New power system supports longer flights, heavier payloads, and mission-critical operations
Nokia has announced a major upgrade to its 5G drone platform with the integration of Amprius’ SiCore® batteries. The change follows a full qualification and testing process and responds to rising industry demand for drones that can fly longer, carry more advanced sensors, and operate as automated, connected tools for real-world missions.
Drones now play a key role in public safety, industrial monitoring, and infrastructure inspection. Endurance and power have been major limits for many systems. Nokia’s adoption of Amprius’ silicon-anode cells signals a shift as companies look for higher energy density and better performance to support advanced use cases.
A Shift Toward Longer, Smarter Drone Operations
Nokia is a global technology provider in critical communications and industrial networks. When a company with this footprint updates its core power system, it often marks a broader movement in the market. In this case, the change reflects growing pressure for drones that can cover more ground, support high-value sensors, and serve as always-connected assets for large-scale operations.
Amprius’ SiCore platform offers some of the highest energy-dense lithium-ion cells available. The cells deliver short bursts of power for takeoff and steady output for long flights. They also support payloads such as LiDAR, thermal imaging, and 5G modules, which are becoming standard in inspection and public safety missions.
“Amprius’ batteries offer performance gains that meaningfully enhance our drone capability,” said Thomas Eder, Head of Embedded Wireless Solutions, Nokia. “With SiCore, we can extend mission range, increase payload versatility, and improve system efficiency while maintaining the safety and reliability our customers expect. These advancements strengthen our leadership in public safety and industrial monitoring, and open new opportunities for mission-critical aerial operations.”
Powering High-Reliability Drone-in-a-Box Systems
Amprius’ batteries were selected after extensive qualification testing. The cells showed the endurance and power required for Nokia’s drone-in-a-box platform, which is designed for automated, high-reliability use. Their lightweight design supports long missions while maintaining power for safety features such as obstacle avoidance and return-to-home.
With 5G connectivity and an open architecture, the Nokia Drone Networks platform already supports secure, long-range BVLOS missions. Pairing the system’s Extra Long Range capability with Amprius’ energy density extends the reach of automated fleets even further.
“Nokia’s selection further demonstrates Amprius’ leadership in aviation battery technology and reflects the growing demand for our SiCore platform in high-impact deployments,” said Dr. Kang Sun, CEO of Amprius Technologies. “As UAVs take on more complex and autonomous missions, energy density and temperature control become decisive advantages. Our technology enables drones to operate longer, carry more, and perform in conditions once considered impractical, helping customers improve safety, minimize downtime, and increase mission value.”
Expanding Capabilities for Industrial and Public Safety Missions
The upgrade supports Nokia’s efforts to deliver a smarter, more capable drone solution for emergency response, industrial inspection, and environmental monitoring. As drones take on more complex roles, power systems must support both endurance and data-heavy payloads.
Amprius continues to work across UAV, eVTOL, and advanced mobility sectors, pushing energy density and performance benchmarks. Nokia’s adoption of SiCore batteries highlights how higher-capacity power systems are becoming essential for the next generation of automated flight.
Both companies expect demand for long-range, high-reliability drones to grow as operators expand use cases across public safety, industrial networks, and large-scale monitoring.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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