South Korea’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) will introduce hydrogen powered drones to its military pilot operations from November with a new deal with Doosan.
The new deal, worth KRW 8.31m ($730,000), will see the hydrogen power pack drones from Doosan implemented into South Korea’s arsenal as it makes a transition to eco-friendly technology.
The drones boast extended refuelling ranges allowing for longer missions in addition to less sound and vibrations compared to contemporary variants showcasing the potential of hydrogen drones in military operations.
These operations could include reconnaissance and covert surveillance with the drones being harder to detect.This is the first time that Korea will utilise the hydrogen powered fuel pack and is hoping to use it for further applications and pilot operations.
It is expected that, following this project, that it will create a new demand in the field of defence by establishing hydrogen infrastructure and expanding application to power sources of various weapon systems such as large drones, vehicles and armoured vehicles in the future.Ho-Cheon Choi, Director of the Future Electric Power Business Division of the Defence Acquisition Program Administration, said, “The rapid pilot acquisition project contributes to the development of advanced technology and military use by rapidly applying private new technologies to the military for the past year and inducing private investments by private companies.
“I hope that a lot of companies with technological prowess will participate so that we can apply various advanced technologies to the military in the future.”Ho-Cheon Choi, Director of the Future Electric Power Business Division of the Defence Acquisition Program Administration, said, “The rapid pilot acquisition project contributes to the development of advanced technology and military use by rapidly applying private new technologies to the military for the past year and inducing private investments by private companies.
“I hope that a lot of companies with technological prowess will participate so that we can apply various advanced technologies to the military in the future.”
