1
Country: USA | Funding: $31.6M
Grid Aero develops and manufactures autonomous cargo drones for long-range flights. Its Lifter aircraft is capable of carrying thousands of kilograms of cargo over thousands of kilometers. Combining ultra-simple and low-cost designs with advanced autonomous systems, it can reliably operate in remote or hostile environments, where infrastructure is limited or military operations are taking place. Furthermore, the loss of such a drone does not incur significant losses. Grid's autonomous control system combines classic control systems with modern AI, enabling aircraft to operate intelligently over long distances. It learns from other aircraft in the Grid network and minimizes the need for human oversight. Lifter aircraft operate as a fault-tolerant distributed network. With seamless fleet-wide control, a small ground team can manage dozens of aircraft over vast regions.
Grid Aero develops and manufactures autonomous cargo drones for long-range flights. Its Lifter aircraft is capable of carrying thousands of kilograms of cargo over thousands of kilometers. Combining ultra-simple and low-cost designs with advanced autonomous systems, it can reliably operate in remote or hostile environments, where infrastructure is limited or military operations are taking place. Furthermore, the loss of such a drone does not incur significant losses. Grid's autonomous control system combines classic control systems with modern AI, enabling aircraft to operate intelligently over long distances. It learns from other aircraft in the Grid network and minimizes the need for human oversight. Lifter aircraft operate as a fault-tolerant distributed network. With seamless fleet-wide control, a small ground team can manage dozens of aircraft over vast regions.
2
Country: USA | Funding: $3.6B
Shield AI is developing X-BAT - large, AI-controlled vertical takeoff and landing fighter jet, as well as the Hivemind - intelligent platform for military applications. X-BAT has a 12-meter wingspan, a maximum range of 2,000 nautical miles, and a 4G maneuvering load factor. It can carry combat missiles and take off and land from ships, remote islands or rugged forward bases, eliminating dependence on traditional infrastructure. Its AI autopilot can operate in conditions of GPS and communications interference. The company is collaborating with the US Department of Defense to develop next-generation intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems. Its Vidar multi-camera system, with day and night vision cameras and sensors, is installed on reconnaissance drones for edge video analytics and mapping. The company is also developing Tracker C-UAS, an intelligent software solution for the early detection of drones in air defense systems using video from electro-optical and infrared sensors.
Shield AI is developing X-BAT - large, AI-controlled vertical takeoff and landing fighter jet, as well as the Hivemind - intelligent platform for military applications. X-BAT has a 12-meter wingspan, a maximum range of 2,000 nautical miles, and a 4G maneuvering load factor. It can carry combat missiles and take off and land from ships, remote islands or rugged forward bases, eliminating dependence on traditional infrastructure. Its AI autopilot can operate in conditions of GPS and communications interference. The company is collaborating with the US Department of Defense to develop next-generation intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems. Its Vidar multi-camera system, with day and night vision cameras and sensors, is installed on reconnaissance drones for edge video analytics and mapping. The company is also developing Tracker C-UAS, an intelligent software solution for the early detection of drones in air defense systems using video from electro-optical and infrared sensors.
3
Country: USA | Funding: $566M
Hermeus is developing unmanned hypersonic aircraft Darkhorse designed for US defense and national security missions. It will be powered by the Chimera combined-cycle turbine engine. At low speeds, it operates in turbine mode, like any jet aircraft. At higher speeds, the incoming air bypasses the turbine, and the ramjet engine takes over control. The company uses a rapid prototyping and testing approach similar to SpaceX. It has already conducted a demonstration flight of its prototype, which is comparable in size to an F-16 fighter jet. Hermeus has also a contract with the US Air Force to develop an Advanced Battle Management System.
Hermeus is developing unmanned hypersonic aircraft Darkhorse designed for US defense and national security missions. It will be powered by the Chimera combined-cycle turbine engine. At low speeds, it operates in turbine mode, like any jet aircraft. At higher speeds, the incoming air bypasses the turbine, and the ramjet engine takes over control. The company uses a rapid prototyping and testing approach similar to SpaceX. It has already conducted a demonstration flight of its prototype, which is comparable in size to an F-16 fighter jet. Hermeus has also a contract with the US Air Force to develop an Advanced Battle Management System.
4
Country: USA | Funding: $182.5M
Nominal develops software that helps manufacturing companies design, plan, execute and analyze military equipment tests on rigs, in chambers, in setups and in the field. Specifically, this platform is used as a flight simulator for military fighter jets. It supports standards such as MIL-STD-810 and DO-160, integrating with systems from Siemens, PTC, Jama, NI, and Keysight. The company serves four of the five largest defense contractors in the US, including Anduril.
Nominal develops software that helps manufacturing companies design, plan, execute and analyze military equipment tests on rigs, in chambers, in setups and in the field. Specifically, this platform is used as a flight simulator for military fighter jets. It supports standards such as MIL-STD-810 and DO-160, integrating with systems from Siemens, PTC, Jama, NI, and Keysight. The company serves four of the five largest defense contractors in the US, including Anduril.
5
Country: USA | Funding: $100M
Radia is building the world's largest military aircraft, the WindRunner, which has a volume 10 times bigger than in Boeing 777 and the ability to land on unpaved runways. It will be able to carry military radars, satellite systems and other mission-ready cargo. According to the company, the WindRunner will be able to take off and land on a 1,800-meter unpaved runway with its maximum payload. Unlike traditional military development programs (according to Radia's plan) WindRunner will make operational entry 10 years faster than next-generation defense concepts. Its first flight is scheduled for 2030.
