US military tests AI drone with over 88% hit rate in NATO exercise

During a recent NATO exercise in Lithuania, the U.S. military successfully tested the German-developed HX-2 AI attack drone, achieving an impressive hit rate of over 88%. In the "Project Flytrap 5.0" exercise, 17 HX-2 drones were deployed, with 15 successfully hitting their designated targets and two coming close.

The HX-2, developed by the German defense technology company Helsing, has reportedly been used on the battlefield in Ukraine. The exercise results aim to address previous questions about the drone's performance and reflect Ukraine's continued procurement of the system. Helsing stated that the test results validate the drone's capabilities.

Costing approximately 17,000 euros per unit, the HX-2 is about half the price of Russia's Lancet drone. Beyond ground attack, it is designed for air defense interception and reconnaissance. Its key features include resistance to GPS jamming and the ability to autonomously search, identify, and attack targets using built-in AI algorithms, making it effective in electronic warfare conditions.

First unveiled in 2024, the HX-2 has also undergone successful sea-based launch tests, indicating its potential for deployment from various platforms to enhance operational flexibility. Helsing confirmed that the HX-2 will continue to be evaluated in ongoing U.S. military assessments.

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The hit rate of over 88%, with 15 out of 17 deployed units hitting their targets.