DSEI UK: Solus Power contracted to develop ‘Jerry Can of Electricity’

Solus Power, a UK energy technology company, has been awarded a contract by the Ministry of Defence’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) to develop its portable battery technology, “Kratos,” according to a press release issued on September 1, ahead of DSEI UK 2025. The funding was granted as part of a DASA competition focused on energy innovation and improved self-sufficiency for military operations.

The company will work with DASA and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) to advance and field-test the technology. Dstl, the UK’s science and technology organisation for defence, will act as a technical partner, ensuring the product meets the requirements of the Royal Navy’s Future Commando Force.

The Kratos system is a portable lithium-ion battery pack described as a “Jerry can of electricity” that provides rapid DC-to-DC charging. It is designed to be rugged and portable for use in land, sea, and air domains. The system’s architecture allows multiple units to be linked together to meet higher energy demands, making it suitable for powering field command centres and medical units.

The battery is designed for tactical portability, meaning it can be carried by hand, mounted on a vehicle, or deployed by drone. Its features include a low heat signature and silent operation, which can be useful in environments where discretion is a priority. Kratos is intended to support a range of military uses, from powering base infrastructure like surveillance systems to providing power for individual soldiers’ wearable devices and communication equipment.

Company Profile: Solus Power

Solus Power is a UK energy technology company founded in 2020 by Stas Leonidou and headquartered in London. The company specialises in developing portable, scalable energy storage solutions for defence, security, and humanitarian applications. Its mission is to create a new generation of power systems that reduce the logistical burden of energy provision in off-grid environments. The company launched its Series A funding round earlier this year, intending to secure £5 million in investment. 

Calibre comment

Portable power that can be used on or near the frontline is an important subject for power-hungry Western armed forces. Others working in this space include Galvion, with its BATTLCHRG family of systems that is designed to charge UAVs and tactical devices at the frontline. There is also a company called Quaze, which is developing wireless charging solutions for autonomous platforms. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on September 16, 2025. Credit for the lead image is Solus Power.