Thermal batteries are non rechargeable batteries that use molten salts as electrolytes, which are non conducting solids at room temperature. Internal high temperature, reached by the burning of a internal pyrotechnic, melts the electrolyte. High rate power can be supplied (> 500 Wkg -1 ) since the molten electrolyte is highly conductor. The electrochemical couple used in thermal batteries is Li(alloy)/FeS 2 , with nominal voltage of 1.94 V, at 500 o C. Thermal batteries are built to be capable

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... o act at severe environment condition such as high spin and impact. Besides, they are reliable and have long shelf life (> 10 years). For those reasons, they are used in military applications, especially in artillery weapons. In this paper, it will be shown a review about modern technology of thermal batteries and their main characteristics, focusing exclusively on each constituent. It will be also shown recent developments studied with the purpose of enhancing power supply and activated life of such batteries.