Lyten’s Lithium-Sulfur Batteries Could Reshape U.S. Defense and Drone Tech

A Domestic Power Play

Lyten, a California-based startup, is betting big on lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries—and the U.S. military is paying attention. The company recently repurposed its San Jose facility to manufacture these next-gen power cells, targeting drones, defense systems, and satellites. The goal? To slash reliance on foreign supply chains, particularly for critical minerals like cobalt and nickel. With geopolitical tensions rising, Lyten’s push aligns with the Department of Defense’s mandate for domestically sourced, high-performance energy solutions.

“This isn’t just about better batteries—it’s about securing the future of U.S. unmanned systems,” says a Lyten spokesperson.

The stakes became tangible in Palos Verdes, California, where a 3D-printed drone with an 8.5-foot wingspan, powered by Lyten’s Li-S batteries, hit 86 mph and stayed aloft for over three hours. For context, that’s roughly double the endurance of many commercial drones. But Lyten isn’t stopping there. Its next battery iteration, slated for July 2025, promises up to 8 hours of flight time—a game-changer for surveillance and logistics missions.

From Satellites to EVs

Lyten’s tech is already turning heads at the Defense Innovation Unit, thanks to its durability: over 3,000 charge cycles for satellite applications. In 2025, the International Space Station will put these batteries to the test, potentially paving the way for longer-lasting orbital hardware. Meanwhile, back on Earth, Lyten’s NDAA-compliant chemistry—free of nickel, manganese, cobalt, and graphite—has drawn interest from AEVEX Aerospace and Stellantis, which plans to integrate them into its Chrysler Halcyon EV.

“The energy density is unreal. We’re talking about half the weight of lithium-ion with comparable performance,” notes an industry insider.

Founded in 2015, Lyten has raised over $425 million and amassed 520+ patents. Its acquisition of Northvolt’s San Leandro plant signals aggressive scaling, with production capacity set to meet both defense and commercial demand. As the race for greener, more resilient energy solutions heats up, Lyten’s Li-S batteries might just be the spark the U.S. supply chain needs.