Packet Digital Secures Navy Contract for Advanced UAS Power Solutions
The United States Navy has entrusted Packet Digital, the parent institution of Botlink, with a significant contract aimed at creating innovative battery systems, chargers, and power solutions for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
contract Overview and Objectives
This $8.5 million agreement mandates Packet Digital to engineer and produce high-efficiency battery systems tailored for the upcoming generation of Navy Maritime Logistics UAS.
Leveraging Expertise for Enhanced Performance
With a robust background in developing smart batteries and chargers for prominent UAS manufacturers, Packet Digital is poised to deliver state-of-the-art products that tackle existing challenges such as battery supply shortages, data security vulnerabilities, quality inconsistencies, and variable performance. The modular design of the batteries will allow the Naval UAS fleet to utilize a unified set of features and construction methods, facilitating rapid production of battery variants with minimal resource expenditure.
Commitment to National Security
“we are privileged to undertake this vital mission to enhance the safety of our service members and our nation,” stated Terri Zimmerman, CEO of Packet Digital. “Smart batteries are essential for the intricate operations of UAS. As drone fleets increasingly integrate into the Navy’s daily functions, managing a larger inventory of batteries poses a significant challenge. Our decade-long investment in technology, algorithm optimization, technical collaborations, and power delivery innovations will be fully dedicated to this crucial endeavor.”
Support from Government Officials
Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, remarked, “Packet Digital has established a formidable reputation within the UAS sector. We have worked diligently to allocate resources for the development of these new UAS battery systems through annual appropriations. This North Dakota-based company is now collaborating with the Navy to enhance a critical element of our national defense infrastructure. We are committed to fostering strong partnerships between North Dakota enterprises and our national security initiatives.”
Project Timeline and Future Growth
The initiative, spearheaded by Packet Digital’s engineering team in Fargo, North Dakota, will unfold in several phases over the next two years, with immediate commencement.
“Packet Digital has witnessed remarkable growth, and this Navy project, alongside other significant commercial and defense initiatives, is propelling our progress,” Zimmerman added. “We aim to more than double our workforce in the coming years and substantially expand our manufacturing capabilities—all within Fargo,North Dakota.”
