Russia unveils new lithium batteries to boost drone endurance.

According to information published by the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI) on June 18, 2025, the institute has unveiled a new generation of high-capacity lithium-ion batteries featuring polymer electrolytes and a novel cell design aimed at increasing the endurance and operational flexibility of small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Developed by MAI’s Department 1204 in partnership with the Skolkovo-based firm INTER, the prototypes demonstrated the ability to sustain high current loads, up to ten times their rated capacity, without performance degradation. This translates to a potential increase in flight time from 20 to 35 minutes for small battery-powered drones, offering an operational improvement for frontline reconnaissance and tactical surveillance roles.
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This technology is highly relevant for smaller electrically powered drones such as the Eleron-3 or micro-UAVs operating in short-range, high-tempo environments. (Picture source: X Channel @Osinttechnical)

The battery design employs highly dispersed electrode materials and solid-state polymer electrolytes, offering superior energy density, improved thermal stability, and enhanced safety compared to traditional lithium-ion systems using liquid electrolytes. These features reduce ignition risks and improve service life, enabling integration into compact UAVs without compromising performance. While not directly applicable to larger drones like the Orlan-10 or Korsar, which already use internal combustion engines and have multi-hour endurance, the technology is highly relevant for smaller electrically powered drones such as the Eleron-3 or micro-UAVs operating in short-range, high-tempo environments.

In such platforms, the MAI battery system could extend endurance, improve payload capacity, and enable sustained power delivery for energy-intensive sensors and systems. This is particularly valuable in configurations that prioritize low acoustic signatures and minimal thermal emissions—key attributes for stealth and survivability in contested areas. Electrically propelled drones used for short ISR missions, electronic warfare, or infantry-level situational awareness would particularly benefit from this capability enhancement.

Beyond tactical drone use, the MAI-developed batteries offer potential for integration into Russia’s broader portfolio of unmanned and autonomous systems, including loitering munitions, swarm drones, and other electric or hybrid UAVs. Their high-discharge rate and compact format suit propulsion bursts, rapid repositioning, and high-frequency communication roles. As the Russian military continues to prioritize drone swarm coordination, autonomous operations, and persistent battlefield presence, energy-dense and robust power systems like those from MAI could play a foundational role in the next generation of UAV-based warfare. 

With successful tests completed on MAI platforms and ongoing negotiations with defense sector clients, these advanced lithium-ion battery systems appear positioned for near-term deployment, offering tangible improvements in endurance, reliability, and tactical effectiveness for Russia’s expanding fleet of electrically powered reconnaissance and support drones.