Will 2026 be Military Lasers’ Big Year?; How Anduril Is Transforming Defense Tech

INNOVATION

Innovation at Thales: An interview with Patrice Caine

Patrice Caine, chair and CEO of Thales, shares insights on the role innovation plays in the defense sector, especially the current status of AI and the future of quantum technologies.

A Quantum Accelerated Digital Twin for Aerospace and Defense Simulation

A dual-use quantum accelerated simulation startup recently established a strategic collaboration with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory to advance its mission-critical modeling and simulation capabilities with quantum computing.

For defense tech startups, red tape is a burden—and also a moat

At the start of summer, the world witnessed a watershed moment in modern warfare. In its boldest operation yet, the Ukrainian military launched a coordinated attack on five Russian airbases. In a single day, drones costing just a few hundred dollars each inflicted damage estimated at $2.5 billion.

It wasn’t just a display of tactical audacity, but also a demonstration of how tech is increasingly driving the narrative of conflict in the 21st century.

Redstone Arsenal opens Digital Simulation and Analytics Center

The DSAC opens at Redstone Arsenal, enhancing missile defense with advanced simulation and virtual testing technologies for future operations.

INVESTMENT

South Korea-U.S. Trade and Security Dynamics: A Golden Opportunity for Tech and Defense Investors

The August 2025 South Korea-U.S. summit has rewritten the rules of the game for global supply chains, defense spending, and tech innovation. With a $350 billion investment pledge from South Korea into the U.S. and a $100 billion energy commitment, this deal isn't just a trade agreement—it's a strategic realignment of industrial power. For investors, this is a once-in-a-decade chance to capitalize on the convergence of geopolitics, technology, and defense. Let's break down the numbers and the opportunities.

TECHNOLOGY

Will 2026 be military lasers’ breakthrough year?

The Army is ready to award a production contract for vehicle-based directed-energy air defense.

How Anduril Is Transforming Defense Technology

The key to Anduril’s innovations is its prioritization of software. The company’s platforms provide rapid, continuous updates anywhere around the world, Anduril Senior Vice President of Manufacturing Keith Flynn said.

How big will China’s nuclear arsenal get?

No one knows, but we can game out potential endpoints of Beijing’s buildup.

Maritime and Defense Technology Hub envisions expansion

City leaders want to expand the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub, which has been at near capacity for a few years, to attract new business startups to St. Petersburg, according to Innovation District CEO Alison Barlow.

Defense technology companies team up to support Donald Trump's Golden Dome

Defense technology companies AeroVironment and SNC announced a strategic partnership this week aimed at building an integrated, adaptable air and missile defense system to support President Trump’s Golden Dome for America.

Defensetech is here to stay – even after the wars in Ukraine and Israel end

“The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, combined with the absence of automatic U.S. backing, have triggered existential fears in many countries. These fears won’t simply fade when the fighting stops. For Israel’s high-tech sector, this presents a generational opportunity,” writes Lital Leshem, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Protego Ventures.

ACQUISITION

DLA Piper Advises Albers Aerospace in Its Acquisition of a Defense Technology Company

With this new acquisition, Albers Aerospace delivers tailored ISR solutions that meet the operational needs of its clients worldwide. From concept to delivery, Albers Aerospace ensures mission success through superior technology, engineering, and support.

“Congratulations to the entire Albers Aerospace team on this successful acquisition, which will immediately benefit the strategic mission of the company and add to their industry-leading capabilities,” said Jeffrey Houle, Co-Chair of DLA Piper’s Aerospace, Defense, and Government Services Transactional Practice.

John Albers, CEO of Albers Aerospace, said: “We appreciate the careful guidance and unwavering support from Jeff and the DLA Piper team. Their extensive experience and industry insights were crucial to the closing of this key acquisition.”