The military’s arms procurement agency announced Monday it had signed a contract to purchase hydrogen powered-drones to boost surveillance capability.
The drones will be delivered to the military in November after undergoing a six-month production and inspection process, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.
In the future, the military will be able to utilize excellent civilian hydrogen fuel cell technology. It is expected to introduce a “hydrogen power pack drone” with advanced hydrogen fuel cell technology for the first time in the military and conduct a pilot operation.
According to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, the drones will be delivered to the military by November under the 831 million won contract with Doosan Mobility Innovation Inc. After six months of production and inspection.
In comparison to current battery drones, the Hydrogen Power Pack Drone can fly for long periods of time (more than 90 minutes based on detection equipment*). It’s also quieter and less vibration-prone than gasoline drones, making it suitable for covert surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
This pilot project will create demand in the field of defense by providing hydrogen infrastructure (storage, transport, charging, etc.). It may also expand into powering various weapon systems, including heavy machines and armored vehicles in the future.
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