Indian Army's Solar AI Drone, Pentagon's Grok Integration, and $200M for Harmattan AI - Defense AI Brief #25
January 19, 2026 -
Defense AI Brief
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Welcome to this week's edition of Defense AI Brief.
The Indian Army has made a significant move by commissioning a Rs 168 crore order with Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research & Technologies for their Medium Altitude Persistent Surveillance System (MAPSS). This marks the first time the Indian military will use solar-powered drones for surveillance purposes. Meanwhile, Booz Allen Hamilton has teamed up with Andreessen Horowitz to push forward AI and autonomy in U.S. government applications, aiming to connect startups with Booz Allen's national security and civilian services expertise.
Harmattan AI, a French defense tech company, has successfully raised $200 million in a Series B funding round led by Dassault Aviation, bringing its valuation to $1.4 billion. This funding will be used to expand and develop AI capabilities for defense applications. In Africa, 8VC has led an $11.8 million investment in Nigerian startup Terrahaptix, which focuses on drones and autonomous vehicles for security, highlighting the growing defense drone market in the region.
Welcome to this week's edition of Defense AI Brief.
The Indian Army has made a significant move by commissioning a Rs 168 crore order with Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research & Technologies for their Medium Altitude Persistent Surveillance System (MAPSS). This marks the first time the Indian military will use solar-powered drones for surveillance purposes. Meanwhile, Booz Allen Hamilton has teamed up with Andreessen Horowitz to push forward AI and autonomy in U.S. government applications, aiming to connect startups with Booz Allen's national security and civilian services expertise.
Harmattan AI, a French defense tech company, has successfully raised $200 million in a Series B funding round led by Dassault Aviation, bringing its valuation to $1.4 billion. This funding will be used to expand and develop AI capabilities for defense applications. In Africa, 8VC has led an $11.8 million investment in Nigerian startup Terrahaptix, which focuses on drones and autonomous vehicles for security, highlighting the growing defense drone market in the region.
Indian Army Orders Solar-Powered AI Drone from NewSpace
The Indian Army has commissioned a Rs 168 crore order with NewSpace Research & Technologies for the MAPSS, a solar-powered UAV designed for enhanced surveillance capabilities. Read more
Booz Allen and Andreessen Horowitz Partner for AI in Government
On January 12, 2026, Booz Allen Hamilton announced a partnership with Andreessen Horowitz to enhance technology for U.S. government missions, focusing on AI, cybersecurity, and engineering. Read more
Harmattan AI Secures $200M Series B Funding
French defense tech company Harmattan AI has raised $200 million in a Series B funding round led by Dassault Aviation, reaching a valuation of $1.4 billion. The funding will support expansion in product offerings and manufacturing. Read more
8VC Invests $11.8 Million in Nigerian AI Drone Startup Terrahaptix
8VC has led an $11.8 million investment in Nigerian startup Terrahaptix, which focuses on drones and autonomous vehicles for security in Africa. The investment is part of the growing defense drone market projected to reach $17.74 billion by 2030. Read more
War Department Unveils AI Strategy for Military
The War Department has launched an AI Acceleration Strategy to boost U.S. military AI capabilities, as directed by President Trump. The strategy aims to integrate advanced AI technologies and includes seven projects to enhance military operations. Read more
Terra Industries Secures $11.75 Million for Defense Tech in Africa
Terra Industries, a defense technology company in Nigeria, has raised $11.75 million to develop autonomous security systems for Africa's critical infrastructure. The funding will help expand manufacturing and deployment across the continent. Read more
US Pentagon to Integrate Elon Musk's AI Tool Grok
The US Department of Defense plans to integrate Elon Musk's AI tool Grok into its networks this month, as part of an AI acceleration strategy to enhance military capabilities. Read more
Defense Unicorns Raises $136 Million for AI in Military
Defense Unicorns has secured $136 million in Series B funding to enhance AI infrastructure for military applications, focusing on developing advanced technologies for defense. Read more
US Army Awards Appian $500M Agreement for AI Transformation
The US Army has entered into a new Enterprise Agreement with Appian, allowing for up to $500 million in purchases over ten years to support software modernization and AI transformation efforts. Read more
Nukkleus Inc. Acquires Nimbus Drones Technologies
On January 16, 2026, Nukkleus Inc. announced its acquisition of Nimbus Drones Technologies, aiming to enhance its AI-driven drone capabilities. Read more
Mistral and UVision's HERO-90 Chosen for U.S. Army Program
Mistral Inc. and UVision Inc. have announced that their HERO-90 loitering munition has been selected for the U.S. Army's LASSO program, aiming to enhance Brigade Combat Teams with precision anti-armor capabilities. Read more
CesiumAstro Secures $200 Million for Texas Expansion
CesiumAstro Inc. has secured a $200 million financing package from the Export-Import Bank of the United States and J.P. Morgan to expand its manufacturing capabilities in Texas. The investment will support the acquisition of a new facility and the creation of over 500 jobs by 2030. Read more
Noble Supply Launches AI Division NOBLE IQ™
Noble Supply and Logistics, LLC has introduced NOBLE IQ™, a new division aimed at enhancing safety and operational readiness for global organizations through AI-driven solutions. Read more
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