The German company HelsingEuropean leader in defense AI, has announced mass production of the new kamikaze drone Karma HX-2 for shipment to Ukraine. This drone, which has already been tested in that country, has capabilities of artificial intelligence that make it resistant to electronic warfare systems and can be used in interconnected swarms to carry out suicide attacks controlled by a single operator.
The HX-2 is an electronically powered UAV that has a cruciform designX-shaped, on the tail and main body. Weighs around 12 kilogramsreaches a speed of almost 220km/h and has a maximum range of 100 kmaccording to Helsing. The company also ensures that these drones, also known as ‘Karma’, can be equipped with multipurpose warheads and others optimized to attack armored vehicles or structures.
Artificial intelligence against electronic warfare
‘Onboard artificial intelligence ensures that the HX-2 is immune to hostile electronic warfare measures through its ability to search, re-identify and attack targets, even without signal or continuous data connection‘, Helsing explains on his website. ‘A human operator remains involved in all critical decisions.’
As published by Bild, the first delivery of HX-2 drones to Ukraine could take place this month and is expected Helsing produces a total of 4,000 HX-2s. According to the company, the capabilities of the drone have been developed and tested with the experience gained by Helsing in Ukraine.
Helsing’s HX-2 stands out for its autonomy, resistance to electronic warfare and low-cost mass production capacity. Unlike the Russian drone Lancetwhich still depends on the GPS or other communication systems vulnerable to interference, the HX-2 is powered by advanced artificial intelligence. This allows it to operate effectively in highly contested environments such as the Ukraine war, where adversaries employ advanced electronic warfare measures.

‘By operating as part of reconnaissance/attack software Other of Helsing, Multiple HX-2s can form swarms controlled by a single human operator‘, states a press release from the company. This ability reduces staffing needs while improving battlefield efficiency. ‘The HX-2 has been designed to be mass produced and at a significantly lower unit cost than conventional systems’Helsing adds.
Stealthy and optimized for long-range, high-speed missions
The Karma HX-2 is optimized for long range and high speed missions aimed at high-value objectives. Its advanced propulsion system, powered by rechargeable batteries, provides an acoustic and thermal signature reducedallowing stealthy operations and avoiding radar and infrared detection. Integrated artificial intelligence incorporates multispectral sensors for autonomous target acquisition and attacksupported by inertial measurement units and terrain comparison algorithms to maintain accuracy in non-GPS environments.

The growing use of AI in unmanned aerial systems is driving a significant evolution in their capabilities, especially regarding operations in large groups of drones or fully interconnected swarms. Electronic warfare, especially against drones, is used by both sides in the Ukrainian war, and AI-enabled targeting is one of the countermeasures developed to combat it. Helsing assures that the software on board the HX-2 can be updated wirelessly ‘to dynamically adapt to new threats and tactics.’
Another key advantage of the HX-2 Its production cost is significantly lower compared to traditional droneswhich positions it as an economically viable alternative to systems such as switchblade American or Warmate Polish, whose use is restricted by high costs or limited production capacity. Designed to complement rather than replace traditional artillery, the HX-2 offers unique operational flexibility to the enable precise, large-scale attacks at low expense.