Australian advanced battery pioneer Li-S Energy and autonomous systems innovator Praetorian Aeronautics have forged a strategic collaboration to integrate cutting-edge technologies into national security platforms. The partnership, formalised through a Collaboration Agreement, aims to evaluate and potentially integrate Li-S Energy’s lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery cells into Praetorian’s AI-driven unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including its flagship Dagger counter-UAV interceptor drones.
The agreement underscores a shared commitment to bolstering Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities by merging Li-S Energy’s high-performance battery technology with Praetorian’s autonomous aerial systems. For Li-S Energy, this collaboration presents a substantial commercial opportunity, particularly as Praetorian scales up production of its Dagger drones, with plans to manufacture up to 10,000 units annually.
“This partnership provides a pathway to demonstrate the real-world advantages of our advanced batteries in demanding operational environments where size, weight, and performance are critical,” said Dr. Lee Finniear, Managing Director of Li-S Energy. “Praetorian’s plans to build up to 10,000 Dagger interceptor drones per year in Australia offers LIS a significant pathway toward commercial sales, while the combination of our two technologies delivers a substantial leap forward in sovereign defence manufacturing capability.”
Praetorian’s Dagger system is designed to neutralise aerial threats such as armed UAVs and loitering munitions, making it a critical asset in modern defence operations. The integration of Li-S Energy’s lightweight, high-energy-density batteries could enhance the drone’s mission endurance, payload flexibility, and overall operational efficiency. Every gram saved in battery weight translates directly to faster response times, longer loiter durations, or increased onboard capability—a critical advantage in counter-UAV operations.
“Batteries are a defining constraint in the performance envelope of modern UAS platforms,” said Brett Hill, CEO and Founder of Praetorian Aeronautics. “Working with Li-S Energy enables us to explore the use of advanced Australian battery technology that could offer greater range, reduced weight, and improved payload capacity—directly supporting the operational goals of our Dagger and Hadrian systems. An important factor in choosing Li-S Energy was its proven ability to manufacture battery cells here in Australia. We are proud to be working with another Australian company to deliver innovation that enhances national security and supports local industry.”
The collaboration reflects a broader trend in the defence sector, where domestic and international organisations are increasingly turning to Australian-developed technologies to address evolving security challenges. Li-S Energy’s lithium-sulfur cells, known for their superior energy density and weight savings, are particularly suited to aerospace and defence applications. Meanwhile, Praetorian’s autonomous systems, including the AI-based Hadrian battle management suite, are designed to operate in dynamic, multi-domain environments, offering rapid-response capabilities to armed forces.
The Collaboration Agreement provides a framework for joint technical evaluations, testing, and potential integration efforts. Commercial outcomes will depend on the results of these collaborative activities, with both parties remaining open to broader opportunities in defence and adjacent markets. The partnership also highlights Australia’s growing capability in dual-use technologies that bridge civilian and military applications, positioning Li-S Energy and Praetorian Aeronautics as leaders in sovereign technology development aligned with national strategic priorities.
As the defence sector continues to evolve, this collaboration could set a precedent for future partnerships between Australian defence technology companies, fostering innovation and strengthening the nation’s defence industrial base.