Swarmer Files Nasdaq IPO, Overland AI Secures $100M, and UK Develops Autonomous Drones - Defense AI Brief #28
February 09, 2026 -
Defense AI Brief
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Welcome to this week's edition of Defense AI Brief.
Ukrainian defense-tech startup Swarmer has made headlines by filing for an IPO on Nasdaq, marking a significant milestone for the sector. The company is known for its AI solutions that control drone swarms, and this move could pave the way for further advancements in autonomous drone technology. Meanwhile, Apeiron Labs has raised $9.5 million to develop autonomous underwater vehicles aimed at improving ocean data collection, offering a cost-effective solution for monitoring ocean conditions.
In other news, Machina Labs has secured $124 million to establish a robotic manufacturing facility for missile structures and airframes, with potential sites across several U.S. states. Additionally, IFS has been chosen by SkyAlyne to provide a digital aviation maintenance platform for the Royal Canadian Air Force's Future Aircrew Training program, which aims to modernize pilot training and enhance aircraft readiness. These developments highlight the growing integration of AI in defense and aerospace sectors, promising significant advancements in technology and operational efficiency.
Welcome to this week's edition of Defense AI Brief.
Ukrainian defense-tech startup Swarmer has made headlines by filing for an IPO on Nasdaq, marking a significant milestone for the sector. The company is known for its AI solutions that control drone swarms, and this move could pave the way for further advancements in autonomous drone technology. Meanwhile, Apeiron Labs has raised $9.5 million to develop autonomous underwater vehicles aimed at improving ocean data collection, offering a cost-effective solution for monitoring ocean conditions.
In other news, Machina Labs has secured $124 million to establish a robotic manufacturing facility for missile structures and airframes, with potential sites across several U.S. states. Additionally, IFS has been chosen by SkyAlyne to provide a digital aviation maintenance platform for the Royal Canadian Air Force's Future Aircrew Training program, which aims to modernize pilot training and enhance aircraft readiness. These developments highlight the growing integration of AI in defense and aerospace sectors, promising significant advancements in technology and operational efficiency.
Swarmer Files for Nasdaq IPO
Ukrainian defense-tech startup Swarmer has filed for an IPO on Nasdaq, marking a first for its sector. The company specializes in AI solutions for drone swarm control. Read more
Apeiron Labs Raises $9.5 Million for Underwater Robots
Apeiron Labs has secured $9.5 million in funding to develop autonomous underwater vehicles for ocean data collection, aiming to offer cost-effective solutions for monitoring ocean conditions. Read more
Machina Labs Raises $124M for Missile Factory
Robotics startup Machina Labs has secured $124 million to build a robotic manufacturing facility for missile structures and airframes, with potential sites in several U.S. states. Read more
IFS Chosen by SkyAlyne for RCAF Training Program
IFS has been selected by SkyAlyne to supply a digital aviation maintenance platform for the Royal Canadian Air Force's Future Aircrew Training program, aiming to modernize pilot training and enhance aircraft readiness. Read more
Overland AI Secures $100 Million for Military Vehicles
Seattle-based Overland AI has raised $100 million to advance its autonomous ground vehicles for the U.S. military, following a previous $42 million funding round. Read more
Sagar Defence Invests in EndureAir Systems
Sagar Defence Engineering has invested in EndureAir Systems to enhance India's aerial robotics capabilities, focusing on advancing indigenous technology for the defence sector. Read more
Hadrian Opens $200 Million Manufacturing Facility in Arizona
On January 29, 2026, Hadrian inaugurated a new 290,000-square-foot facility in Mesa, Arizona, marking a $200 million investment aimed at producing precision components for aerospace and defense. Read more
Trive Capital Invests in PavCon for AI Defense Solutions
On February 3, 2026, Trive Capital announced its investment in PavCon to enhance AI-driven defense solutions for the U.S. Department of War. Read more
Palladyne AI's IntelliSwarm Completes First Flight
Palladyne AI has successfully completed the first flight of its IntelliSwarm autonomy stack integrated with the BRAIN X2 flight computer on the Banshee loitering munition platform. This achievement showcases decentralized edge autonomy for unmanned systems. Read more
