TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 20, 2026 — Global Ordnance Holdings, a U.S.-owned defense company delivering integrated munition systems, ordnance, energetics, UAS and counter UAS solutions to the United States and its allies, signed a Master Supply Agreement with Sparkz Inc. initially targeting 210,000 battery packs beginning early 2027 , partnering to strengthen the U.S. defense supply chain for high energy density batteries for drones. The agreement establishes the first fully domestic manufacturing for high-performance drone batteries as the U.S. Department of War directs more attention and funding to domestic drone technologies.
Signed during AUSA 2026, the agreement meets the need for a reliable supply of American-made batteries as the Pentagon expands its use of unmanned systems. The batteries will come from a fully U.S. supply chain, including all base materials and assembly, with 100% U.S. content. The companies will deliver NDAA-compliant batteries for U.S. defense applications, with batteries expected to be available in early 2027 and full manufacturing capacity expected to start in Q2 2027. Domestic demand for batteries is expected to rapidly grow as 2027 forecasts for the DoW will reach approximately one million drones with forecasted demand for 2028 and beyond expected to continue to grow rapidly.
Sparkz will manufacture and supply batteries, while Global Ordnance will lead sales and distribution through its defense market relationships and distribution network. The high-energy-density batteries will be configurable to meet the power output and operational requirements of different unmanned systems.
“Putting more drones into service requires a dependable supply of the components that keep them flying,” said Jeffrey Brunozzi, president of Global Ordnance Holdings. “Batteries are central to that equation, and high energy density power supplies are critical for the missions they serve. This partnering agreement brings Sparkz U.S. battery manufacturing together with our understanding of defense customers’ operational requirements to build a fully domestic source they can plan around.”
The agreement comes as the Pentagon places greater emphasis on the origins of drone components and the industrial capacity needed to supply them. Its Drone Dominance Program supply chain framework calls for progressively tighter sourcing requirements, with the ultimate goal of a wholly domestic small-drone supply chain.
For military customers and unmanned systems manufacturers, the challenge extends beyond obtaining a finished aircraft. Sustaining deployment requires access to critical components that meet performance requirements and can be supplied reliably as operational needs change.
“Domestic battery production has to deliver the performance customers need for their specific systems,” said Sanjiv Malhotra, CEO of Sparkz. “By combining our technology and manufacturing capabilities with Global Ordnance’s defense market reach, we intend to give U.S. drone manufacturers and defense customers an American-made battery option tailored to their applications.”
The initiative supports Global Ordnance Holdings’ broader work in autonomy, unmanned systems, and mission-tailored defense solutions, connecting advanced technologies with the equipment and supply capabilities required to support operational readiness.
