FARGO, N.D. (May 5, 2026) — Packet Digital, and its subsidiary Badland Batteries, a U.S.-based leader in advanced lithium-ion battery technology for drones, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and other defense applications, announced today that it has been awarded $9.8 million as it moves to Phase 3 of its U.S. Navy contract under the Logistics UAS Family of Advanced Batteries program.
Badland Batteries Cell Plant
American-made battery cells delivering high performance
Badland Batteries is the only battery cell plant in North Dakota and the upper Midwest. At this 80,000-square-foot facility, the battery cells that power Packet Digital’s industry-leading battery packs are manufactured. American-made batteries from start to finish, we are here to provide a high-performance solution to your autonomous system.
World-class battery cell plant in Fargo, N.D.
Few companies are manufacturing battery cells in the United States. Even less are doing so with UAS manufacturers in mind. Badland Batteries is on the path to change that with the first battery cell plant not only in North Dakota, but the upper Midwest as well. The 80,000-square-foot battery cell plant began construction in 2025 and will begin manufacturing battery cells for customers in early 2026.
More than 90% of the U.S. drone battery supply chain relies on Chinese-made battery cells. With the battery cell plant, Badland Batteries is fulfilling its mission of offering U.S.-made high-performance smart UAS batteries for its customers. Once completed, Packet Digital will use these battery cells to assemble its battery packs at its 7A facility.
100%
American-Made Battery Cells
-30° to 55°C
Discharge Temperature Range
Up to 80C
Discharge Rate
Capabilities
Electrode Manufacturing
In this stage, raw materials are transformed into electrodes. This multi-step process includes: Mixing, Coating, Drying, Calendaring, Slitting and Vacuum Drying
Cell Assembly
In this stage, the prepared components of the battery cell are combined. The steps involved include: Separation, Stacking, Packaging and Electrolyte Filling
Cell Finishing
The final stage of battery cell manufacturing is cell finishing, which includes: Roll Pressing, Formation, Degassing, Aging and Final Quality Check
“The Department of Defense has put out the call to the U.S. manufacturing base to ramp up domestic production of critical components for unmanned systems. The high-energy density cells that we’re going to produce in Fargo, N.D. will be critical for U.S. defense and national security.”
— Terri Zimmerman, Packet Digital CEO
Latest News
Packet Digital awarded $27 million Phase III SBIR contract to bolster domestic battery manufacturing
FARGO, N.D. (April 8, 2026) — Packet Digital, a leading unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and autonomous battery cell and pack manufacturer, announced that it has been awarded a $27 million contract by the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division to scale domestic manufacturing of battery cells.
Packet Digital secures up to $50M APFIT award to deliver U.S.-made battery cells for UAS systems
FARGO, N.D. (November 26, 2025) — Packet Digital is set to receive an award of up to $50 million through the Department of Defense APFIT program to expand domestic battery manufacturing for unmanned systems in support of U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force and Special Operations Command Forces.
Packet Digital Signs Strategic MOU with LibertyStream
FARGO, N.D. (November 24, 2025) — Packet Digital has taken another decisive step toward reshoring America’s battery supply chain. The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with LibertyStream, in partnership with Wellspring Hydro, to collaborate on lithium carbonate sourcing for its upcoming battery cell manufacturing facility in Fargo, North Dakota.
Badland Batteries 12S and 6S battery packs available now
FARGO, N.D. (October 13, 2025) — Badland Batteries is launching its commercial UAS batteries, offering 12S and 6S options for purchase on Oct. 13. Badland Batteries, a subsidiary of Packet Digital, will be manufacturing and shipping the batteries from its Fargo, N.D. location. In an industry overly reliant on Asia to deliver battery solutions for UAS, Badland Batteries is shifting the narrative by producing a top-of-the-line battery designed, manufactured and tested in the United States.
Site selected for Packet Digital’s drone battery cell manufacturing facility
FARGO, N.D. (July 1, 2024) — Packet Digital is one step closer to fulfilling its mission of supplying U.S.-made drone battery cells for its customers. On June 20, the company officially secured the location for its future battery cell plant in Fargo, North Dakota. With the location and building in place, Packet Digital will begin construction on the facility […]
Packet Digital to build battery cell factory in North Dakota
FARGO, N.D. (April 18, 2024) — Less than six months after opening its battery assembly facility, Packet Digital, a leading drone battery manufacturer and designer, has its eyes set on the next step — North Dakota’s first battery cell plant, to be built in north Fargo. As the U.S. government pushes to increase domestic production of battery cells, Packet Digital’s planned factory […]
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Badland Batteries cell plant
1358 39th St. N.
Fargo, ND 58102