A new player joins the U.S. supply chain for drone power systems
Badland Batteries, a subsidiary of Packet Digital, has announced the launch of its 12S and 6S lithium-ion battery packs for commercial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The batteries, designed and built entirely in Fargo, North Dakota, are available for purchase beginning October 13.
In a drone market long dependent on Asian suppliers for critical components, Badland Batteries’ entry marks a significant step toward strengthening the U.S. manufacturing base for UAS power systems. The company manufactures, tests, and ships its batteries domestically, an important move as U.S. drone makers race to secure supply chains closer to home.
Meeting the Demand for Domestic Alternatives
Both the 12S and 6S models feature a 17,000mAh capacity, using pouch cell technology to balance high energy density with strong discharge performance. They operate in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C, supporting drone missions in diverse environments.
“Our engineering and manufacturing teams have powered some of the world’s most advanced projects with custom battery solutions,” said Badland Batteries CEO Terri Zimmerman. “Now, we’re channeling that same innovation and top-tier performance into our new commercial-off-the-shelf 12S and 6S battery packs. Customers can count on these batteries to deliver Packet Digital’s renowned quality and reliability straight out of the box.”
Industry Context: Filling the Supply Gap
The launch comes at a time when U.S. drone manufacturers are seeing rapid growth in both military and commercial demand. With tariffs, export restrictions, and geopolitical pressures creating uncertainty in supply from China, domestic companies are moving quickly to develop components locally.
Batteries represent one of the most critical and most challenging links in the U.S. drone supply chain. Companies such as Badland Batteries are helping to close that gap, ensuring access to high-performance, American-made power solutions. However, as production scales, questions remain about where manufacturers will source the raw materials such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt that are required to build battery cells at volume. These materials remain largely imported, often from countries with volatile markets or complex trade relationships.
Looking Ahead
Badland Batteries plans to expand its product lineup, with 23,000mAh and 30,000mAh 6S configurations in development. The company, founded in 2023, designs and manufactures batteries, chargers, and management systems for unmanned systems operating from the ocean floor to space.
As U.S. drone manufacturing accelerates, initiatives like Badland Batteries’ domestic production efforts may play a crucial role in building a more resilient and secure supply base that can keep pace with growing demand while reducing dependency on foreign materials.
For more information, visit www.badlandbatteries.com.
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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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