Managing hazardous materials in modern defence operations
As the use of unmanned systems continues to accelerate across defence operations, organisations throughout the defence supply chain are facing new safety and compliance challenges. Mike Brodie of Chemstore explains why hazardous storage is a key consideration for supporting modern defence capability.
The rapid expansion of unmanned systems across modern defence forces is reshaping the operational landscape. From intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions to logistics and battlefield support, drones now play a central role across military operations.
But alongside this growth comes a less visible challenge in terms of the safe storage and management of hazardous materials that support these systems. As drone fleets expand across military bases, research establishments, and defence contractor facilities, hazardous storage is becoming an increasingly important part of operational safety and resilience.
A changing hazard profile
The defence sector already operates under some of the most demanding safety and regulatory frameworks of any industry. Military installations and defence contractors routinely handle materials where failures in containment, access control, or compliance can have serious consequences.
These materials commonly include:
• Munitions components, energetic materials, and explosive precursors
• Pyrotechnics and specialist defence chemicals
• Aviation fuels, lubricants, and hydraulic fluids
• Lithium-ion batteries used in drones and portable defence equipment
• Flammable, toxic, and corrosive liquids
• Solvents, coatings, paints, and decontamination agents
Each category introduces risks relating to fire, environmental contamination, equipment damage, and personnel safety. As defence capabilities evolve, the range and volume of these materials is also increasing.
The lithium-ion battery challenge
One of the fastest-growing storage risks in defence facilities comes from lithium-ion batteries. These batteries power a wide range of modern military technologies, particularly unmanned aerial systems. Their high energy density makes them ideal for portable and autonomous platforms, but it also introduces specific safety concerns.
Battery damage, manufacturing defects, or improper charging can trigger thermal runaway, a rapid chemical reaction that can result in intense fires that are difficult to control. When large numbers of batteries are stored together in maintenance or logistics areas, the consequences of an incident can escalate quickly.
As unmanned systems continue to expand across defence operations, safe battery storage must be treated as a critical risk management issue.
Storage as a safety and security control
Effective hazardous storage is far more than a compliance exercise. It plays a vital role in protecting personnel, infrastructure, and mission readiness.
Well-designed storage systems help to:
• Contain spills or leaks
• Reduce fire risk and isolate hazardous materials
• Prevent environmental contamination
• Control access to dangerous or sensitive substances
• Demonstrate compliance with safety and environmental regulations
Clear labelling, secondary containment, controlled access, and safe inspection access all contribute to safer day-to-day operations and more effective audit and compliance processes.
Supporting a growing defence supply chain
As defence organisations invest heavily in unmanned systems and advanced technologies, the responsibility for safe storage extends across the entire defence supply chain, from manufacturers and research facilities to maintenance hubs and operational bases.
This means hazardous storage solutions must be robust, compliant, and adaptable to a wide range of environments, from permanent infrastructure to more flexible operational settings.
Designing and implementing the right systems requires specialist knowledge of hazardous materials, regulatory frameworks, and the realities of defence operations.
Companies across the defence sector should work with trusted experts who understand these challenges and can help ensure storage solutions are safe, compliant, and fit for purpose. For example, Chemstore offers free lithium-ion battery storage surveys to help organisations assess current storage practices, identify potential risks, and ensure facilities are prepared for the growing number of batteries associated with drone and unmanned systems operations.
As drone technology continues to grow in importance across modern armed forces, safe hazardous storage will remain a critical part of protecting both operational capability and the people who support it.
Manufacturing & Engineering Magazine | The Home of Manufacturing Industry News
