Germany proposes "drone wall" for NATO's eastern defense

A German defense company, Helsing, is urging NATO to set up a "drone wall" on its eastern frontier within a year. This wall would rely on new types of combat drones along with reconnaissance systems and satellites. Gundbert Scherf, co-founder of Helsing, emphasized the need to rethink modern defense strategies. Scherf believes current debates resemble those from the Cold War, where nations simply count military assets to gauge strength. He argues this approach is outdated. Helsing focuses on using artificial intelligence (AI) in defense technologies. The company has created the HX-2 drone, designed for use in Ukraine. This drone can effectively guide explosives and withstand electronic interference. Helsing also collaborates with Loft Orbital, a French space start-up, to use reconnaissance satellites for monitoring borders and troop movements. Additionally, Helsing is working with the Swedish manufacturer Saab on integrating AI into the Gripen fighter jet. The company plans to unveil an autonomous naval system in the near future.