A next-generation 400V power system supports rapid response to the rising demand for counter-drone technology
KULR Technology Group has announced a major step forward in directed energy support systems. The company is building a new 400V battery designed for a Counter-UAS Directed Energy System, completing a full design package and prototype only five weeks after receiving the purchase order. Production is planned for 2026.
The announcement comes as global demand for counter-drone systems grows at a rapid pace. Defense agencies face more drone threats in every region of the world. This trend has pushed interest in high-energy laser and microwave systems that can disable drones quickly, safely, and at a lower cost per shot than traditional interceptors. As uncrewed aircraft become cheaper and more common, the need for reliable power systems that support directed energy weapons has increased as well.
A Rapid Development Effort for a Fast-Changing Market
In its release, KULR says the milestone reflects the company’s long experience with mission-critical battery design, along with an engineering process built around performance, safety, and ease of manufacturing. The company notes that its work in aerospace, defense, and other high-reliability sectors has shaped a fast development framework that keeps design cycles short without lowering standards.
For the new system, KULR used model-based electrical and thermal simulations, a proprietary cell selection process, and a design-for-safety architecture. These tools helped create a battery that meets the high power requirements of advanced directed energy weapons. The company’s in-house capabilities — including electrical layout, mechanical packaging, testing, and system validation — supported what it calls a seamless shift from concept to prototype.
The broader directed energy market is also expanding fast. Forecasts show growth from an estimated $7.9 billion today to $39.9 billion over the next decade, a compound annual growth rate of 17.6 percent. Rising defense budgets, modernization efforts, and the urgent need for advanced drone and missile countermeasures are driving this trend.
Meeting Military Standards and Accelerating Production
“KULR is expanding its KULR ONE Guardian (K1G) platform with enhanced solutions engineered specifically for defense applications requiring the rigorous performance standards of MIL-STD-810H. Leveraging our in-house manufacturing capabilities at our Webster, Texas facility, we accelerated development and brought this program to life with exceptional speed and precision,” said Peter Hughes, VP of Engineering at KULR Technology Group.
The company highlights its modular design approach, advanced CAD and thermal modeling, and rapid prototyping workflows. These methods allow electrical, mechanical, and firmware development to move forward at the same time. The result is a shorter path from design to low-rate initial production and then to full-rate manufacturing for defense and aerospace customers.
KULR says the fast turnaround proves its value as a technical partner for programs that need high energy density, strong safety features, and fast execution. By combining proprietary thermal management technology with agile engineering, the company aims to support the next generation of directed energy systems.
About KULR Technology Group
KULR Technology Group (NYSE American: KULR) describes itself as a Bitcoin+ Treasury company building a portfolio of frontier technologies. The company focuses on high-performance energy systems and AI robotics, supported by in-house battery design, testing, and production capabilities. KULR offers both commercial-off-the-shelf and custom solutions on faster timelines and at lower cost than traditional programs. Since late 2024, the company has included bitcoin as a primary asset in its treasury program, with plans to allocate up to 90 percent of excess cash to bitcoin acquisitions.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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