The German arms manufacturer Helsing is advocating for the swift establishment of a "drone wall" to bolster deterrence on NATO's eastern flank, a strategy it believes is critical in addressing contemporary security threats. Co-founder and co-CEO Gundbert Scherf emphasized that such a drone wall could be erected within a year and would require a combination of reconnaissance systems, satellites, and advanced combat drones to be effective.
Speaking to the Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Scherf noted, "This drone wall could be erected within a year. We need reconnaissance systems, satellites, and probably reconnaissance drones." He elaborated that the NATO eastern flank stretches over 3,000 kilometers, making the need for credible conventional deterrence imperative in the face of asymmetric threats. The current state of military discussion often resembles Cold War paradigms, focusing on tallying traditional weapon systems such as tanks and aircraft. Scherf argues that this methodology is outdated.
In his assessment, the experience in Ukraine highlights the necessity of deploying asymmetric technologies and using a mass grouping of combat drones to create new dilemmas for potential aggressors. Scherf articulated, "If we approach this from a mass perspective and concentrate tens of thousands of combat drones there, then it becomes a very credible conventional deterrent." He stressed that while the conversation often revisits the number of tanks and ships, a focus on technology could redefine deterrence.
Helsing's previous work includes the development of the HX-2 drone, which incorporates Artificial Intelligence to effectively guide explosive charges to targets while minimizing vulnerability to countermeasures. The company has also partnered with French aerospace startup Loft Orbital to utilize reconnaissance satellites for monitoring troop movements and borders.
In describing the strategic utility of drones, Scherf stated, "The combination of reconnaissance and combat drones is an intelligent barrier. Enemy forces would be engaged while allowing our troops to pass through unharmed." He proposed that a drone wall could effectively replace traditional mine barriers.
Recognizing the complexities of modern warfare, Scherf said that autonomous systems are ideally suited for democracies, which generally seek to preserve human life and avoid prolonged conflicts. "I believe our democracies cannot or do not want to engage in a war of attrition that costs many lives," he explained. This sentiment underscores a significant lesson derived from recent conflicts where brute numbers in traditional forces may not be as effective in the face of advanced technological solutions.
While discussing the future of military technology, Scherf shared insights on the ongoing developments at Helsing. The company is at the forefront of integrating Artificial Intelligence within armaments, with plans to install an AI application for aerial combat in the Gripen fighter jet, in collaboration with Swedish manufacturer Saab. He stated, "We will bring the system to the Gripen with partner Saab later this year." This integration highlights the growing recognition of AI's importance in modern military operations.
As Helsing continues to innovate in defense technology, it emphasizes a need for rapid advancements to respond effectively to shifting security landscapes. Scherf insisted, "We must really jump on this train now. In three to five years, we can build a sovereign, unmanned combat aircraft that has autonomous capabilities for reconnaissance or complex missions." This proactive approach to military readiness indicates a significant shift toward utilitarian unmanned systems in Europe’s defense strategy.
The German government has been facing intense scrutiny for its delayed transition to advanced military technologies. Still, as global dynamics evolve, the call for a stronger military presence in Europe is echoed across the continent. The initiative by Helsing for a robust drone force not only signifies a tactical advancement but also a strategic response to the unmistakable threats faced by NATO's eastern nations.
With the potential to manufacture tens of thousands of drones, Helsing has clarified its operational capabilities in crisis situations. During a recent security conference in Munich, it was announced that the company plans to produce an additional 6,000 combat drones for Ukraine, supplementing an ongoing delivery of 4,000 combat drones. This manufacturing prowess is crucial, especially when stressing that, under conflict conditions, production capabilities might reach tens of thousands of units per month.
Scherf encapsulated the essence of Helsing's strategic vision: "Drones combat systems on the other side that hold a significantly higher value for them at a mere fraction of the cost." This reflects a critical understanding of the asymmetric advantages that drone technology can offer in modern warfare, presenting cost-effective means to challenge more expensive enemy systems.
The ongoing geopolitical tensions necessitate an adaptive response in military strategies, and Helsing’s proposals for a drone wall epitomize a forward-thinking approach to contemporary defense challenges. As Europe reevaluates its security architecture in the wake of increased aggression, Helsing's propositions may well transform the continent's defense mechanisms—ushering in a new era of military engagement, one where technology reigns supreme, and the lessons of the past inform stronger, more resilient future applications.
