Slovak startup InoBat announced plans on Monday to produce a specialized battery for military drones and unmanned aerial systems. Production of the E10 battery will begin in September. CEO Marian Bocek said the company is already in early talks with several European drone manufacturers.
Shift from EV Focus to Defense Applications
InoBat’s previous work centered on batteries for electric vehicles and urban air taxis. Bocek described the move into defense as a “natural evolution.” Defense customers are seeking high-performance, Europe-made battery solutions.
Production Timeline and Partnerships
The E10 battery will enter production in September at InoBat’s Slovak facility. The company has raised over €400 million in funding to date, including a €100 million round in December. Chinese firm Gotion High-Tech owns a 10 percent stake in InoBat, but Bocek stressed that the drone battery effort is separate from their joint venture on electric-vehicle cells and fully meets NATO supply-chain rules.
European Defense Spending Surge
Europe is rapidly expanding its defense industry after calls from U.S. President Donald Trump to bolster regional security. Major arms makers are converting car-part plants to produce military equipment. InoBat aims to fill a gap for European drone batteries as defense budgets grow.
E10 Battery Specifications
InoBat says its E10 unit charges in under 15 minutes. It offers 40 percent greater payload capacity and 60 percent longer flight time than current market batteries. These improvements could extend drone missions and boost operational flexibility for military users.
Related topics:
