Discover World-Leading Unmanned and Autonomous Technologies
Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliersThe Defense Strategies Institute has announced the launch of its inaugural Advanced Energy Storage for Defense & Security Summit, scheduled to take place on May 27-28, 2026, in National Harbor, MD.
This gathering arrives as the Department of War accelerates its transition toward advanced energy storage solutions, responding to a market projected to reach $83.4 billion by 2030. Under the DoW Lithium Battery Strategy 2023–2030, the department is prioritizing a move from traditional lithium-ion to safer, standardized solutions to ensure long-term supply security.
The event serves as a central hub for decision-makers and innovators from the DoW, federal government, commercial sector, and academia to examine how customizable, intelligent battery cells and advanced management systems are reshaping defense energy.
Confirmed speakers for the event include:
- COL Josh Wiles, USA, Requirement Director, Ft. Benning
- José Collazo-Castillo, Battery Supply Chain Senior Advisor, OUSW A&S
- Dr. KJ Cho, BEACONS Director/Professor, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, UT Dallas
- Dr. Marshall Schroeder, Lead, Electrolyte and Interface Science Team, DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory
- Venkat Srinivasan, Director at Argonne Collaborative Center for Energy Storage Science
- Dr. Changwon Suh, Technology Manager at Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO), DoE
- Stanley Whittingham, Nobel Laureate and Distinguished Professor and Director of NECCES and Battery-NY at Binghamton University (SUNY)
- Maj. Gen. (R) Mike Fantini, USAF, Defense Consultant, Lyten
- COL (R) Brant Dayley, Vice President, Integrated Energy & Propulsion Systems, GM Defense
- Ikenna Nlebedim, Critical Materials Innovation Hub (CMI), U.S. Department of Energy
- Gabriel Veith, Ph.D., Distinguished Staff Scientist, Chemical Sciences Division, ORNL
- Dr. Gavriel Legynd, Ph.D., CEO, VisioneerIT
- Event Moderator: Samm Gillard, Co-Founder & Executive Director, BATT Coalition
Technical sessions are designed to cover the full lifecycle of energy storage, from raw material sourcing to tactical deployment. Key topics include the integration of battery solutions across the DoW, the use of advanced storage for tactical UAVs, and the development of next-generation tactical EVs. Experts will also discuss the role of AI and digital twins in ensuring system resilience, as well as the engineering challenges involved in creating safer, faster-charging solid-state batteries.
Beyond the technical presentations, the forum aims to address the logistical hurdles of mitigating supply chain challenges and sourcing critical materials more efficiently. This focus aligns with broader efforts by organizations like the Critical Materials Innovation Hub and the Department of Energy’s Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Technologies Office to secure the domestic energy landscape.
The Defense Strategies Institute is currently offering complimentary attendance to active US military as well as government and state personnel. The summit is also opening opportunities for sponsors and exhibitors to engage with the energy storage community as they work to define the future of defense power systems.
