26 companies · 27 sourced backers · 179 milestones on record
This frontier covers autonomous military vehicles, defence systems, and software that turns sensor data into usable information. Companies are trying to move aircraft, boats, ground vehicles, missile defences and AI tools beyond demonstrations into reliable operations, while making production repeatable and systems able to work together.
Where the 26 companies stand today, from their profiles and 10-year milestones. Tap a phase to see who is there.
- ▸Reliability in demanding real-world operating environments
- ▸Integrating autonomy, sensors, communications and existing military platforms
- ▸Scaling repeatable production beyond prototypes
- ▸Making advanced systems affordable to manufacture and deploy
Publicly listed: 12 companies (owned by public shareholders).
- ›Every sourced story on all frontiers, filterable by company and news type
- ›10-year milestone records for each company: demo vs shipped
- ›Explained: plain-words readiness diagrams for real breakthroughs
- ›Signal Trends of 39 frontiers covering 378 companies over time.
- ›The events calendar: launches, approvals and deadlines ahead
- Anduril Industries
To change how the U.S.
Everyone · backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Founders Fund
- Applied Intuition
To make autonomy software usable across vehicles and defence platforms.
Everyone · backed by BlackRock, Kleiner Perkins
- Axon Enterprise
To equip public-safety organisations with connected tools for field operations, including less-lethal devices, drones and related technology.
Everyone · publicly listed
- Boeing Autonomous Systems
To field autonomous aircraft that can operate with crewed military platforms for refuelling, surveillance and combat-support missions.
Trials · publicly listed
- Castelion
To make hypersonic missile systems more affordable to manufacture and deploy.
Lab · backed by 8VC, Founders Fund
- CesiumAstro
To make advanced electronically steered communications systems usable on spacecraft and defence platforms.
Some users · backed by Kleiner Perkins, L3Harris
- Chaos Industries
To bring advanced sensing and defence electronics into operational use.
Trials · backed by Accel, Founders Fund
- Epirus
To make high-power microwave systems a practical defence against drones.
Some users · backed by 8VC, Bedrock
- Forterra
To make autonomous ground vehicles useful in defence operations.
Some users · backed by Moore Strategic Ventures
- General Dynamics Electric Boat
To deliver the Columbia class as the sea-based strategic-deterrent replacement for the Ohio-class submarine fleet.
Trials · publicly listed
- Helsing (US ops)
To make AI software useful in defence operations.
Some users · backed by General Catalyst
- Huntington Ingalls
To deliver naval vessels and uncrewed maritime capabilities that work together in operational service.
Some users · publicly listed
- Karman Holdings
To supply the specialised systems needed for missile and hypersonic defence programmes.
Everyone · publicly listed
- Kratos Defense
To bring uncrewed combat aircraft and related defence technologies into operational service.
Everyone · publicly listed
- L3Harris Technologies
To provide connected sensing, communications and electronic-warfare capabilities for defence operations.
Everyone · publicly listed
- Leidos (Defense Systems)
To integrate autonomy, sensors and digital systems into usable defence capabilities.
Everyone · publicly listed
- Lockheed Martin
To deliver advanced defence capabilities across aircraft, missiles and space systems.
Everyone · publicly listed
- Long Wall
To turn its rocket technology into deployable missile-defence and hypersonic test systems.
Trials
- Mach Industries
To develop and manufacture defence systems through a distributed production approach.
Trials · backed by Bedrock, Sequoia Capital
- Northrop Grumman
To deliver advanced aerospace and autonomous defence systems as dependable operational capabilities.
Everyone · publicly listed
- Palantir Technologies
To turn complex data into usable decisions and workflows for defence and other organisations.
Everyone · publicly listed
- Raytheon Advanced Air Defense
To deploy an integrated sensor and interceptor network capable of detecting and responding to modern air, missile and hypersonic threats.
Some users · publicly listed
- Saronic
To make autonomous surface vessels useful in maritime defence operations.
Some users · backed by 8VC, Andreessen Horowitz
- Shield AI
To make aircraft capable of carrying out useful missions with an AI pilot.
Some users · backed by Riot Ventures
- Skydio
To make autonomous drones practical tools for defence and enterprise reconnaissance.
Everyone · backed by Linse Capital
- Vannevar Labs
To make AI and data tools useful in defence intelligence workflows.
Some users · backed by DFJ Growth, Felicis
Keep following breakthroughs like these. Every Monday, get up to 5 major breakthroughs and launches explained in plain English.
Free. No account needed. One email a week. Unsubscribe anytime.