1414 Degrees Enters Ukrainian Defence Partnership to Test SiNTL Batteries

1414 Degrees (ASX: 14D) has entered a battery qualification agreement with Ukrainian defence manufacturer Energia 2000 to test its SiNTL silicon-anode technology across multiple military drone and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms.

Energia 2000 currently manufactures about 72,000 drones and UAVs annually for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and plans to lift production to as many as 360,000 units per year within 24 months through subsidiary Spectech Industries.

Successful qualification could provide a pathway for SiNTL-based batteries to enter Energia 2000’s production program and support broader commercial engagement across European defence, aerospace, and UAV markets.

The initial program is expected to cost approximately $500,000, with the first stage anticipated to run for between two and six months depending on battery availability, logistics, and regulatory approvals.

Proposed platforms include the AirPlast V1.0 fixed-wing UAV, ST.10(6)B Hexa Bomber, ST.17FO Warlord Fiber Optics 30 km strike drone, and ST Dragon Mk.II and Mk.III interceptor systems.

Battlefield Testing Pathway

The proposed program will evaluate SiNTL batteries across fixed-wing UAVs, heavy multirotor systems and first-person view (FPV) strike drones, with operational evaluation intended to involve five active Ukrainian drone battalions, subject to final documentation, logistics, security, and operational approvals.

Testing in active battlefield conditions would generate performance data on range, endurance, payload capacity, charging time, and reliability in an environment where battery performance directly affects mission outcomes.

Testing will proceed through six stages beginning with SiNTL sample and cell validation, followed by laboratory cycling, battery pack testing, bench testing on selected UAVs, flight assessment, and a final qualification and commercialisation review.

Each stage will carry a pass-or-fail decision before work advances, with unsuccessful results returned to 1414 Degrees for technical review and improvement.

The agreement also involves Ukrainian project supervision and legal services firm Trecenta Systems, which will oversee the program, control qualification samples, administer funds, and coordinate field reporting.

SiNTL Capacity Advantage

SiNTL has demonstrated specific capacity of 530 milliampere-hours per gram (mAh/g), compared with graphite’s theoretical maximum of 372mAh/g.

Development is targeting 600mAh/g, creating potential to increase drone range, payload, and mission duration without requiring a corresponding increase in battery weight.

The silicon anode material has been designed for integration into established lithium-ion battery manufacturing pathways, supporting a transition from laboratory validation into complete battery packs.

1414 Degrees holds an exclusive global licence to SiNTL and retains full commercial rights to supply anode material, license battery technology, and receive royalties from approved packs or platforms.

Defence Market Entry Point

Executive chair Dr Kevin Moriarty said the partnership provided a direct route into one of the world’s most demanding battery environments.

“UAV performance is increasingly limited by battery range, endurance, charging time and reliability—SiNTL was developed to address precisely these challenges,” Dr Moriarty said.

“By working with Ukrainian defence-sector partners, we intend to generate the operational data needed to support future commercial discussions with defence, UAV and aerospace customers.”

“Importantly, 14D retains full control of the SiNTL technology and is positioning the programme around a scalable supply, licensing and royalty model.”

Successful testing would form the basis for separate commercial agreements covering future production, supply, distribution, and adoption across Energia 2000’s UAV portfolio.