Michigan Emerging as Hub for Defense Tech Startups; Anduril Looks to Raise Funding at $100B Valuation

INNOVATION

Michigan Emerging as Hub for Defense Tech Startups

Michigan is emerging as one of the nation’s defense technology hubs, fueled by advanced manufacturing, AI, drones and a growing push by the Pentagon to modernize the military.

Northrop Grumman wins $1.2bn Navy contract for new E-2D Block II aircraft

The no fee undefinitised contract covers the production, delivery, and associated support for the aircraft.

Selective Service System seeks software to aid the military draft

The independent agency wants better tools to evaluate staffing and resource requirements.

INVESTMENT

Anduril in talks to raise funding at $100B valuation, signaling defense tech's gravitational pull on venture capital

Palmer Luckey's defense AI firm could nearly double its valuation just two months after closing a $5 billion round

Airbus spearheads new E2D European defence tech fund

At the Farnborough International Airshow, Airbus Defence and Space signed an agreement to become the anchor investor in the new E2D dual-use and defence technology growth fund.

This strategic investment aims to bolster the European defence ecosystem by providing growth capital to high-tech companies across the continent, thereby strengthening European sovereignty and closing critical capability gaps.

AI

Jeen Technologies deepens footprint in defense sector

The company’s main solution is an agentic AI platform capable of running entirely offline and under strict security controls.

The Integrated Circuit and the Future of American AI Leadership

The history of the semiconductor is an origin story for modern computing but also reveals a recurring pattern in American innovation: government helps underwrite technological breakthroughs, and commercial markets transform them into general-purpose technologies. And yet, paradoxically, the American innovation model can become a victim of its own success. The institutions that help launch transformative technologies often lose influence over them as they become commercially indispensable. The semiconductor story therefore provides a useful lens for understanding the opportunities and tensions now emerging around artificial intelligence.

TECHNOLOGY

Israel Introduces Spy Plane That Doubles as Electronic Attack Platform

ELLYON is a multi-mission aircraft that can simultaneously conduct electronic attack and ISTAR missions.

Lockheed Martin, Venus Aerospace partner to advance RDRE rocket tech

The companies will evaluate how RDRE technology can enhance the range, speed, and flexibility of future precision fires systems.

SPACE

Space Force Launch Program Surges from 60 Missions to 170

The Space Force is tripling the size of one of its main launch procurement contracts from $5.6 billion to $17 billion to accommodate growing demand from government customers.

EUROPE

Germany to Create State Investment Fund for Defense-Tech Startups.

Germany will create a state investment fund that will allow the government to take equity stakes in defense startups, as Berlin moves to strengthen its military technology sector and support fast-growing companies.

Italy to Become Regional C-130J Maintenance Hub Under Leonardo-Lockheed Deal

The collaboration further integrates Leonardo into Lockheed’s regional service network, establishing its Italian facilities as key locations to preserve serviceability for the international C-130J fleet.

BAE Gets the UK Into the CCA Game With Brontanax

With everyone and their mother getting into the “loyal wingman” game, it was only a matter of time before the UK’s biggest defense company jumped in,

SECURITY

Before a Cyber Force, Fix Cyber Governance

More than a decade of readiness shortfalls, training gaps, and congressional patches produced a common consensus that what has been done so far in cyber will likely not work in the future.

DRONES

Portugal Debuts Heavy-Lift Drone That Can Carry 200-Kilogram Payloads

AR6 is a heavy-lift autonomous drone with a 200-kilogram payload capacity and 500-kilometer range.

An Early Look at the New Air Force Counter-Drone Units

The Air Force has established the first rapidly deployable units designed to protect air bases in the Pacific or other potential hotspots from aerial attack.

RESEARCH

Norway’s deadliest terrorist attack, through the eyes of AI chatbots

A new study reveals how AI can get the facts right, but often softens the extremism behind them