HPQ ENDURA+ GEN4 21700 Cells Achieve UN 38.3 Certification Supports Ongoing Customer Qualification Activities
HPQ Silicon Inc. is currently involved in customer qualification programs with various participants in the drone and defense sectors. The company recently announced that its HPQ ENDURA+ Gen4 21700 lithium-ion battery platform has successfully achieved UN 38.3 transportation certification, allowing for international shipments of the batteries for evaluation and commercial applications.
This certification marks a significant milestone in the development of HPQ's silicon-anode battery platform, eliminating a key regulatory obstacle. The company outlined its commercialization pathway, detailing how each milestone reduces technical, regulatory, and commercial risks, paving the way for future commercial purchase orders and broader market deployment.
Bernard Tourillon, Chairman, President, and CEO of HPQ Silicon Inc., noted that the initial commercial focus on drone and defense applications is a strategic decision. He highlighted that global defense battery demand exceeded 4 GWh in 2025, with nearly 40% of this demand being driven by unmanned drone systems. Tourillon emphasized the importance of lightweight, high-energy batteries as modern defense operations increasingly rely on drone technology.
To further illustrate its commercialization strategy, HPQ developed the AA NOVA 6S3P drone battery pack at the request of a European drone manufacturer. This next-generation lithium-ion battery is designed to meet the increasing demand for lighter and higher-energy solutions in advanced drone applications. The military drone market is estimated at approximately US$35 billion in 2026 and is projected to exceed US$109 billion by 2031, with North America expected to account for about 40% of global demand.
The AA NOVA 6S3P and other battery platforms are currently undergoing evaluation by multiple parties in the drone and defense sectors. Although the company cannot provide specifics on the timing or outcomes of these qualification programs, the evaluations align with industry demand for battery technologies that offer enhanced endurance and improved mission performance. Tourillon concluded that the AA NOVA 6S3P program showcases HPQ's strategy for advancing battery technologies towards commercial adoption.