NEO Battery Materials Ltd., a developer of low-cost silicon anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, has launched a development program for high-performance battery cells tailored to defence and industrial drones. The initiative aims to address key limitations in drone technology—namely flight duration, payload capacity and operational reliability—by leveraging the company’s proprietary NBMSiDE® P-200 and P-300N silicon battery materials.
The global defence, commercial delivery and precision agriculture sectors have driven rapid growth in drone and unmanned aerial vehicle applications. However, existing battery technology often restricts mission capabilities due to limited energy density, power output and recharge speed. NEO’s program focuses on producing pouch-type, silicon-enhanced cells that combine high capacity, high power and fast-charging capabilities with safety features suited to rigorous operational environments.
Two distinct cell designs are under development: one based on the P-200 series for short-duration, ultra-high-capacity missions such as one-time-use tactical drones; and another using the P-300N series for long-range, heavy-duty logistics, surveillance and agricultural UAVs requiring extended cycle life and operational range. Laboratory testing has demonstrated material capacities of 2,500 mAh/g for P-200 and 2,000 mAh/g for P-300N, both of which surpass conventional drone battery benchmarks while maintaining competitive cost structures.
This project builds on recent technical successes, patent milestones and expanded engineering capabilities, positioning NEO for entry into downstream segments of the drone battery market. The company’s low-cost manufacturing process underpins anticipated cost advantages, enabling it to offer industry-leading performance at a lower price point.
Mr. Spencer Huh, President & CEO of NEO, commented, “Due to an increase in global defence spending and a heightened emphasis on operational efficiencies, these macroeconomic trends are driving demand for higher-performance batteries in advanced surveillance technologies and unmanned systems (UAS). This aligns closely with the capabilities of NEO’s silicon-enhanced batteries.”
“At the same time, there is clear diversification away from the dependence on Chinese-sourced batteries in critical drone systems in defence. NEO’s battery development initiative will provide a timely, domestically sourced option that offers both performance advantages and supply chain security,” added Mr. Huh. “To enter the high-performance drone battery market, we will first target local Korean manufacturers and partner with U.S. firms to secure government grants provided by the Department of Defence and the Department of Homeland Security.”
Dr. J.S. Jeoung, SVP of Cell Development, expressed, “New advanced drone/UAV technologies require new battery designs, materials, and performance. Especially for defence drones, there is a critical need for battery manufacturers or foundries that can customize battery designs and shapes for different drone/UAV bodies. With our battery components manufacturing capability, we aim to become an end-to-end battery platform solution provider for the end-users.”
Source: NEO Battery
