PMB Defence
PMB Defence is a privately held Australian manufacturer of submarine main storage battery systems (lead-acid, nickel-zinc and lithium-ion), serving the Royal Australian Navy, UK MoD, Royal Canadian Navy, Swedish Navy and US Navy as the dedicated battery tier within the AUKUS supply chain.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1989
- HeadquartersEbbw Vale, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What PMB Defence does
PMB Defence Pty Ltd is a privately held Australian defence manufacturer founded in 1989 (originally as Pacific Marine Batteries) and headquartered in a purpose-built facility at the Osborne Naval Shipbuilding precinct in South Australia. The company designs, manufactures and supports Main Storage Battery (MSB) systems for military submarines, with a product portfolio spanning lead-acid, nickel-zinc and lithium-ion chemistries, complemented by Battery Management Systems, cooling and agitation equipment, and lifecycle in-service support. PMB serves as the OEM supplier of submarine batteries to the Royal Australian Navy (Collins Class since 1989, with production running through 2040), the Royal Canadian Navy (Victoria Class), the UK Ministry of Defence (nuclear submarine qualification programme), the Royal Swedish Navy (next-generation submarines via Saab), and the US Navy (initial trials via Penn State University). The company has consolidated the EnerSys submarine battery business and Varta's Collins-class battery IP, operates a wholly-owned UK subsidiary (PMB Battery Technologies UK LTD), and is positioning itself as the dedicated submarine battery tier within the AUKUS industrial base, with a committed Canadian manufacturing facility tied to the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project.
PMB operates a direct B2G/B2B enterprise sales model, winning multi-year contracts via competitive defence tenders and prime-contractor partnerships (TKMS, Saab, Naval Group). Revenue is generated primarily through hardware sales of MSB systems, supplemented by professional services (engineering technical support, maintenance, training, obsolescence management, R&D and testing) and IP/licensing arrangements. Contract values run into the tens of millions of AUD per programme (e.g., £13M/A$25M UK MoD contract, August 2024), with long sales cycles aligned to defence procurement timelines and sole-source qualifications on incumbent submarine classes creating high revenue stickiness. Headcount has grown from approximately 70 to 130+ over three years, with a $35M purpose-built facility opened in March 2023 representing the company's primary capacity backbone for both Australian production and international export.
PMB Defence firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- PMB Defence
- Legal name
- PMB Defence Pty Ltd
- Website
- https://pmbdefence.com.au
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1989
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- PMB Defence is a privately held Australian manufacturer of submarine main storage battery systems (lead-acid, nickel-zinc and lithium-ion), serving the Royal Australian Navy, UK MoD, Royal Canadian Navy, Swedish Navy and US Navy as the dedicated battery tier within the AUKUS supply chain.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
PMB Defence industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Submarine Battery Systems
- NAICS
- Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Submarine Energy Storage & Power Distribution Manufacturing (Batteries, Switchboards, Converters) (IMAJAOAG)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Military Submarine Manufacturing (Attack, Ballistic Missile, Special Mission) (IMAJAOAA)
Keywords
Where PMB Defence is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ebbw Vale
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
PMB Defence business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Submarine Battery Systems: Design, manufacture, and supply of Main Storage Batteries for submarines including lead-acid, nickel-zinc, and lithium-ion technologies. Primary revenue driver with contracts from multiple navies globally.
- In-Service Support & Technical Services: Comprehensive support including engineering technical support services, maintenance, operational advice, equipment inspections, data analytics, upgrades, stock item ownership, and obsolescence management.
- Battery R&D and Testing Services: Research and development services for battery systems including testing and qualification programs for defense customers such as UK MoD and US Navy.
- Intellectual Property Licensing: Licensing of acquired submarine battery IP including EnerSys submarine battery business and Varta Collins-class submarine battery intellectual property.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Defense Government Contracts |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
PMB Defence product offering
Product offeringCore offering
PMB Defence designs, manufactures, and supplies Main Storage Battery (MSB) systems for military submarines, offering lead-acid, nickel-zinc, and lithium-ion battery chemistries. The company provides full lifecycle support including R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and in-service support services. It serves naval forces in Australia (Collins Class), Canada (Victoria Class), the UK (nuclear submarines), Sweden (next generation), and the US Navy, with contracts awarded by defense ministries and submarine prime contractors.
