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Defensetech

All articles tagged with #defensetech

business1 year ago

Humba Ventures Launches $40M Fund for Deep and Defense Tech Investments

Humba Ventures has raised a $40 million fund to invest in deep tech and defense tech startups, marking a shift from its sister firm Susa Ventures' focus on fintech and software. The fund launch coincides with a surge in defense tech investments, which have reached nearly $3 billion in 2024. Co-founder Leo Polovets emphasizes the need for different evaluation criteria for deep tech investments, focusing on technology viability and team capability. Humba Ventures will primarily source funds from the U.S., U.K., New Zealand, Australia, and Canada, avoiding affiliations with China and the Middle East.

defensetech2 years ago

Pentagon's Drone Plans Draw Criticism from Lawmakers and Industry

Lawmakers and industry leaders are criticizing the Pentagon's Replicator drone initiative, which aims to develop thousands of drones to counter China's military capabilities, for its lack of clarity and funding. The program, announced in August, has left tech companies confused and frustrated as it is not associated with any new funding. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks initially stated that the initiative would draw from already-funded programs, but later suggested that the DOD may request money for fiscal year 2025. Lawmakers are demanding a clearer definition of the program and funding before approving it. The lack of a specific plan and funding attached to the initiative has hindered tech companies' ability to invest and deliver on the program's goals.

defensetech2 years ago

"Silicon Valley-US military collaboration crucial in countering China, says Pentagon official"

The Pentagon's Deputy Defense Secretary, Kathleen Hicks, visited Silicon Valley to explore ways to leverage the region's innovation in order to compete with China. However, the military's bureaucratic processes and two-year appropriations cycle pose challenges for start-ups. Hicks aims to address these issues through the "Replicator" initiative, which aims to spur mass production of low-cost drones. The cultural gap between the Pentagon and Silicon Valley, as well as the need for stronger contracts and alignment with American values, further complicate military-tech collaborations.

defensetech2 years ago

Pentagon and Space Development Agency award Northrop Grumman over $2 billion in satellite contracts

The Pentagon's Space Development Agency (SDA) has awarded contracts worth $1.3 billion to Northrop Grumman and York Space to build 100 satellites for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. Northrop will build 38 "data transport" satellites, while York will build 62 satellites for encrypted communications. The SDA aims to launch the satellites in 2026 as part of its efforts to keep up with China's growing capabilities in space.

defensetech2 years ago

Palantir Secures $250M US Army Contract for AI Research

The US Army has awarded Palantir Technologies a contract worth up to $250 million to conduct research and experimentation in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) through 2026. The Department of Defense stated that the specific locations and funding sources will be determined for each order. The Army has shown increasing interest in AI and ML for their potential battlefield applications, with over 232 AI-related projects under the Army's purview. Palantir has previously won multimillion-dollar contracts with the Army and is involved in projects such as predictive maintenance and the rollout of the Army's Global Force Information Management system.

defensetech2 years ago

Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman secure $1.5 billion contract for satellite development

The Pentagon's Space Development Agency (SDA) has awarded contracts worth $1.5 billion to Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman for the development of prototype communications satellites. The 72 satellites will be part of the Tranche 2 Transport Layer constellation, aimed at providing encrypted communications for the U.S. military. The satellites are scheduled to launch by September 2026. The SDA's network also aims to provide missile warning and tracking capabilities, contributing to the Department of Defense's Joint All-Domain Command and Control project.

defensetech2 years ago

"Ukraine's Futuristic AI Warfare: Beyond Imagination"

Ukraine has developed and deployed highly advanced artificial intelligence (AI) platforms in its war against Russia, giving it a significant advantage on the battlefield. The country's unique AI platform, launched in mid-2022, has allowed Ukraine to make more informed decisions by using computer vision to identify people suspected of war crimes and track troop movements. This innovative technology has impressed Western governments, who struggle to keep pace with Ukraine's advancements.

defensetech2 years ago

Ukraine's Young Arms Chief Boosts Production Amid Missile Strikes

The upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius should prioritize investing in software and data-driven platforms as a core capability for defense. Ukraine has demonstrated the effectiveness of incorporating commercially available software into its military operations, improving performance and extending the lifespan of legacy hardware. The war in Ukraine has highlighted the importance of data integration and interoperability, with software serving as a strategic enabler for joint and distributed military operations. NATO countries should view software as an essential capability and allocate investment accordingly, adjusting procurement cycles and partnering with the private sector to close the innovation gap. Ukraine's technological advancements in defense should serve as a model for NATO allies in maintaining a military advantage and credible deterrence posture in the 21st century multidomain war environment.