PMB Defence Partners with BAE Systems on Advanced Submarine Battery Technology

PMB Defence Engineering has signed a contract with BAE Systems in the United Kingdom to explore using its advanced nickel-zinc battery technology in the design of nuclear-powered submarines under the SSN-AUKUS program.

The $34 million agreement will allow BAE Systems to assess how PMB’s battery system could be integrated into submarines for both the United Kingdom and Australia.

According to BAE Systems, the deal builds on several years of collaboration between PMB and the UK Ministry of Defence to test and qualify the new technology for the Royal Navy’s Astute Class submarines.

Nickel-zinc batteries can deliver about twice the energy capacity of traditional lead-acid systems currently used on submarines. They provide a reliable backup power source and support critical onboard systems, even when the nuclear reactor is offline.

While the initial focus is on the Astute Class submarines, the nickel-zinc technology has now been identified as a preferred option for the SSN-AUKUS program, expanding its potential application to the new fleet being built for both the UK and Australia.

PMB, based at Osborne in Adelaide, has been supplying lead-acid batteries for the Collins Class submarines since 1996. The company has recently added 20 new staff and expects further growth if production of the new batteries goes ahead.

In March 2024, the Australian Government selected BAE Systems and ASC as its build partners for the new SSN-AUKUS submarines, to be constructed at Osborne, South Australia.