Defense Tech Newsletter

OF NOTE

The most significant defense technology development right now is President Donald Trump's unveiling of the "Golden Dome" missile defense initiative.

This ambitious $175 billion plan aims to establish a space-based missile defense system designed to intercept both conventional and nuclear missiles from orbit. Drawing parallels to the Cold War-era Strategic Defense Initiative, the Golden Dome proposes a vast satellite network equipped with missile interceptors, marking a major shift in U.S. space policy toward open militarization.

Defense contractors such as L3Harris, SpaceX, Palantir, and Lockheed Martin are poised for key roles in this project. However, funding remains uncertain, with a proposed $25 billion initial investment tied to a larger and politically contested $150 billion defense bill.

International reactions have been mixed: China has expressed serious concerns, citing the plan’s offensive implications, while Russia suggested it might prompt renewed arms control talks. Experts caution that the Golden Dome could have far-reaching and unpredictable consequences for global space security.

In related developments, the Pentagon has successfully tested the Dark Eagle hypersonic missile at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This land-based, truck-launched weapon system can reach speeds of 3,800 miles per hour and has a range of 1,725 miles, capable of striking targets globally within minutes while evading traditional defense systems. Deployment is expected by fiscal year 2025.

Additionally, Japan showcased its futuristic railgun at the nation's largest defense trade show, emphasizing the importance of technological cooperation for security. The railgun represents a significant advancement in electromagnetic weaponry and saturation missile defense.

These developments underscore a transformative moment in global defense strategies, highlighting the increasing emphasis on space-based systems and advanced missile technologies.

INNOVATION

Applied Intuition Expands its Autonomy Suite with Axion and Acuity

Way, way back in February (we were so young, so innocent), we wrote about autonomous vehicle software company Applied Intuition acquiring EpiSci, which builds autonomy software for everything from drones, to planes, to boats. Well, it seems the first fruits of the acquisition have been born.

The Golden Dome Might Fly Sooner Than You Think

President Donald Trump wants a space-based missile defense system. He wants it to be gold, and he wants it now.

L3Harris outlined its strategy to give the president what he wants yesterday at the Space Symposium conference—with an emphasis on fielding proven technologies as soon as possible, and worrying about the finer details later.

“I don’t think the patience is there with this administration to wait too long,“ Scott Alexander, L3Harris’ president of missile solutions, told reporters. “Perfect is the enemy of good enough.”

What comes next in defense tech?

Commercial innovation is driving rapid advancements in defense technology, but maturity and readiness vary.

TECHNOLOGY

Meet the AI Helping to Shape US Intelligence

As we’ve said a few times in the last couple of weeks, it’s always good to remember that cutting-edge defense tech is way, way more than drones and hypersonic missiles (though those things are super-cool and super-important too). AI is transforming more than just weapons systems—it’s also changing the way that the US gathers, analyzes, and uses intelligence.

The DOD’s tech agency braces for 10% workforce cut

The agency hopes to bring some staff back in a “surgical rehiring,” said Lt. Gen. Paul Stanton, head of the Defense Information Systems Agency.

Creating a defense tech hub in St. Louis

Local technology and geospatial agencies, as well as elected leaders and downtown stakeholders, gathered at a local AI company on April 25 to discuss ways to establish the region as a hub for defense technology.

Scale AI, an artificial intelligence agency that helps to develop artificial intelligence applications for the US military, hosted the summit to showcase its work in the geospatial industry. Scale helps to refine government data and “teach” AI models to process aerial images.

INVESTMENT

Can defense become Europe’s economic growth machine?

If the continent plays its cards right, the necessity of defense could turn out to be the mother of invention.

Investing in Defense and Aerospace

In recent years, the global landscape of defense has been significantly reshaped by advancements in technology such as unmanned drones, robotics, autonomy and artificial intelligence (AI). These innovations are not just modernizing military operations but are driving nations to rethink how they allocate and grow their defense budgets.

In 2023, for example, global military expenditures soared to $2.4 trillion, marking a 6.8% increase from the previous year – for the steepest annual growth since 2009. This surge is largely a response to deteriorating global peace and security, prompting countries like the U.S., China and Russia to ramp up defense spending.

McNally Invests in Defense Tech Contractor Quiet Professionals

Private equity firm McNally Capital has made a strategic investment in Quiet Professionals to drive inorganic and organic growth in the national security sector and enable the latter to expand its capabilities in support of the Special Operations Forces community.

Navy solicits industry for unmanned ground vehicle architecture

The Department of the Navy released a solicitation Wednesday to further its pursuit of technology enablers for unmanned ground vehicles.

Dallas Defense Tech Co. Adyton Announces $11M Funding Round, $7M Navy Contract

The Adyton Operations Kit—known as AOK—gives troops instantaneous access to information, resources, supplies, and support platforms, while generating "ground-level truth" for commanders.