Germany to Acquire Thousands of AI-Enabled Combat Drones
The acquisition involves two German startups, Helsing and Stark Defence. The ministry has prepared the procurement plan and is seeking approval from the budget committee of the German parliament.
This purchase would mark the first deployment of explosive-armed drones by the German military. The systems are intended to equip the 45th Armored Brigade, which is currently stationed in Lithuania as part of NATO’s eastern deterrence strategy.
The contract includes two different drone models with distinct operational roles. The Virtus drone, developed by Stark Defence, is 1.8 meters (nearly 6 feet) long, weighs 30 kilograms (66 pounds), and can carry a 5-kilogram (11-pound) warhead. The smaller HX-2 drone from Helsing measures 1.13 meters (3 feet 8 inches), weighs 12 kilograms (26.4 pounds), and has already been tested in Ukraine, with further refinements based on field data.
Both drones use cameras and infrared sensors to identify and track targets, including tanks. Despite their advanced AI functions, Defense Ministry sources emphasized that a human operator must give final approval before any attack. The drones transmit encrypted images or short video clips to the operator for verification prior to engaging a target.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
