Anna Widzyk
NATO can build a wall of drones on its east flank within a year," says the head of the Helsing armor company. alternatively of conventional units and minefields, defenses are to supply combat drones and artificial intelligence. Is this the beginning of a fresh era in a scare strategy?
Photo by Dariusz Frach, thefad.pl
The thought of strengthening the defence of the east flank of NATO was presented in an interview with DPA Gundbert Scherf, co-founder and manager of the Munich company Helsing, who specializes in the usage of artificial intelligence in the weapons industry.
– The drone wall could be erected within a year. We besides request reconnaissance systems, satellites and possibly reconnaissance drones – said Scherf in an interview published on Sunday (23.03.2025).
However, in his opinion, the full modern concept of defence should first be thoroughly considered. – At the minute it is inactive discussed as during the Cold War – He assessed. – We're counting weapons systems, planes, and ships on the another side, and we're checking to see if we can balance that in any way with large amounts of effort. And I think it's the incorrect way.
Smart barrier
Scherf recalled that the Baltic countries are discussing the creation of a drone wall as part of strengthening the defence of the NATO east border. The drone wall, composed of reconnaissance and combat drones, is to be an intelligent barrier that could replace minefields.
– This is somewhat paradoxical, but autonomous systems are created for democracy – He said. We value life, we all want a good life. I can't believe our democracies can or want to wage a war on demolition that costs quite a few lives. – he said. Therefore, the function of the alleged asymmetric technology: military resources or weapons that maximise their own benefits, while minimising the comparative scale or technological strength of the enemy, should grow.
The concentration of tens of thousands of combat drones on the NATO east border measuring 3,000 kilometres would be "very reliable conventional deterrent".
Drones for Ukraine
Helsing developed the HX-2 drone, initially designed for Ukraine, which uses artificial intelligence to mark explosives and is little susceptible to electronic interference.
According to Scherf, the experience attacked by Russia of Ukraine shows that Western countries request a different form of deterrence along the east flank of NATO.
Drones are not seen as an alternate to tanks and artillery, but as a essential and highly cost-effective addition – argued Scherf. – Drones fight tanks at little than 1 percent of the cost – added.
According to the manufacturer, the fresh HX-2 drone is capable of combating artillery weapons, armoured vehicles and another military targets up to 100 kilometres. due to the fact that it recognizes its intent and way to it through artificial intelligence, it is said to be little susceptible to jamming.
