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Germany Poised to Order Armed Drones, With Stark and Helsing Seen as Front-Runners

New reporting suggests a Rheinmetall deal is still in play despite emerging questions about Helsing’s HX‑2 performance.

Bundesverteidigungsminister Boris Pistorius (SPD) sieht sich bei seinem Besuch beim Luftwaffenausbildungsbataillon Germersheim eine Ausbildungsstation zum Einsatz von Drohnen an.
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Overview

  • Budget lawmakers say two procurement proposals are expected in February after the Defense Ministry sent plans to the Finance Ministry, according to RND.
  • RND reporting indicates Stark Defence and Helsing are lined up for orders of about €300 million each, with Rheinmetall initially sidelined, and the ministries declined comment.
  • Business Insider and Politico report a €267.7 million Helsing contract for 4,350 HX‑2 drones with options for up to 20,000 more, within a loitering‑munition program valued at up to €900 million.
  • A document from Ukrainian forces reviewed by the ministry reportedly shows the HX‑2 achieved a 36% hit rate due to technical issues; Helsing did not comment and the ministry declined to discuss the data.
  • Business Insider says Rheinmetall has a pre‑negotiated deal pending parliamentary approval, with a demonstration flight due in roughly two weeks and summer qualification tests that could void contracts if systems fail to meet standards, while scrutiny continues over Peter Thiel’s investment in Stark.