Unmanned systems combined: ARX Robotics and Helsing demonstrate recce-strike with British Army in Kenya

Unmanned systems for reconnaissance and strike: at “Haraka Storm”, an exercise in Kenya, ARX Robotics and Helsing, together with the British armed forces, demonstrated a fully developed reconnaissance and strike network – a so-called recce-strike chain. According to the latest press release, the live exercise marks “an important milestone in the strategic cooperation between the two European companies”.

Unmanned systems from sensor to effector

2 Scots acted as the exercise's experimentation unit; its soldiers deployed the Gereon unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) from ARX Robotics. The vehicle detected an armoured target and passed its data to the command post. This allowed Helsing's HX-2 loitering munition to be employed precisely against the vehicle.

In their press release, the two companies count the trial “among the most advanced recce-strike demonstrations by the army of a NATO member state”. According to the companies, the “complete kill chain, from target reconnaissance with data transmission through engagement to battle damage assessment, was carried out successfully” – and under realistic field conditions.

In addition, the benefit for everyday operations became tangible for the British Army: unmanned ground systems deliver reconnaissance and targeting information, while the troops stay at a distance, keep the situational picture and act faster and more precisely. “This is a practical step towards integrating new technologies into core procedures, with more protection for soldiers and greater operational effectiveness.”

Marc Wietfeld, CEO of ARX Robotics, who also co-founded the company, said: “This is a milestone for Europe's land forces. Together with Helsing and the British Army, we have shown that recce-strike with networked unmanned ground and air systems is already possible today.”

The ARX chief added: “ARX helps European land forces modernise quickly, with software-driven systems that work with existing fleets. The principle is clear: unmanned systems bring the sensors forward, data goes to the decision-makers, the effector delivers the effect. This model is scalable for Europe's land forces and at the same time increases soldiers' safety. This is what modernisation looks like.”