Ukraine Pauses Helsing Drone Orders After Systems Fail Frontline Combat Tests

Kyiv, Tuesday, 20 January 2026.
Ukraine has suspended procurement of the HX-2 strike drone from European defense unicorn Helsing following a classified German report revealing critical performance issues. In a significant reality check for the AI-defense sector, frontline tests by Ukraine’s 14th Regiment reportedly showed a launch success rate of just 25 percent, with units succumbing to electronic jamming and lacking promised autonomous capabilities. While Helsing disputes these findings, the pause highlights the stark contrast between laboratory-developed AI and the harsh demands of modern electronic warfare.