Ukraine and Helsing expand AI co-operation development

Image of Helsing's HX-2 UAV published on 14 February 2025. (Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine )

The Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine and Munich-headquartered defence company Helsing have agreed on expanding their co-operation in artificial intelligence (AI) in Ukrainian technologies, according to the ministry's 14 February press release.

Gundbert Scherf, co-founder of Helsing, said the company has delivered on its commitment to create electronic warfare (EW)-resistant strike unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for Ukraine and has stated the company's intent to develop “new critical capabilities and deepen industrial collaboration”.

On 24 February 2024 Helsing and the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine signed a memorandum of understanding, which outlined the creation of the Ukrainian Defence Manufacturers Alliance. According to Helsing, it was designed to provide the company's advanced AI capabilities for the Ukrainian defence industry. One of the primary requirements set out by the Ukrainian government was making UAVs resistant to global navigation satellite services (GNSS) jamming, a source with direct knowledge of the matter told Janes on 17 February. Currently, Helsing's HF-1 and HX-2 strike UAVs are resistant to GNSS jamming.

Helsing is also in the process of producing 6,000 HX-2 strike UAVs for delivery to Ukraine, according to a 13 February company press release. “Some components from within Ukraine will be included in the relevant variants,” a source with direct knowledge told Janes, when asked whether any parts of the HX-2 will be made or assembled in Ukraine.