Kelluu, a Finnish startup, is developing low-cost hydrogen airships that can fly for up to 12 hours. They’ve recently attracted attention from NATO, securing a deal with a member for trials. The airships are built near Russia and designed to withstand jamming and icy conditions.
In less than 10 seconds, Kelluu’s silver airships can soar from the ground to high above eastern Finland’s treelines, their motors puttering and their noses pointed skyward. Kelluu, a Finnish company located about 50 miles from the Russian border, is launching small, propeller-driven airships filled with hydrogen, which it believes can fill a gap in battlefield and border surveillance.
Gas blimps were first invented in the 19th century, but the Scandinavian startup is betting on a modern version of the old concept to help the West guard its territory. The startup is already finding success with NATO, being the first to secure a deal with a Western nation through a new innovators’ program run by the alliance.