6K Energy and CRG Defense Ink 7-Year Agreement for Domestic NMC811 Cathode Supply

Key Takeaways

6K Energy and CRG Defense have signed a seven-year deal to secure a domestic supply chain for cathode active materials, critical for defense battery systems.
The partnership includes sourcing NMC811 from 6K Energy’s North Andover facility and plans for a new production site in Tennessee by early 2028.
This initiative aligns with U.S. federal mandates aimed at fostering domestic manufacturing of essential battery components for defense applications.

New Partnership for Domestic Battery Production

6K Energy has formed a long-term partnership with CRG Defense to ensure a reliable domestic supply chain for cathode active materials (CAM) used in defense battery systems, with a particular focus on drone technology. The seven-year agreement stipulates that CRG Defense will acquire single crystal NMC811 from 6K Energy’s facility located in North Andover, Massachusetts. This facility is expected to ramp up capacity in late 2026.

In early 2028, the new PlusCAM™ facility in Jackson, Tennessee, will serve as the primary production hub, utilizing 6K Energy’s innovative UniMelt platform. This microwave plasma-based process allows for the efficient manufacture of high-nickel cathode chemistries such as NMC811. As part of the agreement, there will be a Quarterly Purchase Plan, ensuring that CRG Defense maintains a steady supply for its various programs.

The urgency surrounding this partnership is connected to recent federal legislation. Notable among these is the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) December 2025 ban on foreign-produced components deemed critical for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), along with Section 842 of the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. This section prohibits the Department of Defense from procuring batteries from foreign entities that may pose security risks. Consequently, there has been a heightened demand for compliant and domestic supply chains for defense applications.

CRG Defense specializes in producing battery cells and packs within the United States, catering primarily to drone platforms and other military requirements. The CEOs of both companies emphasize the importance of this agreement in building a resilient American battery supply chain. Saurabh Ullal, President of 6K Energy, noted that such partnerships are essential for delivering sustainable battery-cathode materials at scale for demanding applications. Patrick Hood, CEO of CRG Defense, highlighted that this collaboration allows drone platforms to utilize technology that is entirely produced in America, from the underlying chemistry to the final product.

Overall, this partnership signifies a vital step toward enhancing national security and reducing reliance on foreign manufacturing for critical defense components.

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