First Hydrogen Advances AI-Enabled Defence and Counter-Drone Capabilities for Autonomous UGV Platform

First Hydrogen Corp. (TSXV: FHYD) (OTC Pink: FHYDF) (FSE: FIT) ("FIRST HYDROGEN" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it is advancing the development of artificial intelligence capabilities for its unmanned ground vehicle ("UGV") platform, with a focus on defence, security, counter-drone support, autonomous navigation and mission-adaptive field operations. The UGV program represents a strategic expansion of First Hydrogen's existing hydrogen mobility activities into advanced robotics, autonomous systems, defence and security applications.

As drone threats continue to evolve from individual first-person-view ("FPV") attacks to coordinated and increasingly complex multi-drone operations, defence and security organizations are evaluating new layers of protection that extend beyond traditional aerial systems. First Hydrogen believes intelligent autonomous ground platforms can play an important role in this emerging environment by supporting force protection, reconnaissance, logistics, sensor deployment and counter-unmanned aerial systems ("counter-UAS") applications. The platform is intended to extend operational coverage, support wider security perimeters and allow personnel to supervise multiple automated systems while reducing their direct exposure to hazardous environments.

To support development of the platform, First Hydrogen is in discussions with a highly experienced artificial intelligence specialist with experience in autonomous systems, advanced computing and defence-related technology programs. This expertise is expected to support the Company's AI development roadmap and may enhance autonomous decision-making, situational awareness, sensor fusion, threat detection and mission effectiveness.

The proposed AI development work is expected to focus on several key areas, including autonomous navigation, object recognition, sensor integration, mission planning, operator-assist tools and support for future counter-UAS applications. These capabilities are intended to enhance the platform's ability to operate in complex environments, support real-time decision-making and provide defence, security, industrial and infrastructure customers with adaptable robotic solutions for emerging threats.

Advances in artificial intelligence, autonomous navigation, sensor integration and edge computing are enabling a new generation of UGVs designed to operate in dynamic and challenging environments. Mobile autonomous platforms could be configured to carry sensors, communications systems, surveillance equipment and counter-UAS payloads directly to areas where threats emerge, providing a flexible and responsive layer of defence support.

First Hydrogen's UGV platform is being designed as a rugged, modular and mission-adaptable autonomous ground system. The Company's previously announced platform includes a patented and patent pending folding chassis architecture, articulated leg-wheel assemblies, hot-swappable mission modules and amphibious capabilities. These features are intended to support operations across difficult terrain, coastal environments, ports, inland waterways, industrial sites, remote infrastructure, defence facilities and other environments where conventional vehicles may face mobility or deployment limitations.

Balraj Mann, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First Hydrogen, commented: "The battlefield and security environment is changing rapidly, and autonomous systems are becoming increasingly important across defence, infrastructure protection and emergency response. By pursuing specialized artificial intelligence expertise for our UGV program, we are strengthening the platform's potential to support next-generation defence and security applications, including autonomous navigation, situational awareness and counter-drone support. We believe this represents a natural extension of First Hydrogen's strategy at the intersection of clean energy, autonomous systems, mobility and advanced robotics."

Fortune Business Insights reports the drone market size is projected to reach US$210.3 billion by 2034 from US$91.9 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.63% during the forecast period. (https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/drone-market-116193).

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