Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering advances DrN-600 towards flight trials

The DrN-600 unmanned aircraft system for medium-lift cargo delivery seen here at the Singapore Airshow 2026. (Janes/Ridzwan Rahmat)

ST Engineering is preparing its DrN-600 unmanned aircraft system (UAS) for a series of key flight milestones in 2026.

Co‑developed with US‑based AIR Inc, the DrN-600 is ST Engineering's first medium‑lift cargo UAS, and it has been designed from the outset as a dual‑use system capable of taking on military logistics roles.

The multirotor aircraft is built around four cowlings, each containing a pair of co‑axial rotor units driven by electric motors for vertical lift.

These are complemented by an 8 m wing mounted above the central fuselage and a twin‑fin tail.

According to an ST Engineering representative at the company's media briefing at Singapore Airshow 2026, preparations are now under way for the aircraft's maiden flight.

The company is targeting the second and third quarter of 2026 to begin baseline flight‑test activities with prototype systems.

These trials are expected to continue for between three and six months and will serve to validate the core design of the UAS.

In parallel, engineers are progressing work on the final version of the DrN-600, which will incorporate various enhancements in the lead up to certification.

The DrN-600 weighs under 600 kg at maximum take‑off mass and is capable of carrying up to 100 kg over distances exceeding 70 km.

The aircraft features a flexible cargo bay compatible with standardised pallet sizes.

Responding to questions on whether the DrN-600 is being positioned for any military customers, the company representative said the project began as a commercial effort aimed at cargo operations.

However, the dual‑use nature of the system enables potential adaptation for military applications, he added.

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