Release From Kratos Defense & Security Solutions

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a leading technology company in the defense, national security, and global markets, today announced the formation of a strategic partnership with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), a major Korean defense organization to advance Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) technologies and capabilities. 

The collaboration builds on Kratos’ deep experience in affordable, high-performance tactical unmanned aerial systems—including the XQ-58A Valkyrie, Mako, and Tactical Firejet—and KAI’s aerospace technologies. Together, the organizations will work to integrate complementary systems and expertise to accelerate the development of interoperable, next-generation MUM-T solutions that enhance joint force readiness and operational flexibility. 

“This partnership represents the next step in evolving how crewed and uncrewed aircraft operate together in contested environments,” said Steve Fendley, President of Kratos’ Unmanned Systems Division. “By combining Kratos’ proven autonomous jet systems with KAI’s advanced technologies, we are expanding the boundaries of affordable mass and collaborative combat capability for U.S. and allied forces.” 

“Kratos has long believed that strategic international partnerships are key to ensuring readiness and deterrence through innovation,” said Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos. “Our collaboration with KAI, a world-class Korean organization, underscores our shared commitment to developing advanced, interoperable defense technologies that strengthen allied capability, resilience, and industrial cooperation.” 

The strategic partnership will focus on joint research, system integration, and evolution of scalable MUM-T applications, including autonomous loyal wingmen, distributed sensing, and collaborative strike missions, all focused on affordable mass. Kratos and KAI will also evaluate opportunities for technology co-development, production, and export in alignment with U.S. and allied defense requirements. 

From Axon Vision, Oct. 27, 2025 

Axon Vision, a leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for defense applications, has secured a contract valued at approximately 2 million NIS from a leading loitering munitions manufacturer. Under the agreement, the company will supply its EdgeUAV system: an AI-powered solution for target acquisition, selective tracking, and precision guidance of unmanned aerial platforms such as drones, UAVs, and loitering munitions. The system supports full mission execution, from initial detection to accurate target engagement. 

The order follows a successful system integration process and will be delivered as software licenses for each platform. Deliveries are scheduled in phases and are due to be completed by January 2026. This is the first significant order of its kind for the EdgeUAV system in a license-based configuration, marking a key milestone for Axon Vision. It reflects the growing demand for AI-enhanced capabilities in the precision weapons domain and signals Axon Vision’s continued growth in the unmanned systems market. 

The EdgeUAV system features a real-time AI video processing engine that provides automatic target recognition (ATR), static & dynamic object tracking, multi-object tracking, and environment semantic segmentation. The system allows full multi-spectral support enabling day & night operation. Its modular and flexible architecture allows seamless integration with existing sensors and platforms, bringing next-generation performance to current systems. Moreover, the system’s ease of use is a key factor in enabling large-scale operational deployment of such munitions. 

Axon Vision’s AI technologies are becoming a core component of advanced weapon systems, enabling autonomous operation in complex environments and supporting a wide range of battlefield missions and border protection scenarios. Integrating the AI-based EdgeUAV into precision-guided munitions represents a significant advancement. This breakthrough will shorten the sensor-to-shooter cycles, reduce system costs through optimized sensor utilization and unlock new operational concepts such as swarms and coordinated or collaborative multi-platform missions. 

“Loitering munitions are playing an increasingly central role on the modern battlefield,” said Brig. Gen. (res.) Roy Riftin, CEO of Axon Vision. “Integrating AI into these systems is a game-changer – enabling faster, more precise and more autonomous operations across diverse scenarios. This order underscores the maturity of our technology and the trust our partners place in its operational value.” 

From HII, Oct. 24, 2025 

PASCAGOULA, Miss., Oct. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division successfully completed the second builder’s sea trials for guided missile destroyer Ted Stevens (DDG 128), building on the success of the initial trials conducted at the end of September. The Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) destroyer spent multiple days in the Gulf of America testing the ship’s main propulsion, combat systems and other critical systems in preparation for the future acceptance trials. 

“The Ingalls and Navy team demonstrated tremendous teamwork during this trial and are fully committed to delivering DDG 128 to the fleet,” Ingalls Shipbuilding DDG Program Manager Ben Barnett said. “As we move forward, our focus remains on ensuring that every system is thoroughly tested and fully operational as we progress toward readiness for acceptance trials. I extend my gratitude to our test and trials team for their contributions to the ongoing success of the destroyer program.” 

During the second builder’s trials, the Ingalls and Navy team completed additional hull, mechanical, electrical and combat systems tests. This included testing the second-in-class Flight III AN/SPY-6 (V)1 radar system and the Aegis Baseline 10 combat system. These tests are designed to validate critical system performance and ensure the ship meets or exceeds Navy requirements. 

Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers represent the next generation of surface combatants for the U.S. Navy and incorporate a number of design modifications that collectively provide significantly enhanced capability. To date, Ingalls has delivered 35 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to the U.S. Navy, including the first Flight III, USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) and currently has five more Flight III destroyers under construction: Ted Stevens (DDG 128), Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), George M. Neal (DDG 131), Sam Nunn (DDG 133), and Thad Cochran (DDG 135), which authenticated the ship’s keel on Oct. 23. 

As the largest manufacturing employer in Mississippi, Ingalls Shipbuilding has been designing, building, and maintaining destroyers for the U.S. Navy for over 86 years. To learn more about the DDG 51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyer program at Ingalls work visit: https://hii.com/what-we-do/capabilities/guided-missile-destroyers/arleigh-burke-class/. 

From Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, Oct. 27,2025     

DIEGO GARCIA, BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY — A multi-mission maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft (MPRA) P-8A Poseidon from Commander, Task Force (CTF) 72 joined an Indian Navy MPRA P-8I for a bilateral combined detachment and training in vicinity of Diego Garcia and the Indian Ocean, Oct. 22-28, 2025. 
 
The combined detachment saw both aircraft conduct bilateral trainings focused on antisubmarine warfare and maritime domain awareness to strengthen and refine the interoperability between the U.S. and Indian Navies. The training builds on prior interoperability exercises such as Tiger Triumph 2025, where the U.S. and Indian armed forces incorporated satellite and unmanned technologies to enhance joint communication and warfighting capabilities. The U.S.-India strategic partnership is founded on shared values including a commitment to democracy and upholding security, freedom, and prosperity. 
 
“Our P-8A crews were proud to fly alongside our Indian partners in this combined detachment,” said Capt. Rodney Erler, commodore of CTF 72. “Maritime domain awareness, which the global network of P-8 aircraft contribute to, is a critical aspect of identifying threats, traditional and non-traditional, that could threaten the stability and security in the region. By working with our allies and partners, we increase our shared maritime awareness to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.” 
 
After the arrival of the P-8I to Diego Garcia, the U.S. and Indian crews worked together on operational planning for the exercises to set the groundwork for increased enhanced information sharing, and cooperation at sea. This shore phase was concluded by a combined flight and bilateral anti-submarine and communication exercise. 
 
Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 is assigned to CTF 72, the command and control headquarters for Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft in U.S. 7th Fleet, promoting regional security and enhancement of theater security operations through multilateral engagements and providing reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities. 
 
U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. 

From U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District, Oct. 24, 2025 

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Coast Guard is conducting post-storm assessments and cleanup operations in Western Alaska where communities have been impacted by severe flooding from Ex-Typhoon Halong. 

“The Coast Guard continues to support local, state and federal disaster recovery efforts by conducting pollution response operations in impacted communities,” said Capt. Christopher Culpepper, commander, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Western Alaska and U.S. Arctic. “We understand how essential the local ecology is for communities that depend on critical subsistence hunting and fishing activity. We are working to mitigate environmental impacts to preserve the communities’ food source and future viability.” 

Personnel from U.S. Coast Guard Sector Western Alaska and U.S. Arctic deployed to affected areas to identify pollution concerns and work with state, federal, and industry partners to conduct clean-up operations. Response teams have conducted pollution and damage assessments in Kipnuk, Bethel, Quinhagak, Hooper Bay, Nome, St. Michael, Tuntutuliak and Nightmute. Crews are also scheduled to conduct damage and pollution assessments in Kwigillingok, Napakiak, Napaskiak, Oscarville and Kongiginak. 

Coast Guard Cutter Aspen (WLB 208) deployed to the Yukon-Kuskokwim River Delta on Oct. 14 to determine potential hazards posed by storm damage and lingering debris and conduct repairs to impacted maritime navigation aids. 

The Coast Guard activated the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund on Oct. 12 and contracted Resolve Marine Group to conduct cleanup operations in Nightmute. To date, Resolve crews have recovered a total of 724 gallons of petroleum product from various sources in Nightmute. 

On Oct. 23rd, the Coast Guard contracted Alaska Chadux Network to conduct cleanup operations in Kipnuk. They plan to begin operations on Oct. 25th, focusing on securing potential pollutions sources and mitigating any spilled products they find. 

From Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium, Oct. 27, 2025 

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. – The Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium (UTIC), in partnership with the Blue Venture Forum, recently hosted the inaugural Defense Investment Forum — a convening of industry leaders, startup founders, and top investors for a day of conversations around emerging trends and priorities in maritime defense innovation and investment.  

