Military battery technology is undergoing significant transformation as defense budgets increasingly prioritize portable power, vehicle electrification, and unmanned systems. Projected spending reflects growing demand for energy storage solutions that meet stringent durability requirements while leveraging advancements in commercial battery technologies. The period through 2035 will see substantial investments across major defense budgets, with a focus on high-performance, reliable, and sustainable power sources.
The United States remains the largest spender in military battery technology, with allocations expected to grow steadily. Portable power systems for dismounted soldiers, including advanced lithium-ion and solid-state batteries, are projected to receive significant funding. These systems must withstand extreme temperatures, mechanical stress, and prolonged field use. Vehicle electrification efforts, particularly for tactical and logistics fleets, will drive demand for high-energy-density batteries capable of rapid charging in austere environments. Unmanned systems, from small drones to large unmanned ground vehicles, require lightweight, long-endurance power solutions, spurring investment in lithium-sulfur and metal-air chemistries.
Europe’s defense budgets are also increasing battery-related expenditures, with emphasis on standardization and interoperability. The European Defence Fund and national programs are funding research into next-generation batteries that balance energy density with safety. Portable power for infantry systems is a key focus, with requirements for batteries that operate reliably in Arctic to desert conditions. Vehicle electrification projects, including hybrid and fully electric military vehicles, are accelerating, supported by collaborations between defense agencies and automotive battery manufacturers. Unmanned systems, particularly for surveillance and logistics, are driving demand for modular battery designs that allow quick swaps in the field.
China’s military battery spending is growing rapidly, aligned with broader electrification and modernization goals. Investments in solid-state batteries and sodium-ion technologies aim to reduce reliance on imported materials while meeting demanding performance criteria. Portable power systems are being developed for extended missions, with an emphasis on energy density and rechargeability under harsh conditions. Vehicle electrification includes hybrid and electric propulsion for armored vehicles, requiring batteries with high power output and thermal stability. Unmanned systems, a cornerstone of China’s military strategy, are benefiting from advances in lightweight, high-capacity batteries.
Durability requirements for military batteries are far more stringent than commercial counterparts. Batteries must operate across a temperature range of -40°C to 60°C, resist vibration and shock, and maintain performance after long periods of storage. Exposure to humidity, dust, and electromagnetic interference necessitates robust packaging and advanced battery management systems. Cycle life expectations often exceed 1,000 full cycles with minimal capacity degradation, and shelf life requirements can extend beyond 10 years. These demands push battery chemistry and materials innovation, with spillover benefits for civilian applications.
Dual-use technology spillovers are a significant aspect of military battery development. Advances in solid-state electrolytes, initially funded for portable soldier power, are finding applications in electric vehicles and grid storage. High-energy-density lithium-sulfur batteries, developed for unmanned aerial vehicles, are being adapted for commercial aviation and long-duration energy storage. Thermal management systems perfected for military vehicle batteries are improving safety and performance in consumer electronics and electric cars. Recycling technologies, critical for reducing logistical burdens in defense operations, are contributing to sustainable battery ecosystems in the civilian sector.
The following table summarizes projected spending areas across major defense budgets:
Category United States Europe China
Portable Power High Moderate High
Vehicle Electrification High High Moderate
Unmanned Systems Very High Moderate Very High
Portable power systems are evolving beyond traditional battery packs to include integrated energy harvesting and hybrid power solutions. Solar-rechargeable batteries, fuel cell hybrids, and kinetic energy recovery systems are under development to reduce the logistical burden of battery resupply. Standardization of form factors and connectors is improving interoperability across NATO and allied forces, while modular designs allow for flexible power configurations in the field.
Vehicle electrification is transitioning from prototypes to operational deployment. Hybrid electric drives for main battle tanks and armored personnel carriers offer reduced thermal signatures and improved fuel efficiency. Fully electric tactical trucks and logistics vehicles benefit from advancements in high-power battery systems, with some programs targeting silent watch capabilities exceeding 72 hours. Charging infrastructure, including ruggedized portable chargers and vehicle-to-grid capabilities, is receiving parallel investment to support electrified fleets in forward operating bases.
Unmanned systems are driving innovation in energy density and weight reduction. Small drones require batteries that maximize flight time without exceeding weight limits, leading to adoption of lithium-sulfur and graphene-enhanced lithium-ion cells. Larger unmanned ground vehicles use battery systems that balance power delivery with durability, often incorporating supercapacitors for peak load management. Underwater applications present unique challenges, with seawater-activated batteries and pressure-tolerant designs enabling longer mission durations for unmanned underwater vehicles.
Supply chain resilience is a growing concern, with defense budgets allocating funds to secure critical materials and manufacturing capacity. Rare earth elements, lithium, cobalt, and nickel are strategically important, prompting investments in domestic refining and recycling capabilities. Alternative chemistries using more abundant materials, such as sodium-ion or zinc-based systems, are being explored to mitigate supply risks. Second-life applications for military batteries, such as stationary storage for base power, are being developed to extend value chains and reduce waste.
The intersection of military requirements and commercial battery progress creates a feedback loop accelerating technological advancement. Military funding de-risks emerging technologies that later transition to civilian use, while commercial scale manufacturing reduces costs for defense applications. This synergy is particularly evident in solid-state batteries, where defense investments in solving interfacial stability and manufacturing challenges are paving the way for broader adoption.
By 2035, military battery spending will have transformed energy storage across multiple sectors. The unique demands of defense applications continue to push the boundaries of what batteries can achieve, with benefits extending far beyond their original use cases. As budgets align with operational needs and strategic priorities, battery technology will remain a critical enabler of modern military capabilities and a driver of broader energy innovation.