The Defense Industry’s Rising Demand for Reliable Batteries

Boaz Mamo
Feb 3

The defense sector has always been a key driver of technological innovation, particularly in areas requiring high performance, long endurance, and operational reliability. As geopolitical tensions continue to grow and military capabilities are modernized, so does the demand for advanced and reliable power solutions. As a result, the defense industry has recently seen a remarkable increase in spending, with a particular focus on drones, satellites, and other mission-critical technologies. At the core of these advancements is the need for cutting-edge battery systems that can power a range of defense applications with exceptional efficiency and longevity.

The Surging Spending of Defense

As nations prioritize modernizing military capabilities and addressing emerging geopolitical threats, global defense spending has recently been on a sharp upward trajectory. The US Department of Defense has committed $1.1 billion on the first round of replicator drones in 2024, highlighting the increasing importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare. Similarly, the European Union defence spending is projected to reach €326 billion in 2024. This surge in spending reflects the growing reliance on advanced technologies in military operations, with batteries playing a critical role in powering applications such as reconnaissance drones, long-duration space missions, and other mission-critical systems.

With these trends showing no signs of slowing, global defense spending is expected to exceed $2 trillion in 2024. Furthermore, a significant share of this budget is being directed toward emerging technologies like drones, satellites, and autonomous systems, all of which require reliable, high-performance energy storage solutions. Indeed, in Q2 2024, the aerospace and defense industry saw 13 private equity deals worth $1.3 billion. In the US, defense spending for fiscal year 2024 has reached an unprecedented $824.3 billion, marking an increase of $26.8 billion from the previous year and making it one of the highest military budgets in history. NATO members in Europe are following suit, with defense expenditures rising by 11% in 2024 compared to 2023. This influx of funding is driving advancements across defense technologies, including energy storage solutions like batteries, which are needed to ensure the performance and reliability of modern defense systems. 

Applications of Batteries in Defense

Drones

Unmanned Aerial Systems, or drones, have become indispensable to modern defense strategies, providing surveillance, reconnaissance, and even combat support. These systems rely heavily on advanced battery technologies to ensure long flight durations, high payload capacities, and rapid deployment. Recently, AeroVironment, a US-based drone manufacturer, announced a contract to supply its Puma 3 AE drones equipped with advanced lithium-ion battery systems to the US Army. These drones, known for their versatility, are critical for surveillance and intelligence gathering in combat zones and border security operations.

As drones become increasingly integral to military strategies, advancements in battery technology are crucial. Drones require batteries with a high energy density for extended flight times, a lightweight design to maximize payload capacity, and a high “C-rate” to provide the rapid power needed for tasks such as elevation or sharp maneuvers. Innovations in high-energy-density batteries and rapid charging technologies have significantly enhanced drone capabilities, enabling them to stay airborne longer and carry more sophisticated mission equipment. Innovations in high-energy-density batteries and rapid charging technologies have significantly enhanced drone capabilities, extending flight times and enabling payload capacities to support more complex mission equipment. Indeed, Avy, an Amsterdam-based electric aircraft manufacturer, integrated a new smart battery developed in collaboration with Tulip, a provider of aviation battery technology, enabling Avy’s drones to achieve flight durations of 1.5 to 2 hours, nearly doubling their previous capabilities. 

Addionics’ advanced 3D Current Collectors address these challenges by improving energy density, supporting high C-rate performance, and reducing battery weight, empowering the next generation of drones with superior endurance and efficiency.

Satellites

Similarly to drones, satellites are increasingly important in military operations, providing essential services such as communications, surveillance, and missile tracking. As space-based technologies become more integral to national security, the demand for reliable, high-energy battery solutions has intensified. Lithium-ion batteries have become the standard for powering satellites due to their high energy density, long cycle life, and efficiency.

The expansion of satellite constellations, particularly those supporting communications and intelligence gathering, has driven significant investments in battery technology. In December 2024, the European Space Agency announced contracts to develop a multi-orbit constellation of about 300 satellites aimed at delivering resilient, secure, and fast communications for EU governments, European companies, and citizens. While specific battery suppliers were not disclosed, the scale of this initiative highlights the critical need for energy storage solutions that prioritize longevity, reliability, and safety in the harsh environment of space.

Satellites require batteries capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, radiation, and years of continuous charge and discharge cycles without compromising performance or safety. Addionics 3D Current Collectors enhance battery longevity, improve thermal stability, and reduce the risk of thermal runaway, enabling safer and more durable energy storage for cutting-edge satellite systems.

Mission-Critical Systems

Beyond drones and satellites, defense applications require batteries that can power a broad spectrum of mission-critical systems. These systems may include portable soldier and medical equipment, weapons systems, and ground vehicles. Recently, Saft has been supplying battery solutions for a variety of military ground vehicles used by NATO forces. Indeed, advanced batteries meet the high demands of defense vehicles by powering mobility, communication, and operational systems in the field. 

Similarly, the US Army’s Next-Generation Handheld Targeting System is a man-portable targeting device that allows Marines to rapidly and accurately conduct target location and laser guidance during combat operations. This system relies on advanced battery technology to ensure continuous operation in demanding environments including extreme cold temperatures.

Mission-critical systems require a wide range of battery characteristics depending on the application, but generally, these systems demand lightweight batteries with high energy density to enable portability and long-lasting performance. Addionics 3D Current Collectors improve energy density while reducing battery weight, ensuring that mission-critical systems remain reliable, efficient, and adaptable to diverse operational requirements.

Improving Batteries for Defense with Addionics

As the demand for advanced power solutions in defense continues to rise, Addionics’ 3D Current Collector technology is at the forefront of meeting these evolving needs. The integration of this breakthrough into existing manufacturing lines is already a reality, with its chemistry-agnostic design ensuring compatibility with both current and emerging battery chemistries. By enabling greater energy density, faster charging speeds, and enhanced safety, Addionics 3D Current Collectors are pushing the boundaries of battery performance and reducing production costs. Indeed, Addionics’ 3D Current Collectors are being integrated into a range of applications as this technology enables manufacturers to deliver high-performing, cost-effective batteries that can power the next generation of defense systems and EVs.

With the opening of the world’s first 3D Current Collectors manufacturing facility, Addionics has a production capacity of 0.5 GWh. The facility can supply solutions to meet the growing demands of the defense sector while its integration into the manufacturing lines marks a transformative step forward in both the defense industry, signaling a future where high-performance, cost-effective battery solutions are accessible at scale.

Explore Addionics’ technology or contact us for more information.

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