“This forum brought together the defense innovation ecosystem for important conversations about emerging technologies and investment trends that are shaping the future of global security,” said Molly Donohue Magee, Chief Executive Officer of UTIC. “UTIC is proud to facilitate these connections and cultivate new pathways to innovation.” 

“This event created valuable opportunities for defense-related startups and industry investors to connect and discuss how their collaboration will support the advancement of critical maritime technology,” said Toby Stapleton, PhD, Director of Blue Venture Forum.  

The agenda included time for more than a dozen defense industry startups to pitch their technology to investors looking to support the future of the maritime defense sector.  

The sold-out event also included several panels: 

• Investing in Deterrence: Exploring strategic capabilities that will ensure long-term US maritime supremacy 

• The Defense Gold Rush: Exploring how private capital is driving defense innovation and the implications for national security 

• Collaboration at a Crossroads: Exploring how government partners support early-stage ventures as they seek to support national security missions 

• Building the Maritime Tech Industrial Base: Exploring how investors and founders collaborate to fund and deploy next-generation defense technologies. 

The Critical Need to Move Faster  

Several panels focused on the urgent need for defense technology procurement to move faster, allowing the United States to maintain its competitive undersea and maritime advantage.  

A “Generational Opportunity” for Investors   

Panelists touched upon the unmined potential in the maritime defense space for venture capitalists.  

Maintaining Operational Agility  

Panelists highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration and how dual-use products—products with both military and commercial functions—help technology companies stay agile. 

Panelists during the keynote Fireside Chat noted: 

‘You have to do work to find customers. You have to work to find investors as well. So it’s not the system’s job to find your technology and buy it. It’s your job to develop it, market it, sell it.  So, it’s just different from the way things have always been done. But it’s actually better, faster, more efficient.’  said Vice Admiral Mike Connor, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Chairman & CEO of ThayerMahan.  

“The pace at which technology in the fight is evolving is so rapid that it eclipses the legacy ways of acquisition and developing solutions,” said Captain Colin Corridan, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Former Commodore Task Force 59, Head of Government and Defense at Bedrock Ocean Exploration.  

USCGC Olivia Hooker is the second of three FRCs to be homeported in St. Petersburg, FL 

From Bollinger Shipyards, Oct. 23, 2025 

LOCKPORT, La., — (October 23, 2025) – Bollinger Shipyards (“Bollinger”) today announced the recent delivery of the USCGC Olivia Hooker at Coast Guard Sector Key West. This is the 61st Fast Response Cutter (FRC) delivered under the U.S. Coast Guard’s current program and the 187th vessel built by Bollinger for the U.S. Coast Guard over a 40-year partnership. The Olivia Hooker will be homeported in St. Petersburg, Florida. 

“We are honored to deliver the Olivia Hooker to the U.S. Coast Guard, continuing our proud tradition of providing high-quality, mission-ready vessels,” said Bollinger President & CEO Ben Bordelon. “The FRC platform has proven itself time and again as a cornerstone of the Coast Guard’s fleet, excelling in a wide range of operational conditions. We’re confident this vessel will serve its crew well in their mission of defending our nation’s national security interests over a vast and challenging area of responsibility.” 

The USCGC Olivia Hooker is the second of three FRCs to be home-ported in St. Petersburg. Sector St. Petersburg has become one of the Coast Guard’s largest commands, with an area of responsibility encompassing over 400 nautical miles of coastline along Florida’s west coast and the third largest U.S. port for domestic trade. The Sector has responsibility for five primary operational missions: Search and Rescue; Marine Safety; Maritime Law Enforcement; Ports, Waterways, and Coastal Security; and Living Marine Resources. 

Last month, Bollinger announced that the U.S. Coast Guard awarded the company 10 additional FRCs. The award was supported by the historic $25 billion funding included in President Trump’s recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which provided $1 billion for additional FRCs and strengthened the Coast Guard in support of its Force Design 2028 initiative. 

“With this award, the Coast Guard is doubling down on a proven platform and a proven team,” said Bordelon at the time of the award. “Our workforce has delivered nearly 200 cutters, including 60 FRCs, in our more than 40-year partnership with the Coast Guard. That performance is no accident. It reflects the dedication, precision and pride of the men and women of Bollinger, and our shared commitment to the Coast Guard’s mission.” 

“This decision reflects our unwavering confidence in your capabilities, expertise, and longstanding commitment to excellence within the maritime industry,” said the U.S. Coast Guard in its award notification to Bollinger. “We continue to be particularly impressed by your track record in shipbuilding, your innovative approaches to maintaining a sustainable design, and your commitment to adhering to the highest standards of safety and compliance…This contract option award is a testament to the trust we place in your abilities and to the shared vision we hold for the future of our fleet. We look forward to a productive and successful partnership and to the delivery of ten world-class ships that will advance our mission and further strengthen our operational capabilities.” 