Product overview
PMB Defence is a world leading manufacturer of submarine battery systems offering a portfolio of products and integrated services. The core offering comprises Main Storage Battery (MSB) Systems for submarines, available in three main technology variants: Lead-Acid, Nickel-Zinc, and Lithium-ion battery chemistries. These are supported by an integrated suite of capabilities combining Research and Development, Engineering, Manufacturing, and In-Service Support within one organisation. Ancillary offerings include Battery Management Systems (BMS), Cooling and Agitation Systems, Technical Support Services, and specialist Support and Test Equipment. The company serves multiple navies globally including Australia's Collins Class, Canada's Victoria Class, UK's nuclear submarines, and Sweden's next generation submarines.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Lead-Acid Submarine Battery Systems
- Nickel-Zinc Submarine Battery Systems
Quantifiable outcome
- 30+ years continuous battery supply for Collins Class submarines since 1989
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use PMB Defence
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles2 records
PMB Defence technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
PMB Defence partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- AUKUS Partnership (BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, HII, Babcock, Rolls-Royce, Raytheon)corePMB actively involved in AUKUS submarine program supplying battery systems. Listed alongside major defense primes as active participant in supplying technology, systems, and infrastructure for Australian nuclear-powered submarine program.
- Invest Nova ScotiacorePMB Defence working closely with Invest Nova Scotia to establish submarine battery facility in Canada. Proactive approach ensures project positioned to move quickly into construction following program announcement.
- TKMS (ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems)coreTKMS partnered with PMB for submarine batteries as part of TKMS bid for Canada's Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). PMB proposes to establish a submarine battery manufacturing facility in Canada with manufacturing, in-service support, engineering and R&D capabilities.
- Penn State University (US Navy)corePMB awarded contract through Penn State University to provide products to US Navy for rigorous testing to assess suitability of batteries for US submarines. Represents PMB's first order from the United States.
- UK Ministry of DefencecorePMB signed £13 million (A$25 million) contract with UK MoD to test and qualify cutting-edge battery system for UK's nuclear submarines. Continuation of partnership from initial 2019 contract. Battery system incorporates PMB's Nickel Zinc technology.
- Saab / Saab-KockumscorePMB contracted to supply main storage batteries to Saab for Sweden's next generation submarines. PMB has had a long collaborative relationship with Saab for lithium battery development. Contract supplements parallel development work with Saab for world-leading conventional submarines.
- Canadian GovernmentcorePMB contracted to supply submarine batteries to Canadian Government for Victoria Class submarines. Royal Canadian Navy operates four Victoria Class conventional submarines. Batteries manufactured at Osborne facility.
- Defence Science and Technology (DST) GroupminorR&D partnership for battery technology development including advanced battery chemistries and submarine applications.
- Swedish Government FMVminorGovernment-to-government R&D partnership through Saab-Kockums for lithium-ion submarine battery development.
- Australian Department of Defence (CTD Program)core$2.2 million Capability and Technology Demonstrator contract to demonstrate next generation submarine stealth mast concept for Collins and Future submarine classes. Funded by Department of Defence's Innovation program.
- ASC (Australian Submarine Corporation)corePMB selected by ASC to perform scheduled battery change in HMAS DECHAINEUX during Mid-Cycle Docking at Henderson WA. First time PMB performed battery installation/removal at customer site.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
PMB Defence competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- EnerSys: EnerSys is a global stored energy solutions manufacturer with a defense and submarine battery business that PMB acquired in 2020. EnerSys retains defense battery capabilities in other segments, and the two companies remain directly comparable in submarine battery technology, IP, and customer relationships.
- Saft (TotalEnergies): Saft is a French defense and industrial battery manufacturer (TotalEnergies subsidiary) that produces lithium-ion and other advanced battery systems for naval submarines, military vehicles and aerospace applications. It is a direct competitor to PMB in the submarine main storage battery market, supplying European and other allied navies.
