Realistic Expectations for Golden Dome by 2028

INNOVATION

Upgraded sub-launched nuclear warhead program wraps production

The last production unit of the W88 Alt 370, an upgraded version of the legacy W88 used on Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines, has rolled off the line.

The Army is hoping for a big new drone by 2028

For years, the MQ-1C Gray Eagle has occupied the skies for division-sized formations, but it requires a runway to launch. As battlefields become more complex, autonomized and rife with contested airspace, the Army wants a more advanced drone that isn’t tied to a runway and can finish the mission even if it loses connection with its operator.

DefHack takes defence tech to the streets

The recent DefHack: Resilience edition hackathon in Tallinn, Estonia was all about extendability. Builders and startups showed off interesting projects in areas like sustainability in defence, ideas that touch the everyday person and the average community and the role they play in defence. Signal jamming, civilian crisis response, thermal camouflage, and disinformation all took stage.

INVESTMENT

Arlington defense tech firm reaches unicorn status

An Arlington County defense tech contractor has joined the unicorn ranks with a $1.25 billion valuation.

Govini announced in mid-October that Bain Capital is investing $150 million in the company, raising its valuation above the $1 billion threshold.

AI

Chasing True AI Autonomy: From Legacy Mindsets to Battlefield Dominance

Western militaries are still arguing over what “autonomy” means while Russia and China are already building machines that don’t need GPS, data links, or even instructions.

5 Ways Trump’s Latest AI EO Could Benefit AI for Defense

President Trump’s most recent executive order on AI lays the groundwork for further development and implementation of the technology for military and national security applications.

Palladyne AI Launches Vertically Integrated U.S. Defense Technology Division Through Strategic Acquisitions

Palladyne AI launches Palladyne Defense, combining embodied AI, autonomous systems, and U.S. manufacturing to deliver scalable, low-cost attritable defense systems while expanding revenue and reshoring critical capabilities.

TECHNOLOGY

SNC, Applied Intuition Partner to Boost Defense Autonomy

The collaboration will prioritize missile defense and counter-drone capabilities, using distributed autonomy and real-time sensor fusion to enhance response times, decision-making and operational safety, SNC said Tuesday.