Australian battery technology delivered for US Army testing – a defining step in Li-S Energy’s commercialisation pathway

Key Highlights:

• US Army DEVCOM C5ISR Center to independently evaluate LIS’ lithium-sulfur batteries
• Lithium-sulfur cells have now been received by the US Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground, marking the first-ever delivery of LIS’ technology to a US Government agency
• Engagement opens a direct pathway into US Army procurement as allied forces accelerate adoption of unmanned systems
• LIS’ lithium-sulfur cells enable unmanned systems to fly farther, operate longer and carry greater payloads – a step-change over conventional lithium-ion
• Builds on a growing customer pipeline for defence and unmanned systems including Praetorian Aeronautics, MSubs, Kea Aerospace and a major international defence prime contractor

BRISBANE, Australia, Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Li‑S Energy Limited (ASX: LIS) (“Li‑S Energy” “LIS” or “the Company”) today announced the delivery of its first lithium-sulfur battery cells to the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command C5ISR Center (DEVCOM C5ISR Center) for independent evaluation and testing.

This is a landmark milestone for the Company and opens a direct engagement with one of the world’s most important defence technology organisations. This is the first time Li-S Energy has delivered cells to a US Government agency.

This development is the direct result of the Company’s sustained investment in cell technology and manufacturing, and a deliberate strategy to position Li-S Energy as a supplier of choice to the global defence sector with a strong focus on the United States, the world’s largest and most sophisticated defence market.

Dr. Lee Finniear, Managing Director of Li-S Energy, said: “Shipping our cells to US Army DEVCOM C5ISR Center for independent evaluation is a major step forward in the Company’s commercialisation pathway. It is the result of years of disciplined technology development, hard-won manufacturing capability, and a clear strategic conviction that our lithium-sulfur chemistry can provide a broad-spectrum capability enhancement for next-generation defence and drone platforms.

The US is the world’s largest and most sophisticated defence market, and the rapid global adoption of unmanned systems is creating substantial and growing demand for lithium-sulfur batteries that perform beyond what conventional lithium-ion currently offer.

The LIS cells we have delivered to DEVCOM are purpose-built for exactly these applications – delivering the enhanced peak power and operational responsiveness that modern defence platforms require, while retaining the inherent weight and energy density advantages of our lithium-sulfur chemistry. We look forward to demonstrating this performance to DEVCOM C5ISR Center and to advancing what we believe is a strategically important relationship for our Company.”

US Army DEVCOM C5ISR Center

DEVCOM C5ISR Center is the US Army’s principal research, development and engineering centre for command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance technologies. It plays a central role in identifying and integrating advanced technologies, including power and energy systems, for US land force platforms in support of warfighter requirement and serves as a recognised gateway into formal US Army procurement.

An independent evaluation by DEVCOM C5ISR Center is a meaningful step in the US Army’s technology adoption process. Successful evaluation can inform procurement decisions across a broad range of programs, including unmanned aerial systems, ground robotics, soldier-worn equipment and autonomous platforms. LIS’ lithium sulfur cells combine the high energy density of lithium-sulfur chemistry with materially higher power output, offering the potential to extend operational range, increased mission endurance and expand payload capacity for a wider range of unmanned platforms.

Regulatory and air freight milestone

The delivery by air freight follows receipt of three critical international air transport approvals – from the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), the US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

As a novel, ultra-high energy density chemistry regulated as dual-use goods, LIS’ lithium sulfur cells require bespoke dangerous goods approvals that go beyond standard lithium-ion classifications. Securing all three approvals is a prerequisite for scalable international defence supply and represents a meaningful operational and regulatory achievement

These approvals complement Li-S Energy’s recently acquired AUKUS membership, which enables cell export to the US and UK without individual export permits, a critical enabler for timely supply to allied defence customers. The Company is also progressing UN38.3 cell testing, which will enable shipment of larger volumes under standard dangerous goods classifications – removing a key logistical constraint on the pathway to scale.

A rapidly growing defence and aerospace pipeline

The shipment to DEVCOM C5ISR Center is the latest milestone in a growing series of high-profile defence and aerospace engagements across multiple domains and geographies including:

• Praetorian Aeronautics: Evaluation of LIS cells for the Dagger counter-UAV interceptor drone, targeting production of up to 10,000 units per year in South Australia.
• MSubs: Testing LIS’ cells to power large uncrewed underwater vehicles including pressure testing to 1,000 metres depth.  MSubs supplies crewed and uncrewed underwater vehicles to US Special Operations Command, the US Navy and the UK Ministry of Defence.
• Kea Aerospace: Targeting propulsion battery packs for the ATMOS high-altitude, long-endurance solar UAV for persistent stratospheric missions.
• A Major International Defence Prime: Strategic cell supply agreement for unmanned systems, soldier-worn equipment and surveillance technologies, announced in June 2025.

LIS has also appointed Paladin Defence Services as its US Representative to advance opportunities with the United States Department of Defence and major US defence contractors.

This announcement has been authorised by the Board. 

About Li-S Energy

Li-S Energy Limited (ASX: LIS) is an Australian company at the forefront of next-generation battery innovation, producing lithium-sulfur battery cells that offer approaching twice the energy density of conventional lithium-ion.

With a strong research foundation and a commitment to sustainability, the company leverages cutting-edge IP and nanomaterials like BNNTs and Li-Nanomesh™ to enhance performance, safety, and longevity. Li-S Energy aims to revolutionise energy storage for aviation, drones, defence, and beyond – delivering lighter, more efficient energy solutions for advanced applications where weight is critical.
https://www.lis.energy/

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SOURCE Li-S Energy Limited