Artificial Intelligence

Palladyne AI has been awarded two U.S. Army contracts to develop and validate its SwarmOS autonomy and Gremlin-X mini-bomber UAV. The contracts will focus on researching and operationally validating the technologies with warfighters.

Researchers at the National Laboratory of the Rockies are developing an AI system to improve the US supply of critical minerals. The system aims to make the supply more robust. The project involves using artificial intelligence to enhance the production and management of critical minerals.

A Booz Allen report warns that Chinese AI models may produce vulnerable code for US government users, raising concerns about potential security risks. The report specifically mentions AI models like DeepSeek and Qwen. This vulnerability could have significant implications for US national security.

Safran Electronics & Defense has introduced the Land OmniGuard, a system designed to counter drone threats using passive surveillance, AI, and resilient navigation. This integrated solution is intended for operational environments. The system combines multiple technologies to provide effective countermeasures against drones.

Kevin O'Leary warns that China is winning the AI race because US states are slowing data center production, citing the importance of advanced cooling technology and national security concerns. He emphasizes the need for building data centers to compete with China in AI. This warning highlights the critical role of data centers in advancing AI capabilities.

The US Navy awarded Boeing a contract worth up to $880 million to provide training systems for the P-8A Poseidon aircraft. The deal covers procurement, sustainment, and modernization of training systems. The P-8A is used for submarine hunting, surface vessel tracking, and surveillance.

The US Army has awarded Palladyne AI two contracts to test its autonomous drone-control software, enabling one soldier to control multiple drones. This technology aims to enhance the Army's drone operations and improve situational awareness. The contracts mark a significant step in the Army's efforts to integrate autonomous systems into its operations.

US robotics firm Faraday Future has unveiled its first embodied AI robotics lineup, featuring humanoid and other robots with a new ecosystem for embodied intelligence. The robots are designed to interact with their environment in a more human-like way. This technology has potential applications in various fields, including defense and security.

Cyber warfare startup Twenty has secured $100 million in Series B funding, bringing its total funding to $138 million. The funding round was led by Accel and will be used to expand the company's operations. Twenty is a cybersecurity company that specializes in cyber resilience and AI-related technologies.

The Unanet GAUGE report finds government contractors are navigating uncertain business environments, but top performers are investing in AI, operational maturity, and disciplined processes. These investments are driving strong growth and high win rates. The report highlights the importance of AI and operational discipline in the government contracting sector.

Helsing and Eurenco have signed an agreement to develop sovereign European warheads for the HX-2 AI-defined strike drone. The partnership aims to deliver warheads for Helsing's drone system. This collaboration is expected to enhance European defense capabilities.

The US Air Force has awarded production contracts to General Atomics and Anduril for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, with plans to field around 1,000 combat-capable aircraft. The contracts include the development of mission autonomy software, with Anduril, Shield AI, and Collins Aerospace competing to be the primary provider. The program aims to develop semi-autonomous drones that can operate alongside manned aircraft.

An Oklahoma Army National Guard Soldier developed an AI tool to process military awards, saving administrative staff thousands of hours of paperwork. This innovation allows staff to focus on supporting Soldiers and mission readiness. The tool is expected to transform how the state processes military awards.

The Pentagon utilized Musk's Grok AI to launch 2,000 missiles at Iran, according to reports from AFP and Le Monde. This incident marks a significant deployment of AI in military operations. The use of Grok AI in this context raises questions about the role of artificial intelligence in modern warfare.

US Marine Corps Maj. Nickolas Mohr, a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School, is applying his master's degree in computer science to deliver AI-driven decision advantage to the 2nd Marine Logistics Group. His work represents a new approach to complex problem-solving. Mohr's efforts are focused on leveraging AI to enhance decision-making capabilities.

A Defense Health Agency team earned 2nd place at the Modern Day Marine Logistics AI Hackathon, turning an AI concept into a novel prototype. The event took place in Washington, D.C. from April 27-30.

The unrestrained development of unsafe AI systems is leading to significant risks, according to computer scientist Stuart Russell. The development of AI systems, including those by companies like Anthropic, poses intolerable risks if left unregulated. Russell warns that a major disaster may be needed to prompt regulation of cyber weapons of mass destruction.

SpaceX has agreed to acquire Cursor's parent company, Anysphere, in an all-stock transaction valued at $60 billion. The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026. The move may have implications for the space industry, particularly in areas like commercial space relay and AI.

Empower AI has secured a potential $255 million contract from the Defense Information Systems Agency to provide enterprise IT support for the Pentagon and National Capital Region. The five-year contract covers IT operations and is a recompete award. The company's win comes as the 2026 Army Summit prepares to examine the interconnected battlefield and AI.

France's domestic intelligence service is ditching Palantir's AI data tools in favor of a domestic provider, ChapsVision, to avoid strategic dependencies on US-controlled tools. The move is aimed at reducing reliance on foreign technology and promoting strategic independence in the digital sphere. This decision reflects France's efforts to develop its own AI capabilities and reduce dependence on external providers.

