Russia Tests Hydrogen-Powered Drone That Flies Four Times Longer Than Battery Models

Engineers in Russia have tested a next-generation hydrogen drone that promises significantly extended flight times compared to traditional battery-powered UAVs.

Russia has completed trials of a unique unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) powered by hydrogen fuel cells, setting a new benchmark for drone endurance. The prototype uses a composite tank that stores hydrogen gas at 350 atmospheres of pressure — a design that enables an electrochemical reaction to convert hydrogen into electricity, vastly improving energy density.

The result: flight durations 3.5 to 4 times longer than drones running on standard lithium batteries. 

according to Russian state news agency TASS.

Certification of the drone is nearing completion following successful flight tests. Additional aerologistics trials will take place on Sakhalin Island, home to Russia’s first dedicated droneport and hydrogen test facility. Experts plan to evaluate its potential for aerial imaging, cargo delivery, and other operational scenarios.

Hydrogen UAVs are part of a broader push in Russia to advance domestic drone technology. Developers have already built local software solutions for drone control and video transmission via cellular networks. Project leads say the next step is to fully integrate Russian-made components into the system.

These trials mark a milestone for Russia’s aerospace sector, highlighting how hydrogen-powered flight could redefine drone logistics and long-distance aerial operations.