A Finnish startup is developing autonomous surveillance airships designed to monitor borders, collect intelligence and support Europe’s defence efforts amid continuing tensions with Russia. Kelluu, based in eastern Finland, claims to operate the world’s largest fleet of autonomous surveillance airships and believes the technology could provide European security agencies with an additional way to track potential threats across large areas.

Unlike traditional airships used to carry passengers or cargo, Kelluu’s silver blimps are designed for long-duration surveillance missions. Weighing around 25 kg, the aircraft can carry cameras and sensors capable of monitoring activity on the ground in real time. They can operate in temperatures as low as minus 33 degrees Celsius, withstand strong winds and be packed into shipping containers for deployment to different locations.

The company says five airships operating from a single base can monitor nearly 30,000 square kilometres, an area roughly the size of Belgium. Each aircraft can be equipped with different sensors depending on the mission, including systems designed to detect drones, identify radar signals or collect visual information. Their long endurance allows them to remain airborne for extended periods compared with many conventional drones.

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Kelluu says the airships are designed to fill a surveillance gap between satellites and drones. Satellites may not always provide continuous close-range monitoring, while drones often have limited flight times and can face difficulties in harsh weather or crowded airspace. The near-silent airships are also designed to continue operating when GPS signals are disrupted, a challenge that has become increasingly common during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Kelluu chief executive Janne Hietala said Finland and Europe’s eastern flank should be priorities for investment in future surveillance capabilities. He said the high level of autonomy reduced the need to place personnel close to potentially dangerous operating areas. According to the company, a single operator can control several airships simultaneously and can even manage them remotely from another country.

Kelluu has permission to operate around the clock along Finland’s eastern border and says its airships could potentially help monitor Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, which is believed to transport sanctioned oil and military equipment. The company secured €15 million from the NATO Innovation Fund earlier this year and has participated in NATO exercises. While the airships remain vulnerable to being targeted, Kelluu believes they can provide an additional layer of intelligence without placing human crews in danger.

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