Viking Arms Defence Partner NUE Demonstrates Portable Power Capability During US Army Field Trial
July 14, 2026
Viking Arms Defence works with specialist manufacturers from across the international defence sector to bring proven, operationally relevant capabilities to customers in the United Kingdom.
One of those partners, US-based New Use Energy (NUE), has recently demonstrated its ruggedised portable power technology during a demanding three-week field deployment with elements of the US Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.
The deployment formed part of the US Army’s xTech Adaptive Strike competition, which identifies mature technologies capable of improving soldier effectiveness in contested and austere environments.
Following the successful trial, NUE was selected as a finalist in the competition.
Connecting UK defence customers with international capability
Viking Arms Defence partners with established and emerging manufacturers whose technologies address real operational requirements.
Through these relationships, Viking Arms Defence provides UK customers with access to specialist equipment developed and tested across international military, security and operational environments.
NUE’s progress through the xTech Adaptive Strike competition is one example of how Viking Arms Defence’s global partner network connects the UK market with technologies being assessed against current battlefield challenges.
Portable and resilient power is becoming increasingly important as military personnel rely on communications equipment, tactical awareness systems, sensors, laptops and other connected technologies.
These systems must remain operational without creating unnecessary acoustic, thermal or logistical burdens.
Ruggedised portable power tested in extreme conditions
During the exercise at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, NUE deployed 18 portable power systems alongside soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division.
The systems operated throughout three weeks of field activity in temperatures reaching approximately 46°C, with persistent desert dust, strong winds and demanding vehicle-based operations.
NUE reported that its equipment achieved full performance across the deployment period.
Four models from the company’s SunCase range were tested, together with tactical ultralight solar panels. The systems provided scalable power options for smaller handheld devices as well as larger communications and operational requirements.
The units were deployed within several military vehicle types, including Bradley fighting vehicles, Joint Light Tactical Vehicles and Humvees.
Why portable power matters in modern military operations
Modern armed forces depend on a growing range of electronic systems, but charging those systems through a vehicle engine or conventional generator can create operational disadvantages.
Running an engine generates noise and heat, potentially increasing the risk of detection. It also consumes fuel, adds pressure to resupply chains and can reduce situational awareness during night operations.
Portable battery systems allow personnel to operate and charge essential equipment without continuously running a vehicle.
During the US Army exercise, NUE’s systems supported equipment including:
- Tactical awareness devices
- Laptops
- Communications equipment
- Mobile Wi-Fi hotspots
- USB-powered devices
- AC-powered systems
- 12-volt DC equipment
One US Army captain reported using a SunCase 605 to operate a tactical device, laptop and mobile hotspot for 36 hours before the system required recharging.
Avoiding the need to run the vehicle at night was described as a significant advantage for the unit.
Designed for rapid adoption in the field
The SunCase 1213 proved particularly popular during the exercise.
It combines approximately 1.3kWh of energy storage with a weight of around 13.6kg, providing a practical balance between capacity, portability and size.
According to NUE, soldiers could be trained to operate the systems in less than five minutes.
The compact design, straightforward controls and range of AC, USB and DC connections allowed personnel to integrate the power stations quickly into existing vehicle and operational configurations.
The systems’ ruggedised cases and filtered ventilation also continued to perform in the high temperatures and heavy desert dust experienced during the trial.
Informed by operational experience
NUE’s approach to the US Army exercise was informed by its experience supplying portable power equipment for use in Ukraine.
The company says that approximately 99% of its systems deployed there remain operational, excluding units captured or destroyed during combat.
Paul Shmotolokha, Chief Executive Officer of New Use Energy and a US Army veteran, said the trial provided an important opportunity to test the equipment alongside regular Army personnel in realistic and demanding conditions.
He said:
“It is an honour to be selected to move forward in the competition, but more importantly, I was pleased to see how well our systems performed alongside regular Army units in extreme heat, dust and wind.
“There is no substitute for real field trials alongside soldiers. Technology is changing rapidly, and personnel need direct experience of the capabilities that can help them respond to emerging threats.”
Bringing global defence innovation to the UK
For Viking Arms Defence, the significance of NUE’s achievement lies not simply in the competition result, but in what it demonstrates about the company’s technology and the wider Viking partner network.
Viking Arms Defence identifies specialist capabilities from trusted international manufacturers and helps make them accessible to UK defence and security customers.
This includes technologies designed to support:
- Dismounted personnel
- Communications teams
- Vehicle crews
- Command posts
- Remote and austere deployments
- Training and operational exercises
- Resilient energy requirements
By working closely with global partners such as NUE, Viking Arms Defence can offer access to equipment informed by frontline experience, international military trials and evolving operational requirements.
Supporting the future of deployable military power
As military operations become increasingly dependent on digital communications, sensors and connected systems, reliable access to energy is becoming a critical component of operational effectiveness.
Portable battery and solar power systems can help reduce fuel consumption, lower detectable signatures and maintain essential equipment for longer periods in environments where conventional power may be unavailable or unsuitable.
NUE’s successful field deployment with the US Army demonstrates the growing role of these systems and reinforces Viking Arms Defence’s commitment to bringing relevant international defence technology to the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Who is New Use Energy?
New Use Energy is a US manufacturer of ruggedised mobile battery and solar power systems designed for demanding military, commercial and industrial applications.
What is Viking Arms Defence’s relationship with New Use Energy?
Viking Arms Defence is New Use Energy’s UK partner, helping bring its ruggedised portable power technology to customers in the UK defence and security sectors.
What is the xTech Adaptive Strike competition?
xTech Adaptive Strike is a US Army prize competition that identifies ready-to-deploy technologies capable of improving soldier effectiveness in contested environments.
Why is portable power important for military personnel?
Portable power allows military users to operate communications equipment, tactical devices, laptops and other electronic systems without continuously running vehicle engines or fuel generators. This can reduce noise, heat, fuel use and logistical demand.
Are NUE power systems operationally tested?
NUE systems have been used in Ukraine and were recently deployed during a three-week US Army field exercise at the National Training Center in California.
About Viking Arms Defence
Viking Arms Defence supplies specialist equipment and capability to the UK defence and security sectors.
Through partnerships with international manufacturers, Viking Arms Defence connects UK customers with dependable technologies developed to meet demanding operational requirements.
To discuss New Use Energy portable power systems or Viking Arms Defence’s wider range of international defence partners, contact the Viking Arms Defence team.
