SPARC AI Inc. has announced a strategic partnership with US defence manufacturer Rate Manufacturing to integrate SPARC AI’s Overwatch software into Rate’s Model-F multi-mission drone systems and future platforms.
The partnership was announced at SOF Week in Tampa, Florida, and is intended to address the operational risk posed by GPS disruption, which can degrade positioning and targeting for small unmanned aerial systems.
According to the companies, Overwatch uses onboard inertial sensors and AI to reduce drift and maintain usable accuracy without relying on external signals or additional hardware. Rate’s Model-F platform is positioned as modular and designed for scalable production.
Rate Manufacturing CEO Jamie Waller said the integration aims to provide GPS-denied positioning and targeting “without adding hardware, weight, or training time.” SPARC AI US CEO Matt McCrann said the focus is on improving effectiveness in “contested environments” where GNSS and other positioning systems may be unavailable.
The companies said initial work will focus on integration, joint demonstrations, and pilot programs with US and allied defence customers, with potential expansion into production and broader deployment.
In the announcement, SPARC AI linked the partnership to US defence priorities for “attritable” systems able to operate under electronic warfare conditions, referencing a “Drone Dominance Program.” It also said it has expanded activity supporting defence applications in Ukraine and increased engagement across allied markets.
