Lighter-than-air craft, dirigibles, blimps and airships et al, are hardly new technology. In fact they predate fixed wing flight. The steam powered Giffard Dirigible Airship first flew on 24 September, 1852.
The U.S. Army, Navy and Air force, plus Northrop-Grumman, Goodyear, and Fuji know what airships are good at. The question is, and always will be; Is it practical, profitable and relevant?