ability to approach targets at a 45-degree angle improves visibility and accuracy when identifying and hitting objectives. The integration of LiDAR technology allows the drone to explode just before impact, increasing its effective range. Target recognition is handled by built-in artificial intelligence, which typically guides pilots toward targets identified by reconnaissance drones. However, the AI still struggles to distinguish between intact and already destroyed targets. Despite these technological features, the HX-2 remains vulnerable to electronic warfare tactics, according to “Black.” Like most drones, it can be disrupted by jamming signals or other forms of cyber interference. This vulnerability underscores the need for continued improvements in both hardware and software to ensure operational effectiveness on the battlefield. As the conflict continues, the performance of the HX-2 will likely remain a subject of scrutiny. With Germany playing a central role in funding and supplying these advanced weapons, the success or failure of the HX-2 could influence future defense contracts and international perceptions of German arms exports. For now, the Ukrainian military relies heavily on these drones to gain an edge in the skies above the Donbas, even as questions about their reliability persist.