To date, Bollinger has delivered 61 FRCs and had been under contract to build 67 vessels, with the final FRC previously scheduled for delivery in 2028. With the most recent award, the total program has increased to 77 vessels, extending the production line by approximately three years and ensuring uninterrupted deliveries to meet operational demand. 

Earlier this year, to protect the taxpayer and preserve hard-won efficiencies, Bollinger went “at-risk” to sustain production momentum. The company procured long-lead materials and maintained full payroll to avoid costly restarts and schedule gaps. That proactive decision reduced risk, preserved skilled jobs, and enabled the government to stretch its investment further. 

The FRC program continues to be a powerful economic engine. Since its inception, it has generated over $2 billion in material spending, directly supports more than 650 jobs in Southeast Louisiana, and has indirectly created 1,690 jobs from operations and capital investment, with an annual GDP impact of $202 million, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration’s data on the economic importance of the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry. Each FRC comprises over 271,000 distinct items and approximately 282 million components and parts, sourced from 965 suppliers across 37 states, demonstrating the program’s broad national industrial footprint. 

Each FRC is named for an enlisted Coast Guard hero who distinguished themselves in the line of duty. This vessel is named after Dr. Olivia Juliette Hooker (1915–2018), who made history as the first African-American woman to serve in the U.S. Coast Guard, enlisting in 1945 as a member of the SPARs during World War II. Dr. Hooker answered the call to serve, completing boot camp and yeoman training before processing discharges for returning Coast Guardsmen. After the war, Dr. Hooker earned advanced degrees in psychology, becoming a respected professor at Fordham University and a lifelong advocate for education, mental health, and civil rights. Her trailblazing service exemplified the Coast Guard’s core values of honor, respect, and devotion to duty, and her legacy endures as the namesake of USCGC Olivia Hooker. 

ABOUT THE FAST RESPONSE CUTTER PLATFORM 

The FRC is an operational “game changer,” according to senior Coast Guard officials. FRCs are consistently being deployed in support of the full range of missions within the United States Coast Guard and other branches of our armed services. This is due to its exceptional performance, expanded operational reach and capabilities, and ability to transform and adapt to the mission. FRCs have conducted operations as far as the Marshall Islands—a 4,400 nautical mile trip from their homeport. Measuring in at 154-feet, FRCs have a flank speed of 28 knots, state-of-the-art C4ISR suite (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), and stern launch and recovery ramp for a 26-foot, over-the-horizon interceptor cutter boat. 

From Saronic Technologies, Oct. 23, 2025 

Saronic Technologies and NVIDIA have formed a strategic collaboration to accelerate advancements in maritime autonomy and robotics and chart a bold course for the future of maritime mobility and global prosperity. By combining Saronic’s expertise in autonomous maritime systems, AI, and next-generation shipbuilding with NVIDIA’s accelerated compute, software libraries, and Physical AI-focused innovation, the companies aim to advance the frontier of intelligent, resilient decision-making at sea. 

“By combining Saronic’s deep expertise in maritime autonomy and next-generation shipbuilding with NVIDIA’s world-class AI and computing capabilities, we’re simultaneously developing the most capable and resilient maritime systems in the world and building the industrial engine to produce them at scale and pace,” said Dino Mavrookas, Saronic Co-founder and CEO. “This collaboration reinforces our leadership in maritime innovation and enables us to move even faster to scale the delivery of next-generation autonomous vessels and ships to meet the strategic demands of the maritime domain.” 

Accelerating Maritime Autonomy with NVIDIA AI and Edge Computing 

Today, Saronic harnesses NVIDIA’s accelerated compute capabilities, AI models, and development tools across its simulation, software development, and autonomous platform operations. With NVIDIA hardware embedded onboard all Saronic vessels, the platforms are able to run state-of-the-art vision and reasoning models at the edge, enabling real-time decision making as well as single-agent and multi-agent autonomous functions. 

By tapping NVIDIA AI models, software libraries, and development environments, Saronic has significantly accelerated its algorithmic flywheel and autonomy development cycle. Tasks that once took days can now be completed in hours, including training, verifying, and deploying new software features. This acceleration allows Saronic to rapidly iterate, harden its autonomy stack, and deliver platforms with improved resilience, reliability, and performance. 

