Singapore Technologies Engineering (ST Engineering) introduced its largest unmanned cargo aircraft to date at the Singapore Airshow media preview on February 1, marking a significant expansion in the company’s unmanned air systems portfolio. The DrN-600 represents a major step toward commercial cargo drone operations, targeting last-mile delivery applications in underserved regions.
DrN-600 Cargo Drone Technical Specifications
The DrN-600 features an eight-meter wingspan and a maximum take-off weight of 600 kilograms, making it ST Engineering’s heaviest unmanned aircraft system. The cargo drone can carry up to 100 kg of payload in a front-loading compartment designed to accommodate standardized pallets. Powered by lithium polymer batteries, the electric unmanned aircraft achieves a range of 70 to 100 kilometers per flight.
Co-developed with US-based electric-aircraft manufacturer Air Inc, the DrN-600 utilizes a vertical take-off and landing configuration with multiple rotor assemblies for vertical lift, paired with a narrow wing and twin vertical tails for forward flight efficiency.
Commercial Cargo Drone Applications
Company representatives indicated the cargo drone could serve last-mile deliveries of critical supplies to remote areas lacking traditional transport infrastructure, including islands and mountainous regions. The standardized pallet system enables efficient loading and unloading operations for time-sensitive cargo.
ST Engineering has developed unmanned aircraft systems since 2018. In January 2026, the company partnered with Grab for a trial using drones to deliver food in Tanjong Rhu across the Kallang River. ST Engineering previously collaborated with Foodpanda in 2020 to test drone delivery of food to ships offshore.
Test flights for the DrN-600 cargo drone are scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026, with commercial operations planned to commence in 2028 pending regulatory approvals.
More information about Air is available from their website. More information about ST Engineering is available from their website.
Ian McNabb is a journalist focusing on drone technology and lifestyle content at Dronelife. He is based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys hiking and Boston area sports.
