The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), through Finland’s ELY Centre, is funding €930,000 of Kelluu's project “Digital Arctic Security from the Air”, which develops unmanned airship technology for authority use in Arctic conditions. The project is part of the Renewing and Skilled Finland 2021–2027 program and runs from January 2024 to December 2025 in North Karelia, Joensuu.
The goal is to enhance Europe’s ability to respond to emergencies and improve cooperation between authorities within the EU and NATO regions. Kelluu’s technology provides critical situational data from hard-to-reach areas such as border regions, natural disaster zones, and the Arctic.
The project focuses on ensuring NATO compatibility of payloads and sensor systems, preparing Kelluu’s airship platform for integration with authority operations, and achieving the European Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC). The LUC license allows unmanned aircraft to operate in controlled airspace without separate authority approval, requiring strict safety and risk management standards.
Kelluu is developing sensor technology, satellite and authority-compatible communications, and improving operational reliability in exceptional conditions. The project also promotes international cooperation with Frontex, NATO, and other defense and security partners.
With long-endurance and energy-efficient flight, Kelluu’s airships can support digital twin creation, infrastructure monitoring, and provide situational awareness to security operators even in demanding northern environments.
By funding part of Kelluu’s development work, the EU invests in Europe’s technological self-sufficiency, Arctic resilience, and future security infrastructure.