Finnish-built airships to fill gap in European air defence

A Finnish technology company has secured €15 million in funding to expand production of hydrogen-powered airships designed to enhance European air surveillance and defence capabilities, Yle reports.

Joensuu-based Kelluu develops, manufactures, and operates zeppelin-style airships that provide real-time aerial monitoring. The company’s technology has been successfully tested in NATO exercises this year, including a drill involving 13 nations and 10,000 troops. Additional trials were conducted with NATO forces in Norway and during naval manoeuvres.

The funding will support international expansion, artificial intelligence development, fleet growth, and team reinforcement. Kelluu plans to establish a permanent airship system to create a continuous intelligence layer over Europe. NATO assessments suggest the company’s technology outperforms traditional surveillance systems, particularly in GPS-denied environments and challenging weather conditions.

Beyond military applications, the airships are used for civilian purposes such as weather data collection and forest monitoring. Kelluu’s CEO, Janne Hietala, is currently in Canada as part of President Alexander Stubb’s business delegation.