Copyright defence-blog
Solus Power has secured a new contract from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to develop a ruggedized portable power system intended to enhance energy resilience across land, air, and maritime operations. According to a press release from Solus Power, the company has been awarded funding through the Defence and Security Accelerator’s (DASA) themed competition, titled “Delivering operational advantage via improved self-sufficiency and operational energy innovation.” The project will fast-track development of the company’s military-grade portable battery unit, known as Kratos. The battery system, described by the company as a “Jerry can of electricity,” is designed to enable flexible, scalable, and mobile DC-to-DC charging. With modular architecture, Kratos allows multiple units to be linked together to meet varying energy requirements. The system is built for tactical portability and may be carried by hand, mounted to a vehicle, or deployed via drone. In a statement, Solus Power CEO Stas Leonidou said: “We are delighted that Solus Power’s Kratos has been recognised for its game-changing potential, and we are excited to be working with DASA and the MoD to further develop the technology. Our mission is to revolutionise energy access across defence, ensuring reliable and sustainable power in diverse and challenging environments.” The Kratos system is expected to support a broad range of operational needs, from field command posts and surveillance infrastructure to soldier-wearable systems and communications equipment. Its silent operation and low thermal signature also make it suitable for stealth-focused missions. The company says its work will proceed in partnership with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), which will serve as technical advisor and ensure the battery platform aligns with operational requirements defined by the Royal Navy’s Future Commando Force, the funding authority behind the effort. In a statement, Dstl technical partner Darren Browning said: “Science and technology innovation enables our Armed Forces to be more resilient and effective. Dstl’s critical technical advice helped shape the power requirements for the solution and its ability to power varied electronic systems.” The DASA competition aims to identify technologies that allow deployed forces to achieve greater operational self-sufficiency. According to the MoD, energy resilience has become an urgent requirement as modern defense increasingly relies on electronics, electric mobility, and distributed infrastructure. "At DASA, we are dedicated to finding and supporting breakthrough solutions that address the challenges faced by modern defence forces," a DASA project manager said in a statement. Solus Power’s Kratos battery system is designed to reduce the military’s reliance on diesel generators, which remain noisy, fuel-dependent, and logistically burdensome. The company said Kratos provides an off-grid power alternative that is scalable and quickly deployable, with potential applications in disaster relief, drone operations, and forward operating bases. The contract, awarded as part of a Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI), runs from November 2025 through November 2026. Financial terms of the award have not been disclosed.
