German HX-2 drones are being tested in Europe and are ready for mass production

HX-2

The German company Helsing is actively promoting its HX-2 attack drones, which are currently being tested by several European armies from Germany to the UK. This was stated by the vice president of the company Simon Brunies. However, not all countries are in a hurry to buy these drones: for example, France is likely to abandon purchases, but Germany may make a decision by the end of 2025.

What is the HX-2?

This is not just a drone, but a real "smart" kamikaze with elements of artificial intelligence, capable of finding targets on its own, even if there is powerful electronic suppression around. It flies fast — up to 220 km/ h, can fly as far as 100 km, weighs about 12 kg, and its combat load allows it to hit both equipment and enemy fortifications.

Currently, the plant in southern Germany produces about 450 HX-2 drones per month, but the company wants to increase this number to 1,000 units per month. And if they launch a second plant, then up to 2,500 units per month. However, this requires training new specialists, and it takes time.

Interest in such drones is growing throughout Europe, as armies increasingly realize that modern warfare is impossible without autonomous systems. Especially after such devices began to show themselves on the battlefield.

Who is already using the HX-2?

- Germany is considering the possibility of purchasing these drones — this could be an important step in modernizing its army.

- Other European countries are still testing the HX-2 to see if it suits them in terms of performance and price.

- Ukraine has already received thousands of such drones, and they are actively used on the front line. According to the Ukrainian military, some of them have already been in real battles.

The artificial intelligence in the drone gives it the ability to deceive air defense systems, act independently and even work in bundles — the so-called "swarms". This makes them much more effective than conventional drones and changes the approach to warfare in general. In other words, the future is already here — and it's flying at 220 km/h straight at the target.

If interest in such technologies continues, it can be expected that in a couple of years, HX-2 type drones will become a standard element of the arsenal of any modern army.

A European fighter jet with artificial intelligence took off over the Baltic for the first time — the war could change forever

Imagine a fighter jet that doesn't sleep, doesn't get tired, doesn't panic, and accumulates a million hours of combat experience in three days. No living pilot can do it that fast. Now imagine: such an aircraft is already flying over Europe.

In May of this year, the first European fighter jet with artificial intelligence on board, the Swedish Gripen E, took to the skies over the Baltic Sea. It was not just a flight: there was an insurance pilot in the cockpit, but he did not even touch the steering wheel. All control was carried out through AI, developed by the German defense startup Helsing.

In a matter of days, this artificial intelligence has pumped more than a million virtual flight hours — such a result is impossible even for the most experienced pilots. This is made possible by powerful computing and real-time simulation of combat situations.

Such technologies can radically change the face of aviation battles. Imagine how AI instantly processes radar data, chooses the best routes, recognizes threats and responds to them faster than a human can figure out. And such aircraft can also be used in conjunction with manned ones — as a "smart cover" or a scout.

This is not a fantasy of the future, but a reality right now. And if development continues at the same pace, then European aviation can reach a new level of defense capability — without unnecessary risks to the lives of pilots.

Saab Gripen tests Centaur artificial intelligence in long-range aerial combat

 Gripen E

Saab, together with the German startup Helsing, successfully conducted a series of test flights of the Gripen E fighter aircraft controlled by artificial intelligence (AI) called Centaur. These tests became part of the Project Beyond program and for the first time demonstrated the ability of AI to autonomously perform complex maneuvers in aerial combat beyond visual visibility (BVR).

During the three flights conducted from May 28 to June 3, 2025, the Centaur AI took full control, using data from the Gripen E onboard sensors to plan and execute combat operations. He not only controlled the aircraft, but also gave the pilot signals about the need to launch missiles, which indicates a high level of human-machine interaction.

In one of the tests, the Centaur AI battled a human-manned Gripen D fighter in real-world BVR conditions, demonstrating adaptability and effectiveness in dynamic aerial duels. According to Helsing representatives, AI training is equivalent to accumulating dozens of years of pilot experience, but it takes only a few hours, which opens up new horizons for the rapid development of combat systems.

Saab emphasizes that the integration of AI into the Gripen E is not aimed at replacing the pilot, but rather serves to support and enhance his capabilities in complex combat scenarios. Thanks to the modular architecture of the aircraft's software, AI can be quickly updated and adapted to new threats.