Li-S Energy inks defence collaboration to support military-grade battery deployment
Li-S Energy (ASX: LIS) is moving quickly to supply its unique battery cell systems under a new agreement with an unnamed defence technology company.
Li-S has entered into a formal collaboration agreement and cell supply agreement with the unnamed “partner”, which specialises in the development and integration of advanced military and defence systems.
The company expects to deliver a first batch of test cells to the client for testing in the coming quarter.
Commercialisation pathway
Chief executive officer Dr Lee Finniear said the collaboration agreement marks another significant step in Li-S Energy’s commercialisation pathway.
“We see global defence expenditure accelerating, the rapid adoption of unmanned air, sea and land systems and greater reliance on soldier-worn systems,” Dr Finniear said.
“Powered by batteries, these systems offer an extraordinary opportunity for Li-S Energy to enhance performance, range and capability to defence forces and their systems suppliers.”
“With our 2-megawatt-hour production and testing facility now in place, this year we are accelerating our global engagement in key markets, offering opportunities to key partners for cell testing and trials.”
Testing program plans
The two companies will collaborate on plans to enable the partner to test Li-S Energy’s battery cells under relevant conditions for performance and safety in defence applications.
They will also look to identify products that support the integration of Li-S Energy’s technology, assess integration requirements and collaborate to position the integrated products for procurement by defence customers globally.
“The collaboration agreement marks a key step forward in Li-S Energy’s stated strategy to target major addressable markets for its advanced battery technology in the global military and defence sector,” Dr Finniear said.
Well-credentialled partner
According to Li-S Energy, the partner is a well-established defence technology company with more than two decades of experience delivering advanced solutions to defence forces in the US, Europe and Australia.
Its technologies include systems for vehicles and soldier systems and are fielded with allied and Australian forces to enhance operational capabilities across air, land and maritime domains.
Dr Finniear said Li-S Energy continues to advance discussions with a range of prospective partners in Australia and internationally.