6K Energy and CRG Defense sign 7-year deal for domestic NMC811 cathode supply for defense battery systems S

6K Energy and CRG Defense have formalised a seven-year contract to secure a domestic supply of cathode active materials (CAM) for defence battery systems, focusing on single crystal NMC811 chemistry. The agreement ensures CRG Defense will procure these materials from 6K Energy’s North Andover facility in Massachusetts, with plans to ramp up production capacity by late 2026. A new PlusCAM™ plant in Jackson, Tennessee, utilising 6K Energy’s proprietary UniMelt microwave plasma technology, is expected to become the primary source of high-nickel cathode materials by early 2028. This partnership responds directly to recent federal regulations aimed at strengthening domestic supply chains for critical defence components. The Federal Communications Commission’s December 2025 ban on foreign-produced unmanned aerial system (UAS) parts, alongside the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act’s restrictions on procuring batteries from foreign entities of concern, have heightened demand for American-made battery materials. CRG Defense, which manufactures battery cells and packs for drone platforms and other defence applications at US facilities, will benefit from a steady, compliant supply through a structured Quarterly Purchase Plan. Executives from both companies emphasised the strategic importance of the collaboration in building a resilient US battery supply chain. Saurabh Ullal, President of 6K Energy, highlighted the PlusCAM facility’s role in delivering sustainable and scalable cathode materials tailored for demanding defence needs. Patrick Hood, CEO of CRG Defense, underscored the significance of the deal in ensuring that drone platforms are powered by technology fully manufactured in the United States, from the chemistry to the finished product. The long-term nature of the agreement reflects a broader industry trend towards securing reliable, domestic sources of advanced battery materials amid geopolitical and regulatory pressures. With the PlusCAM plant’s innovative production methods set to come online in the next few years, this partnership positions both companies at the forefront of US efforts to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains for critical defence technologies. The deal also signals potential growth opportunities for 6K Energy as demand for high-performance cathode materials expands in the defence sector.