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Global Ordnance Holdings and Sparkz Establish First Fully Domestic-Sourced and Manufactured Drone Battery Production

Tuesday, October 20th, 2026

This partnership targets a critical U.S. defense supply chain need for drone technologies, with domestic battery manufacturing starting early 2027

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.

Posted in Advertiser, Drone, Manufacturing, Press Release | No Comments »

Rheinmetall’s ‘Firepower’ Project: Albacete Site Commences New Medium-Calibre Production – Annual Capacity of Around Three Million Components

Saturday, October 17th, 2026

Rheinmetall, one of the largest ammunition manufacturers in the Western world, is pressing ahead with its ‘Firepower’ project and continues to significantly expand its production capacity. In October 2026, its subsidiary Rheinmetall Expal Munitions will commission its new modern medium-calibre production facility at the Albacete site. An expansion ceremony was attended by the Spanish Secretary of State for Defence, Amparo Valcarce; the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Heiko Thoms; the Mayor of Albacete, Manuel Serrano López; and the Chairman of the Executive Board of Rheinmetall AG, Armin Papperger.

The Albacete site is set to increase its workforce by almost a third – from around 210 employees at present to around 300. Thanks to a high degree of automation, state-of-the-art next-generation production facilities enable key components for medium-calibre cartridges to be manufactured even faster and in larger quantities. Production capacity for mortar weapons and systems – the site’s traditional core competence – is also being significantly expanded.

Rheinmetall has invested around 20 million euros in expanding its production capacities at the Albacete site. A building has been modernised and extended to accommodate the new medium-calibre production line. Covering an area of approximately 5,700 square metres, the site now features a new technical building infrastructure, new machinery and new manufacturing capabilities. Similarly, a new building with 5,200 square metres of floor space was constructed in less than a year to expand the production of mortar systems. Aircraft maintenance will also be possible in this new hall

Armin Papperger, Chief Executive of Rheinmetall AG: “Albacete is one of our key centres of expertise in the field of ammunition components and weapon systems manufacturing. It makes perfect sense to draw on this expertise of our colleagues for our ‘Firepower’ project. We are introducing a new capability to this site in order to significantly increase medium-calibre production. At the same time, we are strengthening the plant’s existing core competence, namely the manufacture of mortar systems. Albacete will thus be of strategic importance not only for Rheinmetall, but also for Spain and Europe, and will contribute to credible defence capabilities.”

Amparo Valcarce, Secretary of State for Defence, said: “A credible deterrent requires armed forces that are well prepared, properly equipped and capable of sustaining their operations over time. This makes a strong defence industry essential, because the best way to preserve peace is to be prepared to defend it.”

In the medium-calibre sector, Albacete can cover calibres ranging from 20 mm to 35 mm. Annual production capacity will be around 1.2 million projectiles and approximately 1.8 million cartridge cases. These components are further processed at other sites within the Rheinmetall network – including the plant in Burgos – to manufacture various types of ammunition for infantry fighting vehicles and anti-aircraft gun systems.

These include kinetic energy time fuze munition, armour-piercing projectiles and AHEAD ammunition for anti-aircraft systems and counter-unmanned aerial systems applications. In the field of mortar systems, annual production capacity is set to reach 40 Dual-Eimos mortar systems in 81 mm calibre. It will also be possible to manufacture more than 650 mortars in 60 mm, 81 mm and 120 mm calibres per year.

The Albacete site will collaborate across Europe with other Rheinmetall sites in Spain, Germany and Switzerland to meet the needs of NATO partners and other allies. A local supplier network creates opportunities for businesses throughout the region.

Posted in Ammo, Industry, International, Manufacturing, Press Release | No Comments »

Ikonick Energetics Opens State-of-the-Art Primer Manufacturing Facility

Wednesday, September 30th, 2026

New South Florida campus projected to manufacture approximately 1 billion primers annually and create more than 200 jobs.

Stuart, Fla. (September 2026) – Ikonick Energetics today officially opened its new primer manufacturing facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in South Florida, marking a milestone for domestic ammunition component production. The invitation-only event, held from 10 a.m. to noon, drew guests who included industry leaders, government officials, and community stakeholders for a first look at one of only a handful of facilities of its kind operating in the United States. The ribbon-cutting ceremony included a complimentary brunch, a tour of the new primer facility, as well as a tour of the Ikonick USA ammunition facility. Keynote speakers included Peter Belk, Former Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Readiness; J. Alex Kelly, Florida Secretary of Commerce; Erich Pratt, SVP, Gun Owners of America; and ceremony host Barry Skolnick, owner, Ikonick USA/Ikonick Energetics/Ikonick Motors.