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency is using AI to accelerate background checks, reducing the process from months to hours. An official from the agency stated that AI is being utilized to make minor decisions, which are then reviewed by humans. This innovation aims to enhance the efficiency of the clearance process.

European and US defense forces are developing AI-powered drones to complement fighter jets and carry extra battlefield technology. These 'wingman' aircraft are being rapidly developed to enhance military capabilities. The use of AI-powered drones is expected to revolutionize battlefield operations.

Pentagon science chief Joseph Jewell discusses the future of war, highlighting the role of AI, biotech, and new production methods in enhancing military capability. He mentions innovative materials like shaped charges from coffee grounds. These advancements are expected to significantly impact military technology and operations.

The U.S. Army Reserve conducted Iron Forge, an exercise that challenged public affairs soldiers with AI-generated scenarios and a simulated online information environment. The exercise aimed to test soldiers' ability to support commanders through strategic communication and information analysis. The event was held at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst from June 8-11.

Europe is modernizing its military capabilities with a focus on battle management, counter-UAS systems, and artificial intelligence at the edge. This includes the integration of AI into tanks and other military platforms. The region is also strengthening its defenses with a drone wall in the east.

The Marine Corps is driving towards an AI-first force with 5 key initiatives, focusing on a data-centric future. Deputy Commandant Colin Crosby emphasized the service's commitment to this approach. The initiatives aim to leverage AI and data to enhance Marine Corps operations

Senior officers from Cloudflare, Sutter Hill Ventures, and Facebook AI Research are joining the Army Reserve, bringing their expertise to the military. This move highlights the growing intersection of technology and national security. The Army is leveraging the skills of these tech executives to enhance its capabilities.

Israel has purchased more Smart Shooter's AI-guided weapon stations, which use image processing to detect and track targets, allowing operators to stay behind cover. The system has been in service with the Israeli military for several years. The new purchase indicates continued interest in the technology.

The global competition with China is driving the need for technological dominance, including deployable nuclear power, to support US military readiness. Artificial intelligence and industrial capacity are also critical factors in this competition. The US must prioritize these technologies to maintain its edge.

Sweden and France have collaborated on an AI system that can learn to recognize enemy drones in combat without requiring extensive training data. The system aims to address challenges in collecting and transmitting sensitive footage from active operations. It can learn from limited data and adapt to different conditions, such as lighting and weather.

Parsons has received a potential $184 million contract to support the Navy's Intelligence Carry-On Program, which provides portable intelligence capabilities for battlespace awareness and readiness. The contract aims to enhance the Navy's intelligence gathering and analysis capabilities. The program supports the Navy's advancement in digital engineering and AI

Trump officials met with Anthropic to discuss export bans on AI models, citing concerns over potential diversion to foreign military intelligence. The US government is enforcing unprecedented AI security measures. Anthropic employees and cyber leaders have expressed concern over the restrictions, urging the US to lift curbs on their security models.

The Pentagon's generative AI platform, GenAI.mil, has seen a significant increase in usage, with 1.5 million Defense Department workers now using it daily. This is a substantial jump from the 80,000 employees who used the platform when it launched in December. The rapid adoption of GenAI.mil suggests its potential to enhance various military operations and tasks.

US and European firms Shield AI and Destinus have completed a flight test exercise demonstrating autonomous collaborative strike capabilities for future cruise missiles. The test showcases the potential for autonomous systems to enhance missile technology. This development could lead to more advanced and effective cruise missiles.

Fort Lee leaders held a workshop to discuss using artificial intelligence to improve installation operations. They explored AI applications in planning and data analysis, emphasizing the need for human oversight. The workshop resulted in initial AI pilot projects and a 24-month action plan.

The increasing value of energy is leading to a reconsideration of where infrastructure should be located, with space becoming a potential destination. AI is playing a role in making energy valuable enough to consider space-based infrastructure.

The 'First AI War' is still a human struggle, according to Matthew J. Fecteau, highlighting the importance of human decision-making in AI-driven conflicts. The article discusses the role of AI in modern warfare and its limitations. As AI technology continues to evolve, its application in military operations is becoming increasingly significant.

Shield AI is showcasing its runway-free autonomous fighter jet, X-BAT, at Eurosatory 2026, a major international defence and security exhibition in Paris. The company has been supplying AI piloting software to the US military since 2019. X-BAT is a significant development in autonomous military technology.

Amazon Web Services has secured a potential $2.56 billion contract from the Department of Homeland Security for commercial cloud services, including PaaS and SaaS offerings, professional services, and training support. The contract will support DHS agencies' tech priorities, including AI and cybersecurity. The 2026 Homeland Security Summit will explore these priorities in more detail.

The Defense Logistics Agency has issued a request for proposals for a potential seven-year, $903 million IDIQ contract for ERP cloud hosting, SAP RISE services, and managed support. The contract aims to support the agency's cloud hosting needs. The 2026 Army Summit will also discuss related topics such as AI and the hyperconnected battlefield.