Helsing unveils Contra air defence system with two low-cost AI interceptor missiles

Mixed · 2Defence firm Helsing displayed its new Contra air defence system on Monday, featuring two new interceptor missiles, the AD-1 Inferno and AD-2 Ambush. 1 2 Mixed · 2The system is built to counter Russia's most advanced jet-powered drones and cruise missiles, which both outlets say have hit Ukraine in recent weeks. 1 2 Mixed · 2Artificial intelligence linked to radars and sensors detects aerial threats and decides whether to launch an interceptor; both outlets compare the concept to Israel's Iron Dome. 1 2

Mixed · 2According to Helsing, the AI can detect and coordinate interceptions against hundreds or even thousands of incoming drones and cruise missiles at once. 1 2 Left · 1Helsing co-founder and president Niklas Köhler said: "Contra ends the air defence dilemma: slow fair-weather drones, or million-euro missiles fired at cheap, mass-produced targets." 1 Mixed · 2Both missiles cost less than £100,000, against more than £3 million each for US-made Patriot missiles; the outlets cite the Daily Mail for the claim that major parts of their development were done in the UK. 1 2

Mixed · 2They can be launched from containers on a lorry, a ship or in a field, and Helsing said it could produce thousands of missiles a month at sites across Europe. 1 2 Mixed · 2The outlets say, citing intelligence reports, that Russia's production of Geran-4 and Geran-5 jet-powered drones has risen and can reach 4,000 units a month, posing a threat to infrastructure, defence firms and military bases across Europe. 1 2 Mixed · 2The missiles are completing final tests and are due to be operational later next year. 1 2