Aviation

Airbus, Kansai Airports, and Kawasaki Team Up for Hydrogen Aircraft Rollout

Many aerospace companies are adopting hydrogen-based energy strategies to meet their carbon neutrality goals by 2050.

Recently, Airbus, Kansai Airports, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (Kawasaki) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the feasibility of hydrogen infrastructure at three airports in the Kansai region: Kansai International Airport, Osaka International Airport, and Kobe Airport.

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Through this MoU, the partners will conduct an initial feasibility study under the “Hydrogen Hub at Airports” program. The goal is to assess the introduction and operation of hydrogen-powered aircraft and strengthen collaboration to enable the supply of hydrogen at these airports.

Airbus has been collaborating with Kawasaki to develop a hydrogen-fueled ecosystem, with Kawasaki leveraging its expertise as a leading hydrogen solution provider to design end-to-end cryogenic hydrogen supply networks. Kawasaki’s experience in airport infrastructure, including baggage handling systems, further enhances this partnership.

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The initial studies provided a solid foundation on hydrogen infrastructure at airports, leading to a second phase of feasibility studies. This collaboration between Airbus, Kansai Airports, and Kawasaki combines insights from both supply chain and airport operations.

As part of the partnership, Airbus conducted a liquid Airbus demand forecast, estimating that initial aircraft operations would need a few tons of liquid hydrogen per day, potentially increasing to several hundred tons per day by 2050. Airbus sees strong potential for hydrogen aviation in Kansai and other regions, supported by favorable policies.

Aviation

Saudi Arabia may replace F-35 with Turkies made KAAN

Image courtesy : KAAN

Turkey has secured a significant potential customer for its newly built KAAN fighter jet, with a substantial order that could transform the landscape for this domestically developed aircraft. Reports indicate that Saudi Arabia is considering purchasing around 100 units of the fifth-generation Turkish-made KAAN fighter jet.

This proposal was a central topic during the recent visit of Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, the commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force, to Turkey.

During the visit, Prince Banda engaged in high-level discussions with key Turkish defense companies, including Roketsan and Turkish Aerospace Industries, the developers of the KAAN fighter.

Türkiye’s indigenous fighter jet KAAN to take to the skies in ..

The aim of these discussions was to provide the Saudi delegation with a comprehensive understanding of the KAAN’s capabilities and to explore broader defense collaboration between the two nations.

Saudi-Turkish defense cooperation

According to international defense sources, this potential acquisition could herald a new chapter in Saudi-Turkish defense cooperation, aligning with both countries’ ambitions to strengthen their military capabilities.

Previously, the Trump administration approved the sale of F-35 aircraft to Saudi Arabia, but this was denied due to geopolitical concerns, particularly regarding Israel, which operates more than 25 of these aircraft.

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Saudi Arabia and Qatar have also shown interest in acquiring F-35s. Following that, Saudi Arabia engaged in discussions with China regarding the J-31 aircraft; however, these talks were put on hold due to American diplomatic relations. Meanwhile, the UAE refused to comply with U.S. directives to sever ties with Huawei, the Chinese 5G technology giant.

Saudi Arabia made headlines by announcing a $3 billion acquisition

This proposed deal reflects Saudi Arabia’s increasing interest in Turkish defense technology. In July of last year, Saudi Arabia made headlines by announcing a $3 billion acquisition of medium-altitude, long-endurance drones.

This marked Turkey’s largest defense contract and is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to modernize its military and enhance its indigenous defense capabilities.

The deal includes provisions for technology transfer and local manufacturing, with a notable requirement that 70% of the drone components be produced domestically.

Beyond the potential fighter jet deal, Saudi Arabia’s collaboration with Turkish defense companies is expanding beyond drone acquisitions.

Saudi Arabian Military Industries has signed agreements with Turkish firms such as ASELSAN and Roketsan, covering the supply of electro-optical systems, smart bombs, and guidance kits.

Saudi Arabia is focused on achieving self-reliance in defense for the future, aiming to procure products that will support national growth and enhance its defense capabilities. Collaboration with Turkey significantly contributes to technological advancement.

These agreements emphasize the integration of advanced systems into Saudi Arabia’s defense framework.

Notably, a partnership has been formed with the Saudi National Company for Mechanical Systems to develop electro-optical surveillance and targeting systems. Additionally, Roketsan will supply weapon systems, including those for drone integration. This collaboration further bolsters Saudi Arabia’s defense capabilities.