The campus represents a significant capital investment in South Florida’s manufacturing sector. At full production capacity, the facility is designed to produce approximately 1 billion primers per year, supplying a critical component used in commercial and law enforcement ammunition. With only a small number of comparable facilities operating nationwide, Ikonick Energetics’ new plant strengthens the domestic supply chain for energetics manufacturing.

The project is expected to create more than 200 new jobs in South Florida, spanning manufacturing, engineering, quality assurance, and administrative roles. Ikonick Energetics has stated that hiring is ongoing, with positions open to qualified candidates in the region.

“Today marks the realization of years of hard work, strategic investment, and an unwavering commitment to American manufacturing,” said Nelson Levy, CEO of Ikonick Energetics. “This facility is more than a production site; it’s a statement that world-class energetics manufacturing can and does happen right here in South Florida. We are proud to bring hundreds of good-paying jobs to this community and to play a meaningful role in securing the nation’s ammunition supply chain.”

With its expanded manufacturing footprint, Ikonick Energetics intends to scale production in phases as demand warrants. Its ammunition facility, Ikonick USA, continues to operate near the new primer plant and will benefit from the tighter vertical integration the new facility provides.

For more information on Ikonick USA, visit ikonickusa.com.

Posted in Ammo, Industry, Manufacturing, Press Release | No Comments »

MATBOCK Monday: Excess Sewing Capacity

Monday, September 21st, 2026

MATBOCK Manufacturing has excess production capacity available now at our facility just outside Fort Bragg. Since taking over Hawk Distributor, MATBOCK has invested a little over $500,000 into the facility’s equipment and process capability. That investment is now available to put behind other companies’ production runs, across four capability areas:

Apparel Manufacturing: Cut-and-sew production to the same Berry/TAA standards MATBOCK holds its own product lines to.

3D-Printed Drone Parts: Additive manufacturing for drone components, suited to rapid iteration and small-batch runs.

Adaptive Manufacturing: Flexible lines that can shift between product types and order sizes without long changeover delays. Currently printing Nylon 12 and TPU 90, check this out to learn more about the material properties: matbockoem.com/3d-printing

DoW Production: Scalable production for Department of War clients, from prototype quantities through full-rate production.

The facility is ISO 9001 certified and ITAR registered, giving customers compliance infrastructure already in place rather than something to stand up on their own.

If your program needs domestic, compliant manufacturing capacity near Fort Bragg, visit matbockoem.com or reach out to MATBOCK OEM at oem@matbock.com or (757) 384-1338 to discuss your production needs and timeline.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Manufacturing | Comments Off on MATBOCK Monday: Excess Sewing Capacity

GA-ASI Opening a New Facility in Dayton, Ohio

Tuesday, September 15th, 2026

World Leader in Uncrewed Aircraft Establishing an Innovation Hub for Hardware and Software Development Supporting USAF Programs

DAYTON – 14 September 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), the world leader in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, JobsOhio and the Dayton Development Coalition today announced that GA-ASI is expanding its footprint with a new 22,000-square-foot innovation hub in Dayton, Ohio, focusing on hardware and software development for U.S. Air Force (USAF) programs. With the support of Synergy Building Systems, the new facility will open in Spring 2027 near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), home to the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

The new facility is in addition to GA-ASI’s existing location outside WPAFB that opened in 2014. The addition will expand GA-ASI’s local footprint by more than seven times the existing square footage. It is expected to employ 50 full-time employees initially, drawn primarily from the local community, with support from JobsOhio and the Dayton Development Coalition, which will help promote and fill these new positions. Anyone interested in applying for a position at GA-ASI should go to www.ga.com/careers.

“GA-ASI’s decision to choose Ohio for its new innovation hub speaks to Ohio’s aviation heritage and the ingenuity of our people,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “This continued growth is part of a long-term strategy to deliver the facilities, infrastructure and talent necessary to ensure UAS pioneers can scale operations and succeed here in Ohio.”

The facility will serve as a central hub for open, modular, and affordable hardware, software, and autonomy development, supporting rapid prototyping, integration, and testing of next-generation UAS capabilities. It will also feature a state-of-the-art mission operations center, enabling remote flight control of GA-ASI aircraft, as well as experimentation, training, and demonstration activities in close coordination with the company’s USAF and industry partners.

