L-309 - Lithium Battery Powered Munitions - Safety Considerations for Transportation and Storage

While batteries have been used in munition systems for many years, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 was accompanied by a paradigm shift: that is, the widespread use of large capacity lithium batteries as a power source for a diverse range of aerial loitering munition (LM) systems. The following years have seen rapid growth in interest for LM systems among NATO and partner nations; however, with the pace of innovation in this field far exceeding both standardization and regulatory efforts, questions have arisen concerning the seeming incompatibility of existing storage and transportation regulations with the logistic realities imposed by the classification of lithium batteries as “dangerous goods”.

This report presents an overview of the hazards associated with the use of lithium batteries in munition systems, summarises the current regulatory landscape with respect to transportation and storage of lithium battery-powered munitions, and proposes several approaches by which hazards associated with lithium battery-powered munitions may be better understood and managed so as to enable an effective defence capability.