Slovak battery startup InoBat said on Monday it plans to launch a high-performance battery cell for military drones and unmanned aerial systems, aiming to capitalize on growing defense investment across Europe.
Production of the new E10 battery cell is scheduled to begin in September, CEO Marian Bocek told Reuters. “We are engaging with drone manufacturers that require a technologically superior European battery solution,” Bocek said, adding that the company is already in early-stage collaboration with selected European drone makers.
The E10 cell is designed to meet the advanced energy demands of military drones, offering a charging time of under 15 minutes, the ability to carry 40% more payload, and delivering up to 60% longer flight time than currently available alternatives, according to the company.
InoBat, previously focused on battery solutions for electric vehicles (EVs) and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, described the move as a “natural evolution” in response to the growing need for high-spec, European-made battery systems in defense and industrial drone markets.
The announcement comes as European nations accelerate defense procurement amid rising geopolitical tensions and calls from U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump for Europe to strengthen its own defense capabilities. Several companies, including Rheinmetall and Europlasma, have already begun converting automotive facilities to support military production.
InoBat has raised over €400 million ($447 million) in funding, including €100 million secured in December. Chinese battery manufacturer Gotion holds a 10% stake in InoBat and operates a separate joint venture to produce EV batteries for Volkswagen starting in 2027. Bocek confirmed that the drone battery program is independent of the Gotion partnership and compliant with NATO supply chain standards.