“Growing our footprint in Dayton allows GA-ASI to bring its long-standing UAS and sensing expertise to a region recognized as a premier center for advanced technology. This expansion will enable closer collaboration with local industry and more frequent interaction with our U.S. Air Force customer,” said GA-ASI Vice President of DoD Strategic Development Patrick Shortsleeve.

“GA-ASI’s latest investment in Ohio reinforces our state’s vital role in strengthening America’s national defense,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “In partnership with the Dayton Development Coalition, we welcome this cutting-edge facility, which will advance critical aircraft hardware and software systems, create 50 new jobs in Beavercreek, and position GA-ASI closer to its private-sector partners and customers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.”

Ohio’s Aerospace & Defense sector is built for the speed our mission now demands. More than 640 aerospace facilities and 400 defense contractor organizations — supporting 418,000 jobs and roughly $55 billion in annual economic output — operate in collaboration with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the Air Force Research Laboratory, the NASA Glenn Research Center, and the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE). That concentration shortens the distance from concept to manufacturing: in Ohio, companies can dream it, build it, test it, and scale it without leaving the state.

Synergy Vice President John Kopilchack said: “We are very excited to welcome General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. into our growing Synergy Defense portfolio. Synergy remains committed to clients like GA-ASI who are inventing and pioneering modern solutions for our warfighters.”

GA-ASI has been a supplier of UAS, including the Predator® and Reaper® platforms, to the U.S. Air Force for the past 30 years. In June, GA-ASI was awarded a production contract from USAF to build the new FQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), a purpose-built uncrewed fighter jet developed as part of ongoing investment in next-generation semi-autonomous combat aircraft.

JobsOhio plans to provide assistance for the project, which will be made public after a final agreement is executed. In addition, the project may pursue a Job Creation Tax Credit from the Ohio Department of Development at a future Tax Credit Authority meeting.

Posted in Aviation, Industry, Manufacturing, Press Release | Comments Off on GA-ASI Opening a New Facility in Dayton, Ohio

Galvion Demonstrates Cortex EVO HALO Upgrade Pathway for UK VIRTUS Helmet at DVD 2026

Monday, September 14th, 2026

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, will showcase a new Cortex™ EVO HALO integration concept for the UK’s in-service VIRTUS helmet at Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD) 2026 (Booth C3-D22).

The integration concept illustrates how Cortex EVO HALO could provide a pathway to extend and evolve the UK’s existing VIRTUS helmet fleet, introducing advanced power, data and headborne capabilities while building on the proven protective platform already in service.

The VIRTUS helmet is Galvion’s Batlskin® Cobra Plus head system, with more than 270,000 delivered to the UK Ministry of Defence since 2015. The Cortex EVO HALO concept on display at DVD is integrated onto the high-cut VIRTUS variant currently in service, but the same upgrade approach can be applied to the full-cut helmets that make up the wider fielded fleet.

Cortex EVO is Galvion’s integrated headborne architecture, bringing protection, power, data and compute together within a unified system. Its HALO configuration, introduced at Eurosatory 2026, is externally mounted and designed to extend EVO capabilities to both new and fielded helmet platforms.

Alongside the deeply integrated Embedded configuration, HALO provides an alternative implementation of the same core Cortex EVO architecture, allowing users to select an approach aligned with their operational requirements, procurement strategies and lifecycle objectives.

The EVO architecture provides a common power and data backbone capable of supporting visual augmentation, sensing and awareness technologies, digital communications and other headborne capabilities. Galvion’s AlertCentr™ software enables mission-relevant information to be managed at the headborne level, including configurable visual and audio cueing designed to allow operators to access and act on critical information without diverting attention to secondary devices. Its open architecture also enables Galvion-developed and third-party technologies to operate within a common system environment.

“Cortex EVO represents an important part of where we believe soldier systems are heading – moving beyond passive protection toward intelligent, integrated systems that enhance capability at the headborne level,” said Peter Rafferty, President of Galvion UK. “VIRTUS has provided the UK with a proven protective head system for more than a decade, and what we’re showing at DVD is how that existing platform can continue to evolve. Cortex EVO HALO creates a potential pathway to introduce advanced headborne capabilities while building on the equipment, experience and investment already in place. For us, delivering whole-life value means continuing to support and evolve fielded equipment as operational requirements change.”

The VIRTUS Cortex EVO HALO integration concept will be on display at Galvion’s booth C3-D22 throughout DVD 2026.

