Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10), former Army Special Forces officer and defense manufacturer, joins the show to talk about why he ran for office after the fall of Afghanistan and what that moment signaled to adversaries. We dig into the economics of modern conflict, why the West keeps ending up upside down on cost, and how cheap mass systems are changing the battlefield. Rep. Harrigan explains “Skyfoundry,” a new approach aimed at building US drone production capacity without betting everything on uncertain future appropriations. We also break down how authorization, appropriations, and reconciliation actually work, and what the $2.5B small UAS injection could mean for industry.Links to the show:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Steve:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Allen Control Systems

Scott Sanders is the Chief Growth Officer at Forterra. Scott joins us to talk about counter-UAS, unmanned systems, and why scaling hardware is fundamentally different from software.We cover USVs and UGVs, recent fundraising across the defense industrial base, and what companies like Anduril and Rheinmetall reveal about today’s acquisition environment. Scott explains how DoD acquisition really works, from program offices to government relations, and why early demo failures are a normal part of delivering real capability.The conversation closes on C2 integration, tactical communications, and what it would take to rebuild a durable U.S. defense ecosystem.Episode 59.Forterra: https://www.forterra.com/Links to the show:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Steve:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Allen Control Systems

Shannon Vaughn breaks down how modern China actually works, why the CCP’s primary objective is regime survival, and how that shapes everything from AI policy to military strategy. Order Jeffrey Ding's book, Technology and the Rise of Great Powers.In this episode, we’re joined by Shannon Vaughn, non-resident fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and General Manager of Virtue Federal, with more than two decades across the military, intelligence, and national security ecosystem. We dig into China’s approach to AI diffusion, data scale, and industrial execution, and why the U.S. focus on frontier models may be missing the bigger picture. The conversation spans drones, DJI, humanoid robots, Taiwan, and what real asymmetric competition looks like. A clear-eyed, operator-informed discussion for anyone thinking seriously about the future of defense, technology, and strategic competition.Links to the show