Li-S Energy (ASX:LIS) has entered into a formal collaboration and cell supply agreement with defence technology company, Partner, for defence collaboration testing.
Partner specialises in the development and integration of advanced military and defence systems.
Under the agreement, both companies will work together with Partner enabled to test Li-S Energy’s battery cells under relevant conditions for performance and safety in defence applications.
The companies intend to subsequently identify products of the Partner that could potentially benefit from the integration of Li-S Energy’s technology, assess integration requirements and collaborate to position the integrated products for procurement by defence customers globally.
Li-S Energy, which has a market capitalisation of $59.53 million, says this deal marks a step forward in its strategy to target major addressable markets for its advanced battery technology in the global military and defence sector.
CEO Lee Finniear says with the 2 megawatt per hour production and testing facility in place, the company is expediting global engagement with key markets.
“We see global defence expenditure accelerating, the rapid adoption of unmanned air, sea and land systems, and greater reliance on soldier worn systems,” Finniear says.
“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.”
Li-S Energy expects to deliver the first batch of test cells in Q3 2024.
Concurrently, the company is continuing to advance discussions with prospective partners in Australia and internationally, that have the potential to drive acceleration of its technology adoption in the defence sector.
According to the National Mining Association, lithium batteries are found in nearly every weapon system used by the US Department of Defense, particularly for portable equipment.
Lithium-ion batteries provide more energy for less weight, essential for soldiers carrying between 15 and 25 pounds of batteries alone.
Li-S Energy is an Australian company focused on battery innovation, developing lithium-sulphur and lithium-metal cells that offer more than twice the energy density of conventional lithium-ion.
The Partner has more than two decades of experience in 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.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Li-S Energy
