OF NOTE
Underwater Drone Warfare: Defense entities are increasingly deploying advanced underwater drones like the Ghost Shark and Manta Ray. These autonomous systems are capable of deep-sea operations, intelligence gathering, and infrastructure protection, offering cost-effective alternatives to traditional submarines.
AI in Military Operations: Israel has been utilizing artificial intelligence to identify and target threats in conflict zones, notably in Gaza. AI systems such as "The Gospel" and "Lavender" assist in rapid data analysis and target identification, enhancing operational efficiency while raising ethical and legal considerations.
Counter-Drone Technologies: In response to increased unidentified aerial object sightings, particularly along the U.S. East Coast, there is a growing emphasis on counter-drone technologies. Israeli-developed systems, including those from startups like R2 Wireless and Robotican's Goshawk, are being considered to enhance airspace security.
INNOVATION
Drone Mystery Has 'Really Scary Undertone,' Defense Tech CEO Warns
A defense tech CEO said law enforcement and federal agencies lacked the "kinetic responses necessary" to react to drone threats.
newsweek.com
The next defense reform must fully bring the US tech sector on board
"We are wasting the talents of America’s world-class tech sector," argue issue experts Ellen Lord and Tyler Sweatt.
defensenews.com
Palmer Luckey’s defense tech company will make next-gen military aircraft with Archer
Electric aviation startup Archer Aviation signed an exclusive deal with Palmer Luckey’s defense contractor, Anduril Industries, to jointly develop next-generation aircraft for the military. Archer also announced a new funding round of $450 million to help propel its defense ambitions.
theverge.com
Palantir’s CTO, and 13th employee, has become a secret weapon for Valley defense tech startups
On August 5, Palantir’s CTO Shyam Sankar stood in front of about 20 nervous new employees at the company’s Washington, D.C., office and gave a speech you’d expect at a new hire meeting: company mission, Palantir’s history, etc. But there was one part that would’ve seemed unfathomable a few years ago: Sankar evangelized the importance of a new wave of defense tech startups, spun up by Palantir, Tesla and SpaceX alums.
techcrunch.com
Tech disruptors and the defense innovation future
Nontraditional sources of innovation are transforming the defense sector with powerful capabilities—but they must overcome obstacles on the path to scalable success.
mckinsey.com
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Special operators hope AI can reduce civilian deaths in combat
Automation could eventually turn “trigger-pullers into the experts that can do this,” one official said.
defenseone.com
Defense Tech Firm Anduril Brings AI Software to Space
Anduril is formally jumping into the space game: expanding its AI-powered tech into space to working on national security missions.
payloadspace.com
TECHNOLOGY
How Ukraine can help accelerate US defense technology
The war in Ukraine has provided a real-world testing ground for cutting-edge drone and electronic warfare capabilities, much of it developed in the cauldron of battle.
thehill.com
India, US lay groundwork for stronger defence and technological collaboration
The two nations have also discussed resilient supply chains, clean energy, and maritime domain awareness
indianewsnetwork.com
Two programs suggest the Pentagon is getting better at buying technology
The Maven and Collaborative Combat Aircraft efforts display real steps forward, a pair of reports say.
defenseone.com
Pentagon readies for 6G, the next of wave of wireless network tech
That work is increasingly important for the U.S., which is racing against China to shape the next iteration of wireless telecommunications.
defensenews.com
Northrop shows off new digital radar tech in first flight
Breakthroughs in design for military-specific chips are ushering new capabilities.
defenseone.com
STARTUPS
Europe's defence tech startups are facing a talent crunch
It's hard for European defence tech startups to find top talent — and it's not going to get any easier anytime soon, say VCs and recruiters
sifted.eu
INVESTMENT
Defense tech is booming—but who will actually win?
A look at the startups and investors prepared to thrive in this complex industry.
calcalistech.com
Humba Ventures raises $40M fund to invest in deep tech, defense tech
Humba Ventures said today it has raised $40 million to invest in deep tech and defense tech startups. It is a sister-firm to Susa Ventures, the seed-stage firm that has backed companies like Robinhood, Human Interest, and Flexport.
The fund comes at a time when defense tech is seeing venture investment reach record highs: Startups in the sector have raised nearly $3 billion so far in 2024, according to Crunchbase.
techcrunch.com
New York tech consortium focused on defense work gets $30 million
A group of New York state research centers, universities and tech firms known as the Northeast Regional Defense Technology Hub has been awarded $30 million.
timesunion.com
Salesforce Backs Defense Tech Company Second Front At $750 Million Valuation
Defense tech startup Second Front, which gives companies a quick on-ramp to deploying software within sensitive government networks, has raised $75 million.
forbes.com