How Japan Could Co-Produce the Navy’s Future Fleet; AI Speeds Up Defense Tech Production

INNOVATION

Defense Tech Manufacturing: How AI Speeds Up Production

Aerospace and defense growth is key to the Southern California economy, and it is spurred by new technologies, evolving needs from the government, strong funding from venture capital firms, and a collection of talent that is building on the region’s legacy and modern successes that coalesce around shared goals that are taking humanity to new heights.

Anduril, General Atomics get Air Force contracts to build first drone wingmen

Six other companies will compete to develop its autonomy software.

How Japan Could Co-Produce the Navy’s Future Fleet

America’s defense industrial base cannot build the Navy out of the threat it faces. Decades of industry consolidation, persistent resource shortages, and inconsistent demand signals have delayed the production of critical vessels and munitions. With production bottlenecks stacking up, the Navy may have no choice but to let its allies do some of the building.

INVESTMENT

Leonardo clinches $35m contract for UK military aircraft spares

Leonardo will source around 11,000 NSNs, covering essential equipment for aircraft operation and maintenance under the agreement.

Wars Have Driven $12.3 Billion in VC Investment Into This Sector

Venture capital funds have poured $12.3 billion into defense technology startups since the start of 2026, nearly double the amount raised over the same stretch last year.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

INKAS unveils modular tactical vehicle, AI-drone interceptor at CANSEC

The INKAS MLTV can be quickly configured for roles such as armoured transport, MEDEVAC, and search and rescue operations.

The Army’s $99M Bet on Rune’s Contested Logistics Software

In an exclusive release to Tectonic, the contested logistics and frontline sustainment AI startup announced its biggest win yet: A five-year, $99M contract with the Army for its TyrOS software, structured as an enterprise agreement open to pretty much any Army component and joint force partner that wants it.

Saab invests $13 million in defence technology company Comand AI

Swedish defence equipment maker Saab (SAABb.ST), opens new tab said on Wednesday it had ‌invested €11.1 million ($12.9 million) for a 10% stake in Paris-based defence technology company Comand AI.

TECHNOLOGY

Anduril explores Israeli expansion as defense-tech boom accelerates

Palmer Luckey's $61 billion startup considers local operations, partnerships, and investments in Israeli startups.

ChatGPT to debut on Pentagon's GenAI.mil in ‘early July’, OpenAI says

It will be the latest model available for sensitive but unclassified work on the platform.

POLICY

Deep Dive: Breaking Down US-Israeli Defense Industry 'Integration'

A provision buried in House legislation would likely reshape the US-Israeli relationship in ways that would be tough to undo.

Air Force Awards Production Contracts for CCA

Well, sounds like those loyal wingman dreams are becoming a reality.

Yesterday, the Air Force announced that they’ve awarded production contracts to Anduril and General Atomics for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, a whole four months ahead of schedule.

The Lawmakers Fighting to Modernize the Pentagon

Congress rarely moves fast, but Reps. Rob Wittman and Pat Ryan are trying to change that. The two lawmakers founded the bipartisan House Defense Modernization Caucus in 2024 and have driven reforms through two consecutive defense authorization acts, targeting acquisitions and other bottlenecks. Jonathan sits down with both congressmen to discuss their initiatives, how a caucus without markup power actually moves legislation, and whether bipartisan cooperation on defense can last.

June 22nd 2026