- GS Yuasa: GS Yuasa is a Japanese battery manufacturer supplying submarine main storage batteries to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Comparable to PMB as a dedicated submarine battery supplier for a single national navy with multi-chemistry capability and long-term platform integration.
- Varta AG: Varta is a German battery manufacturer whose Collins-class submarine battery IP was acquired by PMB in 2020. Varta continues to operate in defense and industrial battery markets, making it a directly comparable submarine battery technology peer, particularly in German and European naval programs.
- Epsilor: Epsilor is an Israeli defense and military battery manufacturer producing lithium-ion battery systems for naval, armored vehicle and aerospace applications. It is comparable to PMB as a niche, high-reliability defense battery specialist competing for similar submarine and naval platform programs.
Broad incumbents
- Naval Group: Naval Group is the French state-owned submarine designer and builder (Barracuda-class SSN, Suffren-class) with PMB qualification through DCNS Global Supply Chain. As a major submarine prime, Naval Group is a comparable broad incumbent that sources and integrates submarine battery systems into its platforms.
- Saab Kockums: Saab Kockums is the Swedish submarine designer and builder (Gotland-class, A26) and is a PMB customer for Sweden's next-generation submarines. As a vertically integrated submarine prime with its own battery development history, Saab is a peer in the broader submarine platform value chain even though it is also a customer of PMB.
- TKMS (ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems): TKMS is one of the world's leading submarine builders and a direct PMB partner for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project. TKMS designs and builds Type 209/212/214 submarines and incorporates battery systems (historically sourced from European suppliers) into its platforms, making it both a prime customer and an adjacent incumbent in the submarine battery value chain.
- HII (Huntington Ingalls Industries): HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding and Newport News Shipbuilding divisions are the sole US submarine builders (Virginia-class and future SSN/SSBN platforms) and a member of the AUKUS industrial partnership alongside PMB. HII is a broad incumbent in the US submarine supply chain and a key counterpart as PMB's batteries enter US Navy trials.
Regional players
- ASC (now BAE Systems Australia): ASC operates the Osborne Naval Shipbuilding precinct alongside PMB and is the in-service support contractor for Collins Class submarines. It is a regional comparable in Australian submarine sustainment and a key operational partner that PMB works with on battery changes and maintenance at Henderson, Western Australia.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
PMB Defence social profiles
Digital presencePMB Defence compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
PMB Defence financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
PMB Defence leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
PMB Defence subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
PMB Defence funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
PMB Defence M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about PMB Defence
What does PMB Defence do?
PMB Defence designs, manufactures, and supplies Main Storage Battery (MSB) systems for military submarines, offering lead-acid, nickel-zinc, and lithium-ion battery chemistries. The company provides full lifecycle support including R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and in-service support services. It serves naval forces in Australia (Collins Class), Canada (Victoria Class), the UK (nuclear submarines), Sweden (next generation), and the US Navy, with contracts awarded by defense ministries and submarine prime contractors.
Is PMB Defence a public or private company?
PMB Defence is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was PMB Defence founded?
PMB Defence was founded in 1989. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is PMB Defence based?
PMB Defence is headquartered in Ebbw Vale, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does PMB Defence make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Submarine Battery Systems are the primary driver. The others are in-Service Support & Technical Services, battery R&D and Testing Services and intellectual Property Licensing.
Who are PMB Defence's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are EnerSys, Saft (TotalEnergies), GS Yuasa, Varta AG and Epsilor. Broad incumbents are Naval Group, Saab Kockums, TKMS (ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems) and HII (Huntington Ingalls Industries). ASC (now BAE Systems Australia) is listed as a regional player.
Does PMB Defence have an API?
No public API is recorded for PMB Defence.
What industry is PMB Defence in?
PMB Defence's product category is Submarine Battery Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAJAOAG, Submarine Energy Storage & Power Distribution Manufacturing (Batteries, Switchboards, Converters), with a secondary code of IMAJAOAA, Military Submarine Manufacturing (Attack, Ballistic Missile, Special Mission). Its NAICS code is 33641.