SES AI Corporation, a leader in the development and manufacturing of AI-enhanced high-performance Li-Metal and Li-ion batteries, and Top Material a leader in advanced materials solutions and end-to-end gigafactory engineering systems for rechargeable batteries and manufacturer of next generation cathode materials in Korea, today announced plans to collaborate to boost cell manufacturing capacity in Korea for drones and urban air mobility (UAM) applications and lay the foundation for compliance with the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

This collaboration is expected to take place at SES AI’s existing factory in Chungju, South Korea, which was established in 2021 with financial support from South Korea’s central government and Chungcheongbuk-do province and the City of Chungju. The facility is notable for producing the world’s first 100Ah lithium-Metal battery for automotive applications in 2021 and 30Ah lithium-Metal battery for UAM applications in 2024.

The collaboration is expected to leverage SES AI’s AI-enhanced, high-energy density and high-power-density lithium-metal and lithium-ion battery technologies, together with Top Material’s gigafactory-scale engineering and manufacturing expertise and Korea-based material and components sourcing. The goal is to build a robust, secure, and cost-efficient battery supply chain that supports compliance with applicable NDAA country-of-origin and supply chain requirements for SES AI’s drone customers.

The collaboration, the primary terms of which have been set out in a non-binding agreement between SES AI and Top Material, is subject to the negotiation and execution of a definitive agreement between the parties, which is targeted for Q1 2026.

“We have operated our Chungju, South Korea facility since 2021 and have worked closely with Top Material on multiple programs over the past several years. They are a trusted and proven partner to help us as we continue to scale our manufacturing capacity to support growing demand across drones and advanced mobility applications,” said Qichao Hu, Founder and CEO of SES AI.

“We are thrilled that SES AI, with its outstanding battery design technology, and Top Material, with its accumulated battery manufacturing expertise, are collaborating to establish a battery production base for drones in Korea. We hope to further expand this partnership in the future and jointly challenge the global market,” said Whan Jin Roh, founder and CEO of Top Material.