Agency Report –
Berlin – German defence company Helsing is calling for the swift establishment of an effective conventional deterrent on NATO’s eastern flank using new types of combat drones.
“A drone wall could be erected within a year. You also need reconnaissance systems, satellites and probably reconnaissance drones,” Gundbert Scherf, co-founder and co-chief executive of the Munich-based enterprise, told dpa on Sunday.
However, Scherf believes the entire concept of modern-day defence would first need a major rethink.
“At the moment, the debate is still like the Cold War,” he argued. “We’re counting armoured systems, aircraft and ships on the other side and seeing if we can somehow get close to parity with a lot of money. And I think that’s the wrong way round.”
Helsing specializes in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) for the defence industry.
It has developed the HX-2 drone – initially for use in Ukraine – which employs AI to guide explosive charges to a target and is less susceptible to electronic interference.
The company has established a partnership with French space start-up Loft Orbital to monitor borders and troop movements using reconnaissance satellites.
With the Swedish manufacturer Saab, preparations are being made to install an AI application for air combat in the Gripen fighter jet.
Helsing also plans to present an autonomous system for use at sea soon.
Democracies cannot wage ‘war of attrition’
A drone wall – a combination of reconnaissance and combat drones – is described as an intelligent barrier that could replace minefields.
The barrier would allow allied forces through while fighting enemy units.
Scherf noted that the Baltic States are discussing the creation of a “drone wall” as NATO beefs up its 3,000-kilometre border.
“It’s a bit of a paradox, but autonomous systems are made for democracies,” said the CEO. “We value life, we all like to live a good life. I don’t believe that our democracies can or want to wage a war of attrition that costs many lives.”
This places the onus on so-called asymmetric technology, he added – military assets or weapons that maximize one’s own advantages while minimizing the enemy’s relative size or technological strength.
Drones return to Germany’s defence plans
Due to the controversial offensive capabilities of drones, their extensive use by Germany’s military was put on ice five years ago.
But drone development is experiencing a revival in view of the growing threat to Europe from Russia and the recent election victory for the conservative CDU/CSU bloc under the likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The experience of Ukraine, which Russia invaded in 2022, showed that western countries require a different form of deterrent along their eastern flank, said Scherf.
Drones are not seen as an alternative to tanks and artillery, but as a necessary and highly cost-effective supplement, Scherf argued.
“Drones fight tanks at less than 1% of the cost,” the Helsing co-founder said.
The company’s new HX-2 drone is said to be capable of engaging artillery weapons, armoured vehicles and other military targets at ranges of up to 100 kilometers.
As it recognizes its target and the path to it using AI, it is said to be less susceptible to any jamming.
By Carsten Hoffmann
