Why the military is
using battery-driven equipment

Armed forces worldwide are modernising their ground operations to reduce emissions, noise and maintenance costs while improving working conditions for personnel.

At BAE Systems, this transition supports the company’s carbon-neutral by 2030 ambition and helps customers achieve their own sustainability goals.

Cleaner, quieter ground operations for military aircraft

At BAE Systems, the shift toward battery-driven Ground Power Units is part of a broader goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2030.

In this video, Max Waldron, Service Delivery AGE, explains how the transition to electrical equipment helps reduce noise, emissions, and maintenance while supporting safer working conditions on base.

BAE Systems’ sustainability objectives

To support BAE Systems’ sustainability objectives, the company began evaluating battery-driven Ground Power Units as a replacement for diesel-driven systems.

The decision was driven by a combination of environmental benefits — reducing CO₂, NOₓ and noise pollution — and operational advantages, including lower maintenance costs and fewer fuel logistics.

During trials with 41 Squadron, the units proved highly effective in reducing on-base noise levels and improving communication safety for ground staff. Following the test period, the results led to a full adoption across selected Eurofighter support operations.

BAE system and UK RAF seeing the 7400 eGPU

The ITW GSE solution

Working closely with BAE Systems, ITW GSE supplied an 7400 eGPU, configured to meet military standards and Eurofighter compatibility requirements.
The trial demonstrated that battery-driven and electric GPU solutions can deliver the same reliability and performance demanded in defense environments — with the added value of cleaner and quieter operations.

The test results

Reduced noise and emissions: Supports carbon-neutral targets and improves working conditions on base.
Operational reliability: Proven compatibility with Eurofighter systems.
Lower maintenance costs: Electric design reduces servicing and downtime.
Scalable solution: Demonstrates how battery-driven GPUs can meet demanding military requirements.