Ship-to-Shore Drone Program Could Have Defense Applications

SINGAPORE AIRSHOW: Ship-to-Shore Drone Program Could Have Defense Applications

ST Engineering photo

SINGAPORE — A new consortium focused on shore-to-ship parcel delivery is working on technology that could also be used for military logistics, according to one of the companies involved in the effort.

ST Engineering, Sumitomo Corp. and Skyports are running a nine-month pilot program to establish a network of drones that can carry up to 7 kilogram payloads. While the initial pilot is commercially focused, the military applications of the platforms could be explored, said Teong Soo Soon, vice president and head of unmanned air systems at ST Engineering, a Singapore-based manufacturer.

“By changing the payloads and the sensors you are able to use it for … the air force or…