6K Energy and CRG Defense have entered a seven-year agreement to establish a domestic supply chain for cathode active materials (CAM) powering defense battery systems. Under the deal, CRG Defense will source single crystal NMC811 from 6K Energy’s North Andover, Massachusetts facility, with additional capacity coming online in late 2026.
When 6K Energy’s PlusCAM™ facility in Jackson, Tennessee comes online in early 2028, it will become the primary production source. The Jackson facility uses 6K Energy’s proprietary UniMelt platform—a microwave plasma-based process for manufacturing advanced materials—to produce NMC811 and other high-nickel cathode chemistries. The agreement includes a Quarterly Purchase Plan to maintain consistent supply for CRG Defense’s programs.
The timing is tied directly to federal mandates. The FCC’s December 2025 ban on foreign-produced UAS critical components and Section 842 of the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act—which prohibits the Department of Defense from procuring batteries from foreign entities of concern—have created urgent demand for compliant domestic supply chains. CRG Defense manufactures battery cells and packs at U.S. facilities for drone platforms and other defense applications.
“Rebuilding a resilient U.S. battery supply chain requires both early commitment and long-term partnerships,” said Saurabh Ullal, President of 6K Energy. “Our PlusCAM facility is designed to deliver sustainable, battery-cathode material at scale for the most demanding defense applications.” Patrick Hood, CEO of CRG Defense, said the deal means drone platforms “will now be powered by technology that is truly American made from the chemistry up.”
Source: 6K Energy
