FBI Expands AI Use, CACI Acquires ARKA, and Deutsche Telekom Invests in Drones - Defense AI Brief #23
January 02, 2026 -
Defense AI Brief
Hi there,
Welcome to this week's edition of Defense AI Brief.
The FBI is expanding its use of AI tools to enhance threat detection capabilities, both domestically and internationally. Director Kash Patel highlighted the strategic importance of AI in their operations. Meanwhile, CACI International is set to acquire ARKA Group for $2.6 billion, aiming to strengthen its national security and space intelligence capabilities.
Deutsche Telekom has invested in Quantum Systems to advance drone technology for protecting critical infrastructure in Europe, including involvement in Ukraine. The War Department is integrating xAI into its GenAI.mil platform to enhance AI capabilities for military and civilian applications. Additionally, Enord Pvt. Ltd. has won a contract to supply VR Drone Training Simulators to the Indian Army, supporting India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.
Welcome to this week's edition of Defense AI Brief.
The FBI is expanding its use of AI tools to enhance threat detection capabilities, both domestically and internationally. Director Kash Patel highlighted the strategic importance of AI in their operations. Meanwhile, CACI International is set to acquire ARKA Group for $2.6 billion, aiming to strengthen its national security and space intelligence capabilities.
Deutsche Telekom has invested in Quantum Systems to advance drone technology for protecting critical infrastructure in Europe, including involvement in Ukraine. The War Department is integrating xAI into its GenAI.mil platform to enhance AI capabilities for military and civilian applications. Additionally, Enord Pvt. Ltd. has won a contract to supply VR Drone Training Simulators to the Indian Army, supporting India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.
FBI Expands AI Use for Threat Detection
FBI Director Kash Patel announced the agency's increased use of AI tools to address both domestic and international threats, highlighting AI's role in their strategic operations. Read more
CACI International to Acquire ARKA Group for $2.6 Billion
U.S. defense contractor CACI International plans to acquire space technology provider ARKA Group for $2.6 billion in cash, aiming to boost its national security and space intelligence capabilities. Read more
Deutsche Telekom Invests in Quantum Systems for Drone Tech
Deutsche Telekom has invested in Quantum Systems to advance drone technology aimed at protecting critical infrastructure in Germany and Europe, with a focus on defense applications in Ukraine. Read more
War Department Integrates xAI into GenAI.mil
The War Department plans to enhance its GenAI.mil platform by integrating xAI, aiming to improve AI capabilities for both military and civilian use by 2026. Read more
Enord Pvt. Ltd. Wins Contract for Drone Training Simulators with Indian Army
Enord Pvt. Ltd. has secured a multi-crore contract to supply over 700 VR Drone Training Simulators to the Indian Army's School of Artillery. This initiative supports India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission by enhancing drone training infrastructure. Read more
Japan's $58 Billion Defense Budget Includes AI Drones
The Japanese government has approved a record defense budget of over 9 trillion yen, focusing on missile and drone enhancements, including AI-operated drones, amid tensions with China. Read more
Adani Group to Invest in AI and Unmanned Defence Systems
Adani Group is set to invest ₹1.8 lakh crore in the defence sector, focusing on unmanned systems and artificial intelligence to boost India's military capabilities and reduce import reliance. Read more
Jammu and Kashmir Police Deploys AI Security Grid
The Jammu and Kashmir Police has introduced an AI-enabled security grid to boost surveillance and intelligence in counter-terror operations within the Union Territory. Read more
Thales Wins £10 Million Contract for AI-Powered Mine Countermeasures
Thales has secured a £10 million contract from the UK’s Defence Equipment and Support to develop autonomous command centres for the Royal Navy's Mine Counter Measures. The project aims to integrate AI technology to enhance mine hunting operations and support the UK's 'Hybrid Navy' vision. Read more
Lockheed Martin Tests AI in X-62A VISTA Jet
The Lockheed Martin X-62A VISTA, a modified F-16, is being used to test artificial intelligence in flight, focusing on AI's role alongside human pilots in combat scenarios. Read more
Nukkleus Acquires Tiltan Software Engineering
On December 30, 2025, Nukkleus Inc. announced its acquisition of Tiltan Software Engineering Ltd., enhancing its capabilities in defense AI simulation and navigation systems. Read more
NanoXplore Secures €20 Million for Defense AI Expansion
French chipmaker NanoXplore has received €20 million from MBDA and Bpifrance to enhance its AI capabilities in the defense sector, focusing on security products and European growth. Read more
TruePath Vision Introduces AI Weapon Detection
TruePath Vision has launched a new AI system for detecting weapons in real time using existing camera infrastructure, aimed at improving safety in hotels and public venues. Read more
Defence Holdings Partners with Gloucestershire Police for AI in Interviews
Defence Holdings has teamed up with Gloucestershire Police to introduce AI automation in police interviews, aiming to improve evidential workflows. Read more
Ondas Holdings Secures $10 Million in Orders for Autonomous Systems
Ondas Holdings Inc. has received approximately $10 million in new orders for its autonomous systems, including counter-UAS and integrated drone systems, amid rising demand from government and infrastructure sectors. Read more
We hope you enjoyed this article.
Consider subscribing to one of our newsletters like Defense AI Brief or Daily AI Brief.
Also, consider following us on social media:
More from: Defense
12/16
Synergy ECP Acquires NetServices to Expand Federal IT Capabilities
12/16
Iridium Wins $85.8 Million U.S. Space Force Contract for EMSS Infrastructure Upgrades
12/16
V2X Wins $980 Million U.S. Air Force Contract for Global Test Systems Support
12/16
Elbit Systems Wins $210 Million Contract for Merkava Tank Upgrades
12/16
MDA Space Partners with Canada and Telesat on Arctic Military Satellite Communications
Subscribe to Defense AI Brief
Your weekly intelligence briefing on the technology shaping modern warfare and national security.
