NestAI Secures €100M, Lockheed Martin's AI Drone Control, and NATO-Google Cloud Partnership - Defense AI Brief #19

November 24, 2025 - Defense AI Brief
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Welcome to this week's edition of Defense AI Brief.

NestAI has secured €100 million in funding, teaming up with Nokia to advance AI technologies for unmanned vehicles and defense applications. This collaboration aims to push the boundaries of AI in defense, focusing on enhancing the capabilities of unmanned systems. Meanwhile, SAIC and HavocAI are joining forces to improve the U.S. Navy's maritime operations. Their partnership is set to integrate cutting-edge technologies to boost decision-making and connectivity.

In Europe, Shield AI and Destinus have announced a partnership to integrate Hivemind into unmanned aerial systems, aiming to bolster defense capabilities and support Ukraine. Additionally, Quest Global has been recognized for its advancements in AI within the aerospace and defense sectors, showcasing their innovative solutions. On the cyber front, Twenty has raised $38 million to enhance AI-driven cyber warfare systems, strengthening U.S. defenses against global threats.
NestAI Secures €100M for AI Defense Development with Nokia
Finnish startup NestAI has raised €100 million in funding, with contributions from Finland’s sovereign fund Tesi and Nokia, to develop AI products for unmanned vehicles and defense applications. Read more
SAIC and HavocAI Collaborate for U.S. Navy Operations
SAIC and HavocAI have partnered to integrate their technologies, aiming to enhance the U.S. Navy's maritime operations by improving autonomous vessel connectivity and decision-making capabilities. Read more
Shield AI and Destinus Partner for AI in European Defense
On November 19, 2025, Shield AI and Destinus announced a partnership to integrate Hivemind into unmanned aerial systems, aiming to enhance defense capabilities in Europe and support Ukraine. Read more
Quest Global Recognized for AI in Aerospace and Defense
The recognition emphasizes Quest Global's role in advancing AI technologies in the aerospace and defense sectors, highlighting their innovative contributions and leadership. Read more
Twenty Raises $38M for AI Cyber Warfare
Twenty has secured $38 million in Series A funding to advance its AI-driven cyber warfare solutions. The funding will support efforts to enhance U.S. cyber capabilities against global threats. Read more
Heven AeroTech's Z1 Drone Gains Blue UAS Select Status
Heven AeroTech has announced that its Z1 hydrogen-powered drone has been awarded Blue UAS Select status by the Defense Innovation Unit. This recognition confirms the drone's compliance with cybersecurity and operational standards, enabling its use by the Department of Defense and federal partners. Read more
Elbit Systems Wins $210M Contract for AI-Enhanced Tank Upgrades
Elbit Systems has secured a $210 million contract from the Israel Ministry of Defense to upgrade Merkava tanks with AI technology over six years. Read more
Lockheed Martin Demonstrates AI Drone Control from F-22
At Nellis Air Force Base, Lockheed Martin showcased the ability to control a drone from an F-22 Raptor cockpit, marking a step forward in AI-enabled human-machine teaming. Read more
Cambium Wins DARPA Contract for AI in Materials Discovery
Cambium has secured a contract from DARPA to advance AI-driven discovery of bio-enabled polymer composites for extreme temperatures, aiming to replace structural titanium. Read more
NATO Partners with Google Cloud for AI-Enabled Cloud
On November 24, 2025, NATO signed a contract with Google Cloud to enhance its digital infrastructure with secure, sovereign cloud capabilities. Read more

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