Radia is building the world's largest military aircraft, the WindRunner, which has a volume 10 times bigger than in Boeing 777 and the ability to land on unpaved runways. It will be able to carry military radars, satellite systems and other mission-ready cargo. According to the company, the WindRunner will be able to take off and land on a 1,800-meter unpaved runway with its maximum payload. Unlike traditional military development programs (according to Radia's plan) WindRunner will make operational entry 10 years faster than next-generation defense concepts. Its first flight is scheduled for 2030.
6
Country: USA | Funding: $12.5M
Poseidon Aerospace develops autonomous sea-based aircraft designed to transport cargo using ground effect flight.
Poseidon Aerospace develops autonomous sea-based aircraft designed to transport cargo using ground effect flight.
7
Country: USA | Funding: $3.7B
Northrop Grumman produces military aircraft (in particular, the B-2 Spirit - a strategic stealth bomber), large UAVs (RQ-4 Global Hawk, MQ-8 Fire Scout), underwater drones (MQ-4C Triton), develops control systems for various military manned and unmanned aircraft, various types of missiles (SiAW) and anti-missile systems, electronic warfare systems, reconnaissance systems for collecting information, communication systems, navigation, surveillance, computer equipment, radars, warning systems, space force systems (satellites, launch vehicles, missile defense systems), as well as directed energy weapons (lasers) and smart ammunition.
Northrop Grumman produces military aircraft (in particular, the B-2 Spirit - a strategic stealth bomber), large UAVs (RQ-4 Global Hawk, MQ-8 Fire Scout), underwater drones (MQ-4C Triton), develops control systems for various military manned and unmanned aircraft, various types of missiles (SiAW) and anti-missile systems, electronic warfare systems, reconnaissance systems for collecting information, communication systems, navigation, surveillance, computer equipment, radars, warning systems, space force systems (satellites, launch vehicles, missile defense systems), as well as directed energy weapons (lasers) and smart ammunition.
8
Country: USA | Funding: $3.2M
Developer of the air defense systems (Patriot), missile systems (Tomahawk), man-portable air-defense systems Stinger.
Developer of the air defense systems (Patriot), missile systems (Tomahawk), man-portable air-defense systems Stinger.
9
Country: USA | Funding: $2.8B
Archer is an aerospace company that developed an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft tailored for urban air mobility systems. Archer cooperates with Anduril to build defense vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft
Archer is an aerospace company that developed an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft tailored for urban air mobility systems. Archer cooperates with Anduril to build defense vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft
10
Country: USA | Funding: $2.3B
L3 Harris is a proven leader in tactical communications, geospatial systems, air traffic management, avionics, and space and intelligence.
L3 Harris is a proven leader in tactical communications, geospatial systems, air traffic management, avionics, and space and intelligence.
11
Country: USA | Funding: $62M
Lockheed Martin is a security company that engages in the research, development, and manufacture of technology systems and products, including HIMARS, ATACMS, BLACK HAWK Helicopter, F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Lockheed Martin is a security company that engages in the research, development, and manufacture of technology systems and products, including HIMARS, ATACMS, BLACK HAWK Helicopter, F-16 Fighting Falcon.
12
Country: Israel | Funding: $812M
Elbit Systems develops, manufactures, and integrates defense electronics and electro-optic systems for customers.
Elbit Systems develops, manufactures, and integrates defense electronics and electro-optic systems for customers.
13
Country: USA | Funding: $228.5M
C3 AI is a provider of Enterprise AI software for accelerating digital transformation. U.S. Air Force increases aircraft readiness using C3 AI reliability
C3 AI is a provider of Enterprise AI software for accelerating digital transformation. U.S. Air Force increases aircraft readiness using C3 AI reliability
14
Country: Israel
Rafael develops and manufactures advanced defense systems for the Israeli Defense Forces.
Rafael develops and manufactures advanced defense systems for the Israeli Defense Forces.
15
Country: UK | Funding: $142.2M
BAE Systems designs, develops, and supports defense and aerospace systems used in the air, on land, at sea, and in space.
BAE Systems designs, develops, and supports defense and aerospace systems used in the air, on land, at sea, and in space.
16
Country: USA | Funding: $133.5M
Merlin Labs develops autonomous flight system designed to be installed in existing aircraft.
Merlin Labs develops autonomous flight system designed to be installed in existing aircraft.
17
Country: USA | Funding: $115M
Kaman supports national defense around the globe with advanced components and technologies for aerial and marine vehicles. Kaman is the source for mission critical components and systems that offer exceptional performance under any range of conditions.
Kaman supports national defense around the globe with advanced components and technologies for aerial and marine vehicles. Kaman is the source for mission critical components and systems that offer exceptional performance under any range of conditions.
18
Country: Italy
Leonardo – Finmeccanica is a global high-tech company specializing in aerospace, security, and defense. In particular it develops AI-powered shield for cities and critical infrastructure
Leonardo – Finmeccanica is a global high-tech company specializing in aerospace, security, and defense. In particular it develops AI-powered shield for cities and critical infrastructure
19
Country: Germany
Eurofighter develops military aircraft Typhoon - the world's most advanced swing-role combat aircraft offering agile performance, interoperability and unrivalled flexibility.
Eurofighter develops military aircraft Typhoon - the world's most advanced swing-role combat aircraft offering agile performance, interoperability and unrivalled flexibility.
20
Country: South Korea
Korea Aerospace Industries is an aerospace company. It is taking leading role in national aviation industry and security
Korea Aerospace Industries is an aerospace company. It is taking leading role in national aviation industry and security
