Emerging autonomous systems, space assets, and privacy technologies reshape critical infrastructure and global stability.
At a glance – The past 24 hours have seen a surge in activity across the defense technology landscape, with governments and industry leaders accelerating the deployment of advanced autonomous systems, space-based security assets, and privacy-enhancing technologies. These developments are occurring against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Indo-Pacific, prompting rapid recalibration of both public and private sector strategies. Notably, the U.S. Army has announced a significant shift in its approach to unmanned systems autonomy, moving away from standardized Infantry Squad Vehicles in favor of a more open, platform-agnostic model that invites broader industry participation. This pivot is emblematic of a larger trend toward modular, dual-use technologies that can be rapidly integrated into evolving operational environments, underscoring the sector’s commitment to agility and resilience.
Technology advance – In a major step forward for autonomous mobility, the U.S. Army has overhauled its Unmanned Systems (UxS) autonomy initiative. Rather than relying on Infantry Squad Vehicles as a default testbed, the Army will now allow vendors to bring their own robotic platforms to host autonomy software. This approach is designed to evaluate mission-focused autonomy and address technical and safety limitations previously encountered. Companies such as Forterra, Overland AI, and Scout AI, which have already secured $15.5 million in contracts for ISV integration, will continue under the new framework, but the door is now open for additional entrants. The Army’s recalibration also includes efforts around Unmanned Ground Commercial Robotic Vehicles, Human-Machine Integrated Formations, and the Common Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher, reflecting a broader push to rapidly integrate commercial autonomous mobility into military formations and adapt to the fast-evolving autonomy landscape.
Partnerships – In the realm of critical infrastructure protection, a new collaboration between Siemens Energy and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security was announced today, focusing on the deployment of advanced cybersecurity and data protection tools for energy grids. The partnership will leverage Siemens’ SINEC Security Platform, integrating real-time anomaly detection and encrypted communications across substations in Texas and California. This initiative aims to bolster grid resilience against both cyber and physical threats, with pilot deployments scheduled for Q4 2025. The collaboration is expected to set a new industry benchmark for critical infrastructure security, particularly as utilities face increasing risks from state-sponsored cyber actors and sophisticated ransomware campaigns.
Acquisitions/expansions – In a significant move for the space security sector, Lockheed Martin has finalized its acquisition of Orbital Data Systems for $1.2 billion. This acquisition, announced in a joint press release, will expand Lockheed’s capabilities in secure satellite communications and space-based data encryption. Orbital Data Systems’ proprietary quantum-resistant encryption technology will be integrated into Lockheed’s next-generation military and commercial satellites, with the first deployments planned for early 2026. The deal is expected to enhance the security of space assets critical to both defense and civilian applications, addressing growing concerns over satellite vulnerability to cyberattacks and signal interception.
Regulatory/policy – The European Union’s Data Protection Board has issued new guidelines for the deployment of privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) in defense and dual-use systems. The guidelines, published today, clarify compliance requirements for biometric data processing, encrypted communications, and cross-border data transfers within multinational defense projects. The Board emphasized the need for robust privacy-by-design principles, particularly in systems that may be repurposed for civilian use. These guidelines are expected to influence procurement and development strategies for defense contractors operating in the EU, as well as shape ongoing negotiations around transatlantic data sharing and interoperability standards.
Finance/business – On the financial front, cybersecurity firm Armis reported a 23% year-over-year increase in Q3 revenue, driven by surging demand for its asset visibility and threat detection platform in the defense and critical infrastructure sectors. CEO Yevgeny Dibrov attributed the growth to new contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense and several European transportation agencies, which are deploying Armis’ platform to monitor operational technology networks and prevent ransomware attacks. The company also announced plans to expand its R&D operations in Tel Aviv and Washington, D.C., citing a robust pipeline of defense and dual-use projects slated for 2026. This financial performance underscores the growing market for advanced security solutions as organizations worldwide seek to safeguard critical assets against increasingly sophisticated threats.
Sources: IDGA, Siemens Energy, Lockheed Martin, European Data Protection Board, Armis, DefenseWebTV
