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In early 2026 [[Ukraine]] canceled orders for HX-2 loitering munitions drone from the German company Helsing. The decision followed a series of combat effectiveness tests conducted by Ukraine's 1st UAV Center. According to an internal German Defense Ministry presentation from November 2025, the HX-2 experienced difficulties during takeoff and lacked several advertised [[artificial intelligence]]-based functions. A significant vulnerability to [[electronic warfare]] was separately noted, with its electronics poorly adapted to operate in heavy jamming environments.

In early 2026 [[Ukraine]] canceled orders for HX-2 loitering munitions drone from the German company Helsing. The decision followed a series of combat effectiveness tests conducted by Ukraine's 1st UAV Center. According to an internal German Defense Ministry presentation from November 2025, the HX-2 experienced difficulties during takeoff and lacked several advertised [[artificial intelligence]]-based functions. A significant vulnerability to [[electronic warfare]] was separately noted, with its electronics poorly adapted to operate in heavy jamming environments.

Similar issues had previously been reported with another Helsing munition, the HF-1—a modified version of the Terminal Autonomy AQ-100. It also demonstrated poor performance in Ukrainian conditions. Only half of the 4,000 ordered HF-1 units were delivered, with approximately 40% of those remaining unused in warehouses. The remainder of the HF-1 contract was redirected to the HX-2. However, these munitions likewise proved ineffective, essentially transferring the problems from one model to another.

Similar issues had previously been reported with another Helsing munition, the HF-1—a modified version of the Terminal Autonomy AQ-100. It also demonstrated poor performance in Ukrainian conditions. Only half of the 4,000 ordered HF-1 units were delivered, with approximately 40% of those remaining unused in warehouses. The remainder of the HF-1 contract was redirected to the HX-2. However, these munitions likewise proved ineffective, essentially transferring the problems from one model to another.<ref>https://archive.ph/d8bxw</ref>

Failures of [[Western alliance|Western]] [[drone]]s in Ukraine are not uncommon. Ukrainian sources regularly complain about their poor performance. Ukraine's [[SBU]] security service also halted the use of Altius loitering munitions from the [[American]] company Anduril due to unreliable operation. In practice, nearly all Western-produced loitering munitions, including American [[Switchblade]]s, have proven to be of limited utility in real [[combat]]. While isolated models still show questionable effectiveness, the overall result appears disappointing.

Failures of [[Western alliance|Western]] [[drone]]s in Ukraine are not uncommon. Ukrainian sources regularly complain about their poor performance. Ukraine's [[SBU]] security service also halted the use of Altius loitering munitions from the [[American]] company Anduril due to unreliable operation. In practice, nearly all Western-produced loitering munitions, including American [[Switchblade]]s, have proven to be of limited utility in real [[combat]]. While isolated models still show questionable effectiveness, the overall result appears disappointing.