Finnish Startup Kelluu Develops Airships Amid Russian Jamming
A Finnish startup, Kelluu, is gaining attention for its innovative hydrogen airships designed for surveillance missions, particularly in response to ongoing electronic jamming from Russia. These low-cost airships can remain airborne for up to 12 hours and are being tested for potential use by NATO member countries.
Founded in 2018, Kelluu is located in Joensuu, approximately 50 miles from the Russian border. This strategic location subjects the company to constant jamming, which, according to Niko Kuikka, the head of engineering, has inadvertently helped to refine the resilience of their airships. “We deal with frequent jamming from both sides of the border, proving our airships can withstand electronic warfare,” Kuikka explained.
The airships, built to operate in extreme conditions, are designed for battlefield and border surveillance. They offer a unique advantage over traditional drones and aircraft, which are often limited by flight duration and operational costs. While small drones typically fly for only a few hours, Kelluu’s airships can sustain missions for half a day, making them an appealing option for military and law enforcement agencies.
Design and Capabilities
Kelluu’s airships are about the length of a city bus and have a width of six-and-a-half feet, significantly smaller than historical Zeppelins. Each airship can carry an extra payload of 11 pounds for surveillance equipment such as cameras and sensors. Their compact design allows them to fit into standard shipping containers, making deployment straightforward for a single operator.
The airships are powered by hydrogen, a lighter-than-air gas that provides efficient lift. While hydrogen is more flammable than helium, it is also less expensive, making it a practical choice for military applications. Kuikka emphasized, “Having an expensive asset in the air that can be easily lost doesn’t make sense. Our airships are intended to be low-cost and easy to manufacture.”
In addition to their operational efficiency, Kelluu’s airships have proven to be difficult to detect on radar, thanks to their low radar cross-section. This stealth capability is crucial for surveillance missions in contested environments, enhancing their viability for military use.
NATO Collaboration and Future Prospects
Kelluu’s innovative approach has not gone unnoticed by NATO. The company was selected as one of 14 firms for NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic, known as DIANA. This program aims to integrate new technologies into military operations within a two-year timeframe. Following several showcases, Kelluu secured its first deal with a NATO member state to conduct national trials, a significant milestone for the startup.
Fabrizio Berizzi, challenge manager at DIANA, commended Kelluu’s airships for their versatility and endurance. “The airship solution proposed by Kelluu fills the gaps on aerial platforms operating at altitudes between typical uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and traditional aircraft,” he stated.
As Kelluu continues to scale its production, the company aims to manufacture over 500 airships for the Western world, with a long-term goal of producing up to 3,500. The airships are already undergoing tests in countries such as Latvia, further expanding their operational footprint.
Kelluu’s journey from a civilian-focused venture to a key player in the defense sector exemplifies the shifting dynamics in Europe post-Ukraine invasion. As Finland grapples with security concerns along its eastern borders, Kelluu’s airships may soon become an integral part of the country’s defense strategy.
