Military Vehicle Energy Systems Take Centre Stage at Eurosatory
SFC Energy and General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) are showcasing advanced hybrid power technologies for military vehicle applications at Eurosatory 2026, highlighting growing interest in low-signature energy solutions designed to meet the increasing power demands of modern armed forces.
The collaboration centres on the integration of SFC Energy’s EMILY 3000 fuel cell system into GDELS’ PANDUR armoured vehicle platform, demonstrating how fuel cell technology can support so-called “Silent Watch” and “Silent Operation” capabilities while reducing reliance on conventional engine-powered electricity generation.
Presented at the defence and security exhibition in Paris, the demonstration reflects a broader trend towards more efficient and resilient energy architectures for military vehicles, where the need to power increasingly sophisticated electronics, communications systems, sensors and mission equipment continues to grow.
The companies said the initiative aims to evaluate how fuel cell-based power systems can be integrated into both existing and future military vehicle platforms. Discussions have also been launched to further assess next-generation tactical hybrid power solutions and identify integration requirements that could influence future platform development.
A key focus of the collaboration is reducing the acoustic and thermal signatures associated with military operations. Fuel cell systems can provide electrical power without requiring the vehicle’s main engine to remain running, helping to lower fuel consumption while reducing noise and heat emissions that could reveal a vehicle’s position.
By enabling longer periods of silent operation, the technology has the potential to improve mission endurance, operational flexibility and overall efficiency while reducing logistical demands associated with fuel supply.
The growing interest in such systems reflects changing operational requirements among armed forces worldwide, which are increasingly seeking decentralised and reliable power solutions capable of supporting mission-critical applications in demanding environments.
SFC Energy noted that recent deployments of its hybrid power technologies in both military and civilian applications have provided valuable operational experience that can contribute to the development of future vehicle energy systems. Insights gained from these projects are expected to support the evaluation of performance, reliability and operational requirements for next-generation platforms.
The demonstration at Eurosatory features a GDELS PANDUR vehicle equipped with the EMILY 3000 fuel cell system, providing a practical example of how low-signature power generation technologies can be incorporated into armoured vehicle architectures.
Dr Peter Podesser, Chief Executive Officer of SFC Energy, said the exhibition provides an opportunity to demonstrate technologies designed to address evolving military energy requirements.
“Modern armed forces require high-performance, efficient and low-signature energy solutions to reliably meet the growing energy demands of their systems,” he said. “The high demand for combat-proven fuel cell systems confirms the relevance of our technology in operational use.”
Podesser added that early evaluation of fuel cell technologies within military vehicle platforms could help accelerate the development of future energy architectures capable of supporting increasingly complex operational requirements.
As defence organisations continue to modernise vehicle fleets and enhance operational capabilities, fuel cell and hybrid power technologies are gaining attention as potential solutions for improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions and supporting longer-duration missions. The collaboration between SFC Energy and GDELS highlights the growing role that alternative power systems could play in the next generation of military mobility and defence platforms.
