British energy innovation firm Solus Power has been awarded a contract by the UK Ministry of Defence’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) to further develop its next-generation portable power system, ‘Kratos’, designed to enhance energy resilience across military and emergency operations.
The contract, part of DASA’s themed competition Delivering Operational Advantage via Improved Self-Sufficiency and Operational Energy Innovation, will accelerate Kratos’ transition from prototype to field testing. The project will be conducted in collaboration with Dstl (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory) and supported by the Royal Navy’s Future Commando Force, which is funding the initiative.
A ‘Jerry Can of Electricity’ for Modern Operations
Kratos is a ruggedized, portable lithium-ion battery pack described by Solus Power as a “Jerry can of electricity.” It offers rapid DC-to-DC charging, scalability for higher power demands, and tactical portability — enabling hand-carry, vehicle mounting, or even drone deployment. Its low heat signature and silent operation make it a valuable asset for missions requiring stealth and endurance in land, air, and maritime domains.
According to Stas Leonidou, Founder and CEO of Solus Power,
“We are excited to be working with DASA and the MoD to develop Kratos further. Our mission is to revolutionize energy access across defence by providing portable, flexible, and scalable off-grid power whenever and wherever it’s needed.”
Powering Future Missions
The Kratos system aims to reduce logistical dependency on traditional generators, offering a lighter, quieter, and more sustainable alternative. Its modular design supports a variety of missions — from powering field command posts and surveillance systems to medical units and disaster relief operations.
Darren Browning, Technical Partner at Dstl, emphasized the project’s significance:
“Science and technology innovation enables our Armed Forces to be more resilient and effective. We’ll be using our technical expertise to ensure Kratos meets operational needs.”
Building Energy Resilience for Defense
As military operations increasingly rely on electrified systems, drones, and advanced communications, energy resilience has emerged as a critical national security priority. DASA’s support for technologies like Kratos underscores the UK’s focus on sustainable power generation and self-sufficiency for deployed forces.
Kratos’ development aligns with the UK’s broader defense modernization goals — supporting a transition toward electrified mobility, off-grid energy independence, and rapid deployability across operational theaters.