Posted in Admin, Helmets, International, Manufacturing, Press Release | No Comments »

VG-Standard Connectivity Solutions at DVD 2026

Saturday, September 5th, 2026

~ WireMasters to highlight resilient supply chains and solutions for defence manufacturers ~

Military interconnect specialist WireMasters will showcase its portfolio of VG-standard wire, cable, connectors and harness components at DVD 2026, the UK’s flagship defence exhibition for land equipment on September 16-17, at UTAC Millbrook. The company will engage with defence manufacturers, systems integrators and procurement professionals to discuss the evolving connectivity requirements of modern military platforms.

As defence procurement programmes continue to evolve, manufacturers are under growing pressure to secure reliable supplies of mission-critical interconnect components throughout lengthy procurement cycles.

At DVD 2026, WireMasters will highlight its portfolio of VG-standard wire, cable, connectors, heat shrink tubing and other harness components. Developed to meet German military (VG) specifications, these products provide standardised and compatible, connectivity solutions for defence vehicle electrical systems, helping improve interoperability, reliability and long-term maintainability across military platforms.

Combined with its extensive inventory and established supplier network, WireMasters helps customers improve component availability and minimise supply chain disruption. By working with multiple approved market leading manufacturers, the company provides greater flexibility while helping safeguard programmes against shortages and fluctuating lead times.

“Customers are looking for suppliers that can offer dependable stock availability, stable pricing and confidence that the components they need will be there when they are needed most,” said Darren Scott, sales executive at WireMasters. “By maintaining stock and working with multiple approved manufacturers, we’re helping customers build greater resilience into their supply chains.”

WireMasters expects discussions at the exhibition to explore how the growing adoption of uncrewed systems is reshaping defence requirements and creating new opportunities for suppliers of specialist interconnect solutions. As these technologies evolve, resilient supply chains and trusted supplier relationships will remain essential to supporting future military capability.

Visitors to DVD 2026 can meet the WireMasters team at Stand C3-D06 to discuss current and future defence projects, explore its portfolio of VG-standard interconnect solutions and learn how the company’s supply chain expertise can help strengthen resilience across defence procurement programmes. To learn more about WireMasters’ defence capabilities, visit its website.

Posted in Industry, International, Manufacturing, Press Release, Tradeshow | No Comments »

HFI Inc Expanding into Military & Tactical Market

Tuesday, August 25th, 2026

Leveraging Cut & Sew, Lamination, and Assembly Expertise Across Multiple U.S. Locations

CANAL WINCHESTER, Ohio – HFI Inc., a leading North American manufacturer of soft goods and interior components, today announced its expansion into the military and tactical gear market. With more than 70 years of manufacturing experience, HFI brings proven capabilities in precision cut & sew, lamination, and assembly to support defense and tactical applications.

HFI specializes in converting technical fabrics and materials into high-quality soft goods through advanced cut-and-sew processes, multi-layer lamination, and complete component assembly. The company works with materials commonly specified in tactical and military programs, including Solution Dyed CORDURA®, VELCRO®, Curv®, MOLLE systems, mil-spec webbing, and mil-spec hardware. These core competencies, refined through decades of work with demanding automotive OEMs under IATF 16949 quality systems, are well-suited to the rigorous requirements of tactical gear and related soft-goods applications. HFI is also focused on supporting Berry Amendment-compliant production to meet domestic sourcing requirements.

With approximately 3,500 team members and 10 manufacturing locations across North America, HFI offers scalable capacity and geographic flexibility to serve military and defense customers efficiently. The company’s multi-site U.S. footprint enables responsive production, reduced logistics complexity, and reliable supply for both prototype and volume programs.

“HFI’s combination of technical soft-goods expertise, process discipline, and distributed U.S. manufacturing positions us to be a strong partner for the tactical community,” said Matt Kerchner, Director of New Business Development, HFI Inc. “We look forward to applying our capabilities in cut & sew, lamination, and assembly to support mission-critical soft goods needs.”

HFI invites defense contractors, OEMs, and tactical gear integrators to explore partnership opportunities.

About HFI Inc.

Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Canal Winchester, Ohio, HFI Inc. is a Tier 2 manufacturer specializing in cut & sew, foam processing, lamination, and assembly of soft interior and soft-goods components. With more than 3,500 employees across 10 North American locations, HFI delivers high-quality, process-controlled solutions for demanding industries, including support for Berry-compliant tactical and military soft goods.

Posted in Industry, Manufacturing, Press Release | 1 Comment »