Haraka Storm: ARX and Helsing close a robotic recce-strike loop

Bringing robotic combat vehicles into service requires experimentation and efforts to develop new concepts of operations. The recent ARX and Helsing collaboration during the UK’s Haraka Storm exercise provides an insight into how this might happen.

ARX Robotics and Helsing have cooperated with the UK’s 2 Scots Regiment during exercise Haraka Storm in Kenya to carry out a reconnaissance-strike engagement. The reconnaissance element was conducted by a Combat Gereon from ARX, which passed that data to a Helsing HX-2 loitering munition. 

The target was an imitation armoured fighting vehicle and its coordinates were passed back to the exercise headquarters, which then conducted the engagement with the HX-2.

“By using robots to conduct reconnaissance and deliver targeting data, troops can maintain distance, increase situational awareness, and act with greater speed and precision. This represents a practical step forward in how the Army integrates new technology into its core tactics,” the November 10th press release explains. 

The ARX announcement comes hot on the heels of the revelation that Stark’s Virtus loitering munitions had missed their targets during trials in Kenya with British forces. One of the loitering munitions missed its target by more than 150 metres while another caught fire. Helsing’s HX-2 reportedly performed successfully in all 17 of its tests, however. 

• Germany orders loitering munitions from Stark and Helsing – Calibre Defence
• DSEI UK 2025: Combat Gereon unveiled by ARX Robotics  
• HX-2: Helsing releases details of AI-enabled loitering munition – Calibre Defence

Helsing has deployed some versions of its loitering munition to Ukraine, where it has likely gained significant experience in the deployment of the systems as well as opportunities to fix bugs. ARX has also deployed its UGVs to Ukraine, which enabled both companies to learn from their experience there, according to the September 2025 press release announcing that they would be working together.

However, the ARX Robotics and Helsing demonstration illustrates one of the most valid use cases for a robotic combat vehicle. Reconnaissance is a dangerous task, one that can easily lead to casualties in a battlefield saturated by ISR platforms. However, pushing a robotic vehicle ahead of the forward line of troops to find and identify targets provides multiple options for a commander to locate and engage targets without bringing crewed vehicles and forces within range of the enemy. 

Calibre comment: Another step on the path to 20-40-40

A view of the target identified by the Combat Gereon. Credit: ARX Robotics

The British Army has been charged with moving towards a force model where 20% of its combat power comes from high-end crewed platforms. The next 40% will come from autonomous but reusable platforms like the Combat Gereon, while the final 40% will come from consumable systems like the HX-2. The experiment demonstrates one of the routes that the British Army could pursue on its path and the potential benefits of doing so. However, without the Labour Government’s budget, no progress can be made. And it is unlikely that meaningful increases will be realised, given that reporting in the UK indicates the Chancellor will be forced to raise taxes in her budget, breaking an election pledge. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on November 11th, 2025. The lead image shows a Combat Gereon conducting reconnaissance in Kenya. Credit: ARX Robotics.