SM Group's manufacturing affiliate SM Vexel announced on the 26th that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with aerospace tech company Sumbi to jointly develop batteries for defense drones.
The two companies will promote the localization of secondary battery packs installed in ultra-precision, high-performance defense drones. In particular, SM Vexel plans to focus on research and development of lightweight drone battery packs, charging speed, and current efficiency, aiming to enter the global market with 488Wh and 977Wh battery packs.
Choi Se-hwan, CEO of SM Vexel (left), is taking a commemorative photo with Oh In-seon, CEO of Sumbi, after signing a business agreement (MOU) at Sumbi headquarters on the 25th. (Photo by SM Vexel)
Sumbi's drones are used by the Army, Navy, Air Force, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Korea National Park Service, Korea Coast Guard, and Korea Transportation Safety Authority for reconnaissance and target detection in operational areas, maritime rescue, disaster monitoring, search and rescue of missing persons, and delivery of urgent mail and daily necessities.
SM Vexel, a battery manufacturing specialist that has grown alongside the domestic battery industry since 1978, has manufactured and distributed primary batteries such as alkaline and manganese, as well as secondary batteries including nickel-metal hydride, lithium-ion, and industrial and military battery packs. Currently, it produces and supplies ultra-small lithium ampoule batteries, a key component of the 'K-Defense' weapon system.
Oh In-seon, CEO of Sumbi, said, "Partnering with SM Vexel, a specialized battery company for advanced devices, to develop defense drone battery packs has enhanced the performance of our drones," adding, "We hope cooperation will extend beyond joint battery development to many other fields."
Woo Oh-hyun, Chairman of SM Group, stated, "It is an honor to contribute to national security and economic development through large-scale investment in the domestic defense industry, as well as to the advancement of the Republic of Korea," and added, "We will spare no investment in research and development that contributes to the development of national key industries, including the defense industry."
Choi Se-hwan, CEO of SM Vexel, said, "We plan to emphasize the technological capabilities, quality control, and customized production capacity of SM Vexel's battery packs," and added, "Our battery packs are characterized by providing optimal battery packs through application analysis according to user requirements."
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