OpenAI Invests in Biosecurity, Japan Enhances AI, Seasats Launches Quickfish - Defense AI Brief #15

October 27, 2025 - Defense AI Brief
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Welcome to this week's edition of Defense AI Brief.

OpenAI, along with Founders Fund and Lux Capital, has invested $30 million in Valthos, a biosecurity startup that focuses on AI-driven solutions to detect and counter biological threats. This investment highlights the growing interest in leveraging AI for biosecurity measures. Meanwhile, at APEC 2025, HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Kisun talked about the importance of AI and international collaboration in promoting sustainable shipbuilding.

In Japan, the government is taking steps to boost domestic AI development to enhance national security and reduce reliance on foreign technology. This initiative includes improving conditions for AI professionals and advancing technology. Additionally, Fincantieri has teamed up with Defcomm to develop autonomous surface drones for maritime surveillance, aiming to accelerate their industrialization and demonstrate their capabilities. On a similar note, Seasats has unveiled the Quickfish, a high-speed autonomous vessel, during a U.S. Navy exercise, showcasing its speed and endurance.
OpenAI and Partners Invest in Biosecurity Startup Valthos
OpenAI, Founders Fund, and Lux Capital have invested $30 million in Valthos, a biosecurity startup focused on using AI to detect and counter biological threats. Read more
HD Hyundai Chairman on AI in Sustainable Shipbuilding at APEC 2025
At APEC 2025, HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Kisun discussed the role of AI and global cooperation in advancing sustainable shipbuilding, emphasizing the importance of industry collaboration. Read more
Japan to Boost Domestic AI for National Security
The Japanese government is set to enhance its domestic AI development to reduce dependency on foreign technology, focusing on national security. This includes improving conditions for AI professionals and developing advanced technology. Read more
Fincantieri Partners with Defcomm for Autonomous Drones
Fincantieri has partnered with Italian startup Defcomm to develop autonomous surface drones for maritime surveillance and security. The initiative aims to accelerate the industrialization of these drones and includes training activities to demonstrate their capabilities. Read more
Seasats Unveils Quickfish Autonomous Vessel
On October 20, 2025, Seasats introduced the Quickfish, a high-speed autonomous surface vessel, during a U.S. Navy exercise. The vessel is noted for its speed, endurance, and efficient hull design. Read more
Safe Pro Group Receives $14M Investment for AI Tech
Safe Pro Group has secured a $14 million investment led by Ondas Holdings to advance its AI-based defense and humanitarian technologies, focusing on threat detection systems in areas affected by explosive hazards. Read more
KnectIQ Partners with SRC UK for AI Defense Solutions
KnectIQ has formed a strategic partnership with SRC UK to integrate its SelectiveTRUST® technology into defense platforms. This collaboration aims to enhance machine-to-machine trust and security across several regions. Read more
U.S. Air Force Seeks AI Data Center Proposals
The U.S. Department of the Air Force is requesting proposals for AI data centers, with projects needing over 100 megawatts of new load and at least $500 million in capital expenditures. Read more
Shield AI Launches X-Bat AI Fighter Drone
Shield AI has introduced the X-Bat, an AI-piloted military fighter drone with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, designed for combat with a 2,000-mile range. Read more
Pentagon Uses AI in Military Operations
A video series by Breaking Defense examines the integration of artificial intelligence by the Pentagon in military operations, including expert insights from defense organizations. Read more

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