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A South African-developed membrane electrode assembly (MEA) has been validated in a commercial aviation-grade fuel cell stack for unmanned aircraft, marking a significant milestone for local fuel cell technology. This development aligns with South Africa's hydrogen and fuel cell strategy, supported by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and implemented through the South African National Energy Development Institute.

The Dragonfly V unmanned aircraft, which utilizes this MEA, is designed for long-endurance missions, capable of carrying sensors for surveillance. The next phase includes procuring fuel cell stacks for a propulsion system, aiming to transition from validation to commercial deployment.