U.S. Air Force awards Knoxville-based Safire with a $4.5 million contract
The contract was awarded as a part of the "Advanced Resilient Energy Systems (ARES)" program.
Knoxville-based Safire Technology Group Inc. continues to make significant strides in the defense sector. This week, the company is announcing a $4.5 million contract from the U.S. Air Force to develop ruggedized electrified products and systems for the Department of Defense (DoD). This award further validates Safire’s success with its Safire Light Tactical Vehicle (SLTV) and Battle Airmen Gear (BAG), part of a previously awarded $1.25 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Direct-to-Phase II contract in 2023.
The contract is the result of a new initiative called the “Advanced Resilient Energy Systems (ARES) Program.” The DoD has emphasized the importance of electrification and hybridization of battlefield systems to enhance operational effectiveness, secure defense supply chains, and bolster America’s energy future.
“Safire is advancing U.S. national security by securing access to ruggedized electrified products and systems capable of delivering improved performance and safety in the most extreme environments across the battlespace,” said John Lee, Co-Founder & CEO of Safire.
Under the ARES program, Safire will develop advanced energy storage systems and integrate its ballistic impact-resistant safety technology into various products, including a tactical electric dirt bike, multi-functional body armor, and energy storage formats widely used across the DoD. Leading this initiative is Elijah Bales, Safire’s Government Solutions Manager, who brings over a decade of experience as a U.S. Army officer, including roles within Special Operations Command and as a Ranger Chief Innovation Officer.
“Safire is committed to delivering innovative, mission-critical solutions that enable safe and effective battlefield operations,” said Bales. “We are proud to support the warfighter and look forward to continued collaboration in delivering these critical capabilities.”
Safire’s proprietary Safe, Impact-Resistant Electrolyte (SAFIRE™) technology, developed over nearly a decade at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), is central to its innovations. This patented additive transforms from liquid to solid upon kinetic impact, preventing fires in lithium-ion batteries—a significant advancement for both defense and commercial applications.
The company has garnered lots of attention from the East Tennessee community for its rapid growth and innovative solutions. In 2024, Safire won the PYA-sponsored Ballard Innovation Award, securing $50,000 in capital and in-kind services. Later that year, Safire was awarded the Judges’ Choice and a $10,000 prize at Knoxville’s Startup Day, where Chief Product Officer Andrew Hanna presented the company’s vision.
In September 2024, Safire announced an $8 million capital raise led by Canaan Partners, with participation from several other investors. The funding aims to expand Safire’s R&D operations in Knoxville and strengthen its relationship with ORNL.
With the ARES program and continued support from the DoD, Safire is greatly positioned to further its mission of delivering safe, electrified solutions for defense applications, reinforcing Knoxville’s position as a hub for technological innovation.
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