Leidos and RegScale Partner for Federal Cybersecurity
Leidos and RegScale are collaborating to enhance digital security for the U.S. Department of War and other federal agencies by integrating their respective technologies. This partnership aims to automate security processes and improve compliance with federal standards. Read more
Shield AI Expands Partnership with Singapore for Drone AI
On February 5, 2026, Shield AI announced an expanded partnership with the Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Defence Science and Technology Agency to co-develop AI for autonomous drones. The collaboration aims to enhance mission autonomy and was revealed at the Singapore Airshow 2026. Read more
V2X Partners with Google for AI Solutions in U.S. Government
V2X, Inc. has partnered with Google Public Sector to deliver secure AI solutions to the U.S. Government. The collaboration focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and modernizing digital infrastructure for defense and intelligence agencies. Read more
Shield AI and ST Engineering Collaborate on Autonomy Software
US-based Shield AI and Singapore’s ST Engineering have partnered to explore integrating Hivemind autonomy software into selected platforms, as announced at the Singapore Airshow. Read more
Palladyne AI Tests IntelliSwarm on Banshee Platform
On February 5, 2026, Palladyne AI announced a successful flight test of its IntelliSwarm system on the Banshee platform, marking a significant advancement in AI-enabled unmanned systems for defense. Read more
Kenya Highlights Ethical AI in Defense at REAIM 2026
At the REAIM Summit 2026 in Spain, Kenya emphasized its commitment to ethical AI use in defense. The event included discussions on maritime security and AI governance with Spain and Netherlands officials. Read more
Swarmer Files for IPO on Nasdaq
Ukrainian drone software company Swarmer has filed for an IPO in the U.S., planning to list on Nasdaq. This marks a significant milestone for Ukraine's tech sector. Read more
US Army Implements Parsons' AI Counter-Drone Tech for Border Security
The US Army is deploying the AI-driven DroneArmor system by Parsons Corporation to improve defense against unauthorized drones at the southern border. Read more
UK Ministry of Defence Develops Autonomous Drones for Apache Helicopters
The UK Ministry of Defence has initiated Project NYX, selecting seven British companies to create autonomous drones to support Apache helicopters, with operational goals set for 2030. Read more
Skyways to Build Largest Autonomous Drone Fleet with Air Force Contract
Austin-based Skyways Air Transportation has secured a $37 million contract from the U.S. Air Force to develop the world's largest fleet of fully autonomous drones, enhancing military logistics with its V3 aircraft. Read more
Royal Netherlands Air Force Tests AI Simulators
The Royal Netherlands Air Force is experimenting with AI simulators that adjust based on pilots' brain activity to improve training and performance. Read more
TRM Labs Secures $70 Million Series C Funding
TRM Labs has completed a $70 million Series C funding round to enhance its AI solutions for law enforcement and national security. The funding will support team expansion and improve AI-enabled compliance and investigations. Read more
Machina Labs Secures $124 Million for Robotic Factory
Machina Labs has raised $124 million in Series C funding to establish its first large-scale Intelligent Factory in the U.S., focusing on advanced metal structures for defense and aerospace using its RoboCraftsman platform. Read more
Teledyne FLIR Defense Secures $17.5M Swiss Contract
Teledyne FLIR Defense has been awarded a $17.5 million contract by armasuisse to provide Black Hornet 4 nano-drones to the Swiss Armed Forces. These drones will enhance reconnaissance by integrating with the Piranha 8x8 Armored vehicle. Read more
Marine Corps Introduces AI Fellowship Program
The Marine Corps has started an AI fellowship at the Naval Postgraduate School to address operational challenges using artificial intelligence. Read more
Cortisonic Unveils Sound-Based AI Processor
Brisbane startup Cortisonic has launched a Sonic Processing Unit that uses sound waves for computations, aiming to enhance energy efficiency in AI applications. Supported by Lockheed Martin and a contract from the Australian Department of Defence, this innovation is designed for edge devices like drones and wearables. Read more
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