Cold-resistant drones attract military and tourism interest in Lapland

Cold-resistant drones capable of operating in Arctic conditions are being developed in Finnish Lapland for both defence applications and potential civilian uses such as wilderness food deliveries, Yle reports.

Lapland University of Applied Sciences will launch a new four-year drone engineering programme this autumn, training students to specialise in Arctic drone technology. The initiative is part of the Arctic Drone Operation Center (ADOC) network, which focuses on drone expertise in extreme cold environments.

Ari Karjalainen, a senior lecturer at the university, said demand for the programme has been strong, driven in part by increased interest in drone technology following the war in Ukraine. The Finnish Defence and Aerospace Industry Association (PIA) has also expressed significant interest in the training.

Challenges of Arctic drone operations
Extreme cold poses multiple technical challenges for drones, according to Petri Hannula, another senior lecturer at the university. Battery capacity drops sharply in freezing temperatures—cutting flight time from 20 minutes in summer to as little as 10 minutes in winter—while ice accumulation on propellers and condensation damage to electronics further complicate operations.

“Drones are generally designed for milder conditions, not the harsh Arctic cold,” Hannula noted. “Even the pilot’s ability to control the drone can be compromised when fingers freeze.”

Beyond military applications
While defence and aerospace industries are key drivers, civilian applications are also being explored. Hannula mentioned inquiries about using drones to deliver food, such as pizza, to remote wilderness areas.

Advanced drones under development may also carry onboard computers for real-time AI processing or be equipped with sensors, radars, or audio devices. “In theory, drones could be used for almost anything—transmitting commands or even eavesdropping,” Hannula said.

The ADOC network aims to position Lapland as a hub for Arctic drone expertise, offering cold-weather testing capabilities for both military and civilian use. The centre also seeks international collaboration.