HavocAI's $85M Boost, Oracle's Secure AI Platform, and U.S. Air Force's New AI Database - Defense AI Brief #14
October 20, 2025 -
Defense AI Brief
Hi there,
Welcome to this week's edition of Defense AI Brief.
In today's newsletter, we delve into the latest developments in AI-driven defense technologies. HavocAI, a Rhode Island-based startup, has successfully raised $85 million to advance the production of autonomous military boats, a move supported by recent legislative efforts to bolster AI in defense. Meanwhile, Rohirrim has strengthened its advisory board by appointing retired Army Lieutenant General Dave Bassett, aiming to enhance AI innovation in government acquisition processes.
Additionally, Strider Technologies has joined the Oracle Defense Ecosystem to push forward AI-driven national security solutions, while Oracle and Duality Technologies have launched a secure AI platform for government and defense sectors. In other news, Aechelon Technology, Inc. has been selected to provide an AI-integrated database for the U.S. Air Force's SCARS program, enhancing simulation interoperability and training efficiency. Stay tuned for more updates on these and other exciting developments in the world of defense AI.
Welcome to this week's edition of Defense AI Brief.
In today's newsletter, we delve into the latest developments in AI-driven defense technologies. HavocAI, a Rhode Island-based startup, has successfully raised $85 million to advance the production of autonomous military boats, a move supported by recent legislative efforts to bolster AI in defense. Meanwhile, Rohirrim has strengthened its advisory board by appointing retired Army Lieutenant General Dave Bassett, aiming to enhance AI innovation in government acquisition processes.
Additionally, Strider Technologies has joined the Oracle Defense Ecosystem to push forward AI-driven national security solutions, while Oracle and Duality Technologies have launched a secure AI platform for government and defense sectors. In other news, Aechelon Technology, Inc. has been selected to provide an AI-integrated database for the U.S. Air Force's SCARS program, enhancing simulation interoperability and training efficiency. Stay tuned for more updates on these and other exciting developments in the world of defense AI.
HavocAI Raises $85 Million for Autonomous Military Boats
HavocAI, a startup from Rhode Island, has secured $85 million in funding to produce autonomous boats for the U.S. military. This investment follows a legislative push to increase AI systems in defense. Read more
Rohirrim Appoints Retired General to Advisory Board
Rohirrim has appointed retired Army Lieutenant General Dave Bassett to its Advisory Board to enhance AI innovation in government acquisition processes. Read more
Strider Technologies Joins Oracle Defense Ecosystem
Strider Technologies has joined the Oracle Defense Ecosystem to enhance AI-driven national security solutions. This collaboration aims to advance strategic intelligence and innovation in national security. Read more
Oracle and Duality Technologies Unveil Secure AI Platform
The collaboration between Oracle and Duality Technologies has resulted in a new secure data collaboration platform for government and defense sectors, available on Oracle Cloud Marketplace. Read more
Aechelon Technology to Provide AI-Integrated Database for U.S. Air Force
Aechelon Technology, Inc. has been selected to supply the baseline Open Geospatial Consortium Common Database for the U.S. Air Force's SCARS program, aiming to enhance simulation interoperability and training efficiency. Read more
Latent AI Expands Edge AI Suite with New Tools and Partnerships
On October 9, 2025, Latent AI announced enhancements to its edge AI product suite, including the Latent Assisted Label and an upgraded Ruggedized Toolkit. These updates are supported by partnerships with Ditto, Wind River, and Voyager Technologies. Read more
Hyperever Unveils Robot Dog 'Proteo' at NATO Event
Turkish startup Hyperever introduced its autonomous robot dog, Proteo, at a NATO event in Istanbul, showcasing its capabilities for military applications. Read more
DGIST Unveils Long-Range Anti-Drone AI Technology
The DGIST team, in partnership with TORIS, has introduced a new anti-drone AI technology capable of detecting small drones from 8 km away, presented at the CIKM 2025 conference. Read more
Polaris Aero Enhances AI for Defense Safety
Polaris Aero has received a contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to integrate Generative AI into its VOCUS Safety Intelligence Platform, aiming to boost military aviation safety and efficiency. Read more
SaferWatch and Sentrycs Partner for AI Counter-Drone Tech
SaferWatch has partnered with Sentrycs to integrate counter-drone technology into its platform, allowing law enforcement to manage unauthorized drone activities in real-time. Read more
Leidos and VML Launch AI Platform Imperium
Leidos and VML have introduced Imperium, an AI-powered platform designed to enhance U.S. strategic information operations. The platform aims to improve data analysis and mission planning efficiency. Read more
PDW Introduces AI-Enhanced Payload for U.S. Army
The company PDW has introduced the C100 Multi-Mission Payload Suite, which incorporates artificial intelligence technology aimed at enhancing operational capabilities for the U.S. Army. Read more
Agile Defense Joins Tradewinds Marketplace
Agile Defense has partnered with Tradewinds to make its AI and technology solutions more accessible to the Department of War, focusing on cybersecurity and cloud solutions. Read more
FIU Develops AI Defense System for Drone Cybersecurity
Researchers at Florida International University have introduced SHIELD, an AI-based system to protect drones from cyberattacks, ensuring mission completion even when under threat. Read more
Kägwerks and Sigma Defense Partner for AI-Driven C5ISR Solutions
On October 14, 2025, Kägwerks and Sigma Defense announced a strategic partnership to enhance C5ISR capabilities. This collaboration aims to improve real-time data connectivity and situational awareness for tactical operations. Read more
Li-S Energy and Praetorian Aeronautics Collaborate on AI Defense Tech
Li-S Energy Limited has partnered with Praetorian Aeronautics to integrate advanced battery technology into AI-driven defense systems, aiming to enhance Australia's defense capabilities. Read more
Faction Networks and Davolink Launch Joint Venture for US-Made Cybersecurity Solutions
Faction Networks and Davolink have announced a joint venture to produce Zero Trust secure routers and networking appliances in the USA. The initiative aims to enhance cybersecurity for various sectors by integrating Zero Trust principles into hardware. Read more
Sigma Defense Acquires Aries Defense
Sigma Defense has acquired Aries Defense to enhance its capabilities in CJADC2 and tactical ISR. The acquisition will integrate Aries' products with Sigma's platform for improved military data sharing. Read more
Conceal Secures $26 Million in Series B Funding
On October 16, 2025, Conceal announced it raised $26 million in a Series B funding round led by Two Bear Capital. The funds will be used to enhance product development and expand their team. Read more
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