Orbotix Raises €6.5M for AI Drones, US Flags Chinese AI Risks, and Ilmor Teams with HavocAI - Defense AI Brief #12
October 06, 2025 -
Defense AI Brief
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Welcome to this week's edition of Defense AI Brief.
Accelint has appointed Brian Morrison as the new CEO, taking over from Mike Betzer, to lead AI solutions for the Department of Defense. Meanwhile, Orbotix, a defense tech startup based in Warsaw, has successfully raised €6.5 million to advance its AI-driven autonomous drone systems, with a focus on drone swarming technology and expanding manufacturing within the EU.
In other news, Ilmor and HavocAI have announced a partnership to integrate electric propulsion systems into autonomous vessels for national security, utilizing the 'ION Unleashed' system. Additionally, a report from the US Government has flagged Chinese AI models, including those from DeepSeek, as security risks due to their performance and alignment with state narratives.
Welcome to this week's edition of Defense AI Brief.
Accelint has appointed Brian Morrison as the new CEO, taking over from Mike Betzer, to lead AI solutions for the Department of Defense. Meanwhile, Orbotix, a defense tech startup based in Warsaw, has successfully raised €6.5 million to advance its AI-driven autonomous drone systems, with a focus on drone swarming technology and expanding manufacturing within the EU.
In other news, Ilmor and HavocAI have announced a partnership to integrate electric propulsion systems into autonomous vessels for national security, utilizing the 'ION Unleashed' system. Additionally, a report from the US Government has flagged Chinese AI models, including those from DeepSeek, as security risks due to their performance and alignment with state narratives.
Orbotix Secures €6.5 Million for AI Drone Systems
Warsaw-based startup Orbotix has raised €6.5 million to enhance its AI-powered autonomous drone systems for European defense, focusing on drone swarming technology and manufacturing expansion. Read more
Ilmor and HavocAI Partner for Autonomous Maritime Defense
On October 2, 2025, Ilmor and HavocAI announced a partnership to integrate electric propulsion systems into autonomous vessels for national security, utilizing the 'ION Unleashed' system. Read more
US Report Flags Chinese AI Models as Security Risks
A report by the US Government evaluates Chinese AI models, including those from DeepSeek, as potential security risks due to performance and alignment with state narratives. Read more
Unusual Machines Inc. Secures $800,000 Contract with Red Cat Holdings
Unusual Machines Inc. has secured a contract worth $800,000 with Red Cat Holdings Inc. to supply components for the FANG drone platform. These components are designed for military and government use, adhering to U.S. defense standards. Read more
OneOmega Secures $160M Contract with U.S. Coast Guard
OneOmega has announced a $160 million contract with the U.S. Coast Guard to enhance cybersecurity capabilities and operational readiness through tailored solutions. Read more
Solideon Defense Opens Autonomous Facility in Virginia
In Norfolk, Virginia, Solideon Defense has launched a new autonomous production facility to boost the U.S. submarine industrial base, in collaboration with Fairlead. Read more
Molex Survey Highlights AI's Role in Aerospace and Defense
A survey conducted by Molex underscores the critical role of AI, open standards, and evolving skills in aerospace and defense engineering innovation. The findings reveal a strong belief in AI-assisted design's importance for future success and highlight concerns over AI usage. Read more
Crow Industries Marks One Year of Fenris UGV
Crow Industries has announced the one-year milestone of Fenris, the first American-made Group 2 Unmanned Ground Vehicle, designed for defense and mining applications. Read more
P2P Group Deploys StealthWave Demo Units for Defense
P2P Group Ltd. has deployed 10 StealthWave demo units for evaluation with drone manufacturers and North American Special Forces. The system offers real-time spatial intelligence and includes HumanRadar technology for detecting human movement without cameras. Read more
Embleema Wins $5M DoD Contract for Biosecurity Platform
Embleema has secured a $5 million contract from the Department of Defense to develop ANTIDOTE, a platform for real-time global pathogen detection, in collaboration with GRAVL and Aria Diagnostics. Read more
U.S. and Japan Launch SAMURAI Project for UAV AI Safety
The U.S. Department of War and Japanese Ministry of Defense have initiated the SAMURAI project to enhance AI safety in unmanned aerial vehicles, focusing on Runtime Assurance technology for improved safety and interoperability. Read more
NNSA Seeks Proposals for AI Data Centers in South Carolina
The National Nuclear Security Administration is inviting contractors to submit proposals for building and operating AI data centers at the Savannah River Site in Aiken, South Carolina, with a submission deadline of December 5. Read more
Accelint Appoints New CEO for AI Defense Solutions
On October 1, 2025, Accelint announced that Brian Morrison has been appointed as the new CEO, with a focus on AI solutions for the Department of Defense. Read more
Blighter Secures AI-Assisted Radar Contract in Southeast Asia
The UK-based company Blighter has won a contract to provide its B400 series radars, equipped with AI-assisted software, for border surveillance to a Southeast Asian military customer. Read more
Shield AI Tests Hivemind AI on Navy Drone
On September 22, 2025, Shield AI successfully demonstrated its Hivemind AI software on a BQM-177A target drone at Naval Air Station Point Mugu. This marks a key advancement in the U.S. Navy's efforts towards autonomous manned-unmanned teaming missions. Read more
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