Fortem Technologies + Spartronics: A Partnership Built for Growth, Quality, and the Future of Counter-UAS

As demand for counter-UAS technology continues to accelerate, manufacturers supporting the defense ecosystem are under increasing pressure to scale quickly without compromising quality, security, or reliability. For Fortem Technologies, that meant finding a manufacturing partner capable of supporting both rapid growth and the rigorous standards required for mission-critical systems.

Based in Lindon, Utah, Fortem Technologies develops advanced counter-UAS solutions, including radar systems, autonomous intercept drones, and command-and-control software designed to detect, track, and defeat unauthorized or hostile drones. As VP of Manufacturing & Operations Harrison Smith explains:

“We provide counter-UAS… both from a detection standpoint… as well as interceptors… being able to actually go and take out drones.”

As Fortem expanded its product portfolio and production forecasts, the company sought manufacturing partners capable of supporting long-term growth while maintaining rigorous quality and security standards.

“We were looking for somebody that could meet us where we’re at… and also grow with us” Smith says.

 

The Need: A Scalable, Secure, High-Quality Manufacturing Partner

Fortem’s radar systems and PCBA assemblies support highly sensitive defense-related applications, making secure domestic manufacturing a top priority. While Fortem’s products are not strictly ITAR-controlled, they are export controlled and require disciplined U.S.-based manufacturing processes.

“We wanted someone that had real experience in the DoD space,” Smith explains. “Our products… have to be built in the U.S.”

Fortem’s search focused on three critical areas:

• Local collaboration and NPI support: As Fortem introduced new products and scaled production, proximity became increasingly important. The Logan, Utah Spartronics facility offered the ability to collaborate in real time during new product introduction (NPI), troubleshooting, and production ramp-up activities.
• A manufacturing partner built for long-term growth: Fortem’s production forecasts were growing rapidly, particularly for its advanced airspace-monitoring radar platform. With initial projections quickly doubling within a year. Fortem needed a partner with the infrastructure, capacity, and operational maturity to support aggressive growth plans over the long term.
• Defense-grade quality and process rigor: For counter-UAS systems, reliability is non-negotiable. Fortem prioritized manufacturers with proven experience supporting defense and aerospace programs, along with strong quality systems, disciplined process controls, and highly trained technicians. After evaluating multiple options, Fortem selected Spartronics’ Logan, Utah facility, as its strategic PCBA manufacturing partner.

Why Spartronics

Smith was already familiar with the Logan facility through his previous experience in the defense manufacturing industry, but Spartronics ultimately stood out because of its combination of scale, technical expertise, and collaborative approach.

“Spartronics has a nationwide… and even global footprint,” Smith says. “An organization that could not only meet us where we’re at with current demand but grow with us.”

Several factors ultimately solidified the partnership between Fortem and Spartronics. While the Logan, Utah facility provided the close collaboration and responsiveness Fortem needed during early production phases, Spartronics’ broader manufacturing footprint also gave the company confidence that the partnership could scale alongside future growth. Just as important was Spartronics’ experience supporting complex defense and aerospace programs. Fortem viewed the company’s AS9100D certification, IPC-certified workforce, export-control compliance, and reputation within the defense industry as strong indicators that the team could consistently deliver the level of quality and reliability required for mission-critical systems.

Beyond capabilities and certifications, the collaborative working relationship between the two teams quickly became a major differentiator. Through ongoing design-for-manufacturability (DFM) feedback, Spartronics worked closely with Fortem’s engineering and operations teams to identify opportunities to improve manufacturability, reduce rework, shorten production schedules, and strengthen overall product quality. Rather than simply flagging issues, the Spartronics team approached challenges as a shared effort, helping Fortem refine not only individual products, but broader engineering practices across the organization. According to Smith, that collaboration has influenced how Fortem approaches PCB design company-wide, creating long-term value well beyond a single program.

A True Partnership Approach

While Spartronics brings the resources and rigor of a large manufacturing organization, Fortem says the relationship still feels personal and collaborative.

“A world-class organization while still having the touch and feel of a smaller supplier,” Smith says. “It feels like what we’re doing matters.”

Partnership in Action

The partnership became especially valuable during the NPI process for Fortem’s R40 radar platform, a next-generation ground-based detection system with expanded capabilities and growing market demand.

As production ramped, Spartronics worked closely with Fortem’s engineering and operations teams to identify manufacturability improvements and proactively address production challenges before they impacted schedules or quality.

That level of collaboration extended beyond a single product line. According to Smith, the feedback Spartronics provided helped Fortem strengthen broader engineering and supply chain processes across the organization.

Spartronics also partnered with Fortem to improve long-lead component planning and supply chain management, helping position the relationship for a future full turnkey manufacturing model.

The Outcome: A Long-Term Strategic Relationship

Today, Fortem views Spartronics as a key long-term manufacturing and supply chain partner supporting the company’s continued growth. “Spartronics is absolutely going to be a strategic partner for us going forward,” Smith says. More importantly, the relationship is built on shared accountability, transparency, and mutual investment in long-term success. “We feel like Spartronics has come to the table and said, ‘Yeah, we want to work together… we want to support Fortem,’” Smith says. “And we have absolutely felt that.” As Fortem continues advancing next-generation counter-UAS technologies, the partnership with Spartronics supports Fortem’s ability to scale confidently, maintain rigorous quality standards, and support the evolving demands of the defense industry.

Ready to Scale Your Defense-Ready Drone Systems?

Whether you’re developing next-generation radar platforms, autonomous systems, or mission-critical electronics, Spartronics delivers the manufacturing expertise, quality systems, and collaborative partnership needed to support growth at every stage.

From DFM collaboration to secure, U.S.-based production, we help defense and aerospace innovators bring complex technologies to market with confidence.

Contact Spartronics today to learn how we can support your counter-UAS and defense manufacturing programs.