Military Batteries

Military Battery Applications

Our military battery inventory covers four primary application areas:

SINCGARS & Manpack Radio Batteries

Our manpack radio battery inventory spans legacy and current-generation platforms. The BA-5590/U (Saft, Li-SO2, 12V/24V) is the standard NSN-stocked battery for SINCGARS and AN/PRC-series radios. The BA-5390A/U (Ultralife, Li-MnO2, 15V/30V) is a direct drop-in upgrade delivering up to 48% more run time than the BA-5590/U. The BA-5372/U (Saft, Li-MnO2, 6V) serves the AN/PRC-119 specifically. For legacy PRC-25, PRC-77, PRC-1077, and PRC-1099 radios, the BA-5598/U (Saft, Li-SO2, 14.4V) is the current lithium replacement for the BA-386/U and BA-3386/U battery families. For squad and platoon-level tactical radios including the PRC-68, PRC-128, and PRC-136, the BA-5588A/U (Saft, Li-SO2, 15V) provides the correct form factor and snap contact interface.

Night Vision & Thermal Imaging Batteries

We stock two batteries for military night vision devices, including the AN/PVS-7 goggle, AN/PVS-4 weapon sight, and D-441/USNV-441 series scopes. The BA-5367/U (Ultralife, Li-MnO2, 3V) is the recommended option — it delivers up to 60% more run time than the BA-5567A/U and carries a 10-year shelf life, requisitioning under the same NSN (6135-01-507-1135). The BA-5567A/U (Saft, Li-SO2, 3V) remains available for procurements specifically requiring the Li-SO2 variant. The BA-5347/U (Ultralife, Li-MnO2, 6V) powers the AN/PAS-13 Thermal Weapon Sight and AN/PRM-34 Radio Set, delivering up to 40% more run time than the legacy BA-5847/U.

GPS & Position-Finding Batteries

The BA-5800/U (Saft, Li-SO2, 5.8V) powers the AN/PSN-11 PLGR (Precise Lightweight GPS Receiver) and related position-finding systems including the AN/PSN-10, PSN-8, and CP-1995. It is also compatible with the Chemical Agent Monitor (CAM). The BA-5800/U uses a tall cylindrical form factor (1.33" diameter × 5.04" tall) specific to PLGR-family devices and carries a 6-year shelf life.

Military Avionics Batteries

The LM26500-M (Saft, Li-MnO2, 3.2V) is the approved replacement cell for the MIDS-LVT Tactical Airborne Terminal. Note that each MIDS-LVT terminal requires three cells per replacement service, sold individually.

Aircrew Survival Radio Batteries

The BA-5112A/U (Saft, Li-SO2, 11.8V) powers the AN/PRC-112 aircrew survival radio — the standard handheld SAR communications device carried by U.S. and allied military aircrew. Note that the BA-5112A/U has a 5-year shelf life, the shortest in this catalog, which should be factored into life support shop inspection intervals and stockpile rotation planning.

Battery Compatibility Cross-Reference

Sourcing Military Batteries Through Battery Mart

All military batteries in this catalog are primary (non-rechargeable) lithium cells. They are stocked for direct purchase and ship from our warehouse — no minimum order quantities, no contract vehicle required for standard purchases.

NSN Cross-Reference

Every product page includes a full NSN cross-reference and part number compatibility list. If you're working from a technical manual, equipment list, or supply record that references a legacy NSN or part number, use the cross-reference data on each product page to confirm compatibility before ordering. If you need assistance matching a part number or NSN to the correct battery, contact our team directly.

Part Number Families Stocked

Current inventory includes batteries cross-referenced against the following part number families: BA-5590/U (and all BA-5590 variants), BA-5390A/U, BA-5372/U (and BA-1372/U variants), BA-5347/U (and BA-5847/U variants), LM26500-M, BA-5567A/U (and BA-5567/U variants), BA-5367/U (Li-MnO2 upgrade for BA-5567A/U), BA-5598/U (and BA-386/U, BA-3386/U, BA-4386/U variants), BA-5112A/U (BA-5112/U variants), BA-5800/U (and BA-5800A/U variants), BA-5368/U, and BA-5588A/U (and BA-5588/U variants). Contact us if you don't see the part number you need.

Chemistry and Performance Comparison

Military lithium batteries in this catalog use one of two primary chemistries. Lithium Sulfur Dioxide (Li-SO2) — used in the BA-5590/U, BA-5567A/U, BA-5598/U, BA-5112A/U, BA-5800/U, BA-5368/U, and BA-5588A/U — is the legacy standard chemistry with broad NSN availability across DLA channels. Shelf life varies by product: the BA-5590/U, BA-5598/U, and BA-5368/U carry a 10-year shelf life; the BA-5567A/U, BA-5800/U, and BA-5588A/U carry 6 years; and the BA-5112A/U carries 5 years. Lithium Manganese Dioxide (Li-MnO2) — used in the BA-5390A/U, BA-5347/U, BA-5372/U, LM26500-M, and BA-5367/U — offers higher energy density, longer shelf life, and in most cases meaningfully more run time per battery. Where a Li-MnO2 battery is approved as a drop-in replacement for a Li-SO2 battery under the same NSN, this is noted on the individual product page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are military "BA" batteries?

The "BA" prefix stands for Battery Assembly. These are specialized batteries built to meet strict military standards for durability and performance. They are typically used in field equipment like handheld radios, night vision goggles, and GPS units.

What is an NSN number and why is it important?

NSN stands for National Stock Number. It is a 13-digit code used by the Department of Defense to identify standardized items of supply. Matching the NSN on your current battery to the one in our product description ensures that the battery will be 100% compatible with your device.

Which battery do I need for a SINCGARS or PRC radio?

The most common battery for SINCGARS and AN/PRC series radios is the BA-5590/U. This is a versatile lithium battery that can provide either 12V or 24V of power depending on how it is connected to the device. For smaller handheld radios like the PRC-68, you may need the BA-5588A/U.

What is the difference between BA-5590 and BB-5590 batteries?

The main difference is whether the battery can be recharged. Batteries starting with "BA" are typically primary (non-rechargeable) lithium batteries intended for one-time use. Batteries starting with "BB" are usually secondary (rechargeable) batteries. Always check your equipment manual to see which type is recommended for your specific mission or use case.

Why are most military batteries made of lithium?

Lithium is used because it has a high energy density, meaning it can power devices for a long time while remaining lightweight. Military-grade lithium batteries are also designed to work in extreme temperatures and have a long shelf life, making them reliable for emergency kits or long-term storage.

Can I use these batteries for night vision devices?

Yes, we carry specific batteries designed for night vision equipment. The BA-5567A/U is a standard 3V lithium battery for these devices. If you need longer operation time, the BA-5367/U is a high-capacity alternative that offers up to 60% more run time while fitting the same equipment.

Do you provide batteries for military GPS units?

Yes, the BA-5800/U is the standard lithium battery for the PLGR (Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver) AN/PSN-11. It provides the steady 5.8V power required for accurate GPS tracking in the field.