US Deploys LUCAS Drone in Iran, Anduril Seeks $4B, and NATO's AI Focus

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Welcome to this week's edition of Defense AI Brief.

The Department of War has awarded a contract modification to Innovative Defense Technologies LLC for AI solutions development within the Naval Digital Engineering Ecosystem, increasing the contract's total value and extending its duration. Meanwhile, Anduril Industries, a US defense firm, is seeking to raise $4 billion from Thrive Capital and Andreessen Horowitz, potentially doubling its valuation from a previous $30.5 billion.

In other news, the US has deployed the LUCAS suicide drone in Iran, utilizing software from startup Noda for autonomous control. This move follows its Pentagon unveiling and aims to boost US military capabilities. Additionally, HawkEye 360 has been awarded a contract worth up to $75 million by a European Ministry of Defense, focusing on enhancing defense capabilities through space-based electronic warfare data and analytics.

Department of War Awards AI Contract to Innovative Defense Technologies

The Department of War has awarded a contract modification to Innovative Defense Technologies LLC for AI framework development, increasing the contract's total value and extending its duration. Read more

Anduril Industries Seeks $4 Billion Funding to Double Valuation

Anduril Industries, a US defense firm, plans to raise $4 billion from Thrive Capital and Andreessen Horowitz, potentially doubling its valuation from June 2025. Read more

US Deploys LUCAS Drone in Iran with Noda Software

The US has deployed the LUCAS suicide drone in Iran, utilizing software from startup Noda to control its autonomous systems. This move follows its Pentagon unveiling and aims to boost US military capabilities. Read more

HawkEye 360 Lands $75 Million Defense Contract

HawkEye 360 has secured a contract worth up to $75 million with a European Ministry of Defense. The deal focuses on enhancing defense capabilities through space-based electronic warfare data and analytics. Read more

Anthropic CEO Criticizes OpenAI's Military Deal

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has criticized OpenAI for its messaging and safety measures regarding a military contract with the U.S. Department of Defense. Read more

Kraken Robotics Acquires Covelya Group for $615 Million

On March 3, 2026, Kraken Robotics announced its acquisition of Covelya Group for $615 million to boost its AI and maritime defense capabilities. Read more

Mutable Tactics Raises €1.8M for AI Drone Autonomy

Cambridge-based startup Mutable Tactics has secured €1.8 million in pre-seed funding to advance AI software for autonomous drone operations, even in challenging communication environments. Read more

OpenAI Robotics Lead Resigns Over Pentagon Deal

Caitlin Kalinowski, the robotics lead at OpenAI, has resigned following the company's agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense, citing concerns over domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons. Read more

webAI Partners with U.S. Army on Project ARIA

webAI has been chosen to collaborate with the U.S. Army on Project ARIA, which aims to develop AI solutions for tactical use by soldiers, improving their operational efficiency. Read more

Palantir to Remove Anthropic Code After Pentagon Ban

Palantir is set to overhaul its Maven software platform by removing Anthropic's Claude code, following a Pentagon directive that bans government contracts with Anthropic. Read more

SmartShooter Launches on TASE with AI Defense Tech

Israeli defense company SmartShooter has started trading on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, raising NIS 200 million. The company is recognized for its AI-powered systems that transform standard rifles into precision-guided weapons. Read more

The Fourth Law Launches Zerov-8 Drone Interceptor

Ukrainian company The Fourth Law has unveiled 'Zerov-8', an autonomous drone designed to intercept Iranian-designed Shahed drones used by Russian forces. The drone boasts AI detection and high-speed engagement capabilities. Read more

Uforce Secures $50 Million, Becomes Ukrainian Unicorn

Ukrainian defence tech startup Uforce has raised $50 million, reaching a valuation over $1 billion. The company, founded in 2022, focuses on unmanned military systems and plans to expand manufacturing with the new funds. Read more

Newspace Develops AI-Driven Swarm Drone

Bengaluru-based startup Newspace Research Technologies is developing the Sheshnaag-150, a swarm attack drone with a 1,000-km range, capable of autonomous target engagement. Read more

Embraer and Valkyrie Aero Enhance A-29 with AI

The collaboration between Embraer Defense & Security and Valkyrie Aero focuses on upgrading the A-29 Super Tucano with AI-driven counter-UAS capabilities, targeting drone threats like the Iranian Shahed-class. Read more

Pentagon Appoints New Chief Data Officer for AI

The Pentagon has named Gavin Kliger as its new Chief Data Officer to lead AI initiatives, amid tensions with Anthropic over AI use in military operations. Read more

NATO to Focus on Drones and AI at July Summit

At the July summit in Ankara, NATO will prioritize investments in drone technology and artificial intelligence, moving away from traditional defense hardware amid security concerns. Read more

OpenAI Explores AI Deployment on NATO Networks

OpenAI is exploring a contract to deploy its AI technology on NATO's unclassified networks, following a recent agreement with the Pentagon. Initially, CEO Sam Altman mentioned deploying on classified networks, but this was later clarified to pertain only to unclassified networks. NATO has not yet commented on the matter. Read more

Teradar Completes U.S. Army Contract for AI Sensing Tech

Teradar has finalized a $1.9 million contract with the U.S. Army to develop AI-enhanced terahertz sensing technology for improved battlefield awareness. The technology will be tested with Lockheed Martin for future defense platforms. Read more

Blighter Wins Contract for AI-Assisted Border Surveillance

Blighter has secured a contract to provide its B400 series radars and BlighterNexus AI software to an undisclosed Eastern European Army. The technology will be used to enhance border security with capabilities to detect targets up to 32 km away. Read more

Smack Technologies Raises $32M for Military AI Development

Smack Technologies has secured $32 million in funding to create AI solutions for national security. The company, co-founded by MARSOC veterans, aims to enhance military decision-making with their Omega and Alpha product suites. Read more

Flying Wedge Tests India's First Autonomous Swarm Interceptor

Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace has tested India's first autonomous swarm interceptor, FWD YAMA, aimed at countering drone swarms more cost-effectively than traditional systems. This innovation enhances India's air defense against low-cost drone threats. Read more

Roboze Receives Investment from Rule 1 Ventures

Roboze has secured funding from Rule 1 Ventures to enhance its AI-driven distributed manufacturing platform, focusing on defense and critical infrastructure sectors. Read more

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US Deploys LUCAS Drone in Iran, Anduril Seeks $4B, and NATO's AI Focus - Defense AI Brief #32

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