Through this strategic collaboration, Saronic and NVIDIA will deepen their existing relationship and collaborate on joint research and development efforts to advance state-of-the-art technologies for maritime robotics and autonomy. The companies will explore opportunities to leverage NVIDIA’s accelerated computing capabilities and development tools to build, test, and deploy Saronic’s autonomous maritime platforms with even greater speed and efficiency. 

Reimagining American Shipbuilding 

Saronic is pioneering a new AI-powered approach to ship design and production, transforming legacy shipbuilding processes with AI-driven tools and automation to deliver greater efficiencies, accelerate timelines, and lower costs. This vision reflects the company’s broader ambition: to reindustrialize American shipbuilding for the era of autonomy. 

As evidenced by President Trump’s “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance” Executive Order and the bipartisan SHIPS ACT introduced in both the House and Senate, the federal government is aggressively focused on revitalizing U.S. shipbuilding — mobilizing public-private partnerships, revitalizing domestic yards, and restoring critical maritime industrial capacity. Understanding the urgency of the moment, Saronic and NVIDIA look to collaborate on modernizing U.S. shipbuilding for the era of autonomy and will explore the full spectrum of AI-enablement in shipbuilding. Bringing together Saronic’s production, manufacturing, and shipbuilding expertise with NVIDIA’s virtual facility solutions, simulation capabilities, and AI-powered solutions could help accelerate the transformation of a critical legacy industry. 

From Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Oct. 23, 2025 

HEADQUARTERS, MARINE CORPS – The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric M. Smith, published the 2025 Force Design Update, which lays out how the Marine Corps is aggressively pursuing modernization initiatives to ensure it remains a globally responsive, naval expeditionary force. These efforts are crucial for maintaining readiness and lethality in an era of rapidly evolving technology and increasingly capable adversaries. 

“Force Design is the Marine Corps’ strategic priority, and this update makes clear both our progress and our direction,” said Gen. Smith. “We have strengthened formations, fielded new capabilities, and refined our concepts, but modernization remains a continuous campaign of learning and adaptation.”  

The update highlights the value today’s Marine Corps provides to the Joint Force and the nation, characterized by MAGTFs that are balanced, multi-domain, combined arms, naval expeditionary formations. 

This update also describes results of modernization already delivered across the Marine Corps. We have strengthened formations, fielded new capabilities, and refined our concepts. Forward-deployed Marines remain postured across multiple theaters, ready to conduct sea-denial and amphibious operations, seize key terrain, and enable joint and combined kill webs in support of naval and joint campaigning. 

Additionally, the update describes where the Marine Corps will focus efforts to adapt faster than our adversaries, integrate seamlessly with the Navy and Joint Force, and remain ready for the future fight. 

The Force Design Update 2025 can be found here: Force Design Update 2025  

Release From Shield AI

WASHINGTON (October 21, 2025) — Shield AI, the deep-tech company building state-of-the-art autonomy software and aircraft, announced it provided intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) support for U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/4th Fleet during UNITAS 2025, the world’s longest-running multinational maritime exercise. V-BAT, Shield AI’s Group 3 unmanned aircraft system (UAS), was deployed from USS Cooperstown (LCS 23) during the exercise, delivering consistent ISR capabilities throughout maritime training scenarios.  

Running from Sept. 15 to Oct. 3, 2025, UNITAS brought together 8,000 personnel from 25 allied and partner nations, with ships, submarines, and both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft operating across the Americas to strengthen interoperability, enhance maritime domain awareness, and advance combined readiness.  

“It was great to see V-BAT flying alongside U.S. and partner forces during UNITAS,” said Brandon Tseng, Shield AI’s Co-Founder, President and former Navy SEAL. “V-BAT has proven itself in operations across the fleet and has helped the U.S. Coast Guard and joint task forces interdict billions of dollars’ worth of narcotics. We’re excited to keep supporting U.S. and partner forces as they continue operations across the Americas.”   

Through the deployment of V-BAT, Shield AI supported in strengthening maritime domain awareness, advancing the use of autonomous systems, and improving information sharing with partners. V-BAT successfully passed both full-motion video and ViDAR wide-area search data to the Navy’s Minotaur Family of Services (MFoS). MFoS provides a shared Common Operating Picture by fusing sensor inputs from multiple platforms, ensuring that what one platform detects can be seen across the joint force and coalition — a critical enabler for faster decisions, stronger interoperability, and more effective maritime security operations. 

With its vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities, small logistics footprint and advanced wide-area search sensors, V-BAT is uniquely suited for ship-based ISR in complex maritime environments. This UNITAS deployment was in support of the Monitoring, Analysis, Reconnaissance, Logistics, Intelligence and Network Services (MARLINS) task order awarded to prime contractor SMX in support of the U.S. Southern Command.