🇺🇦🇩🇪 Ukraine’s German-Made HX-2 Drone Now Launches From Boats for Black Sea Missions

05/11/2026

Germany’s Helsing has successfully tested the launch of its HX-2 strike drone from a fast coastal assault boat, marking a new step toward integrating the AI-enabled system into maritime operations used by Ukraine’s Defense Forces.

The company carried out the test near Plymouth, United Kingdom, where Helsing operates its maritime center. The drone was launched from a catapult mounted on the bow of a high-speed landing craft.

Helsing said the successful trial demonstrates the potential for deploying the HX-2 not only from conventional vessels, but also from unmanned naval platforms in the future.

The HX-2 is already being used by Ukrainian forces on several front-line sectors. In 2025, Helsing announced plans to manufacture 6,000 HX-2 strike drones for Ukraine.

The drone was first unveiled in late 2024 as a lightweight precision-strike platform designed to engage armored vehicles, artillery systems, and fortified positions. The HX-2 features an X-shaped wing configuration and rear-mounted stabilizers.

According to information released by Helsing, the drone weighs approximately 12 kilograms and is powered by four electric motors mounted in the rear section.

The system reportedly has a range of up to 100 kilometers and can reach speeds of around 220 km/h, although some Ukrainian reports place its maximum speed closer to 250 km/h and range up to 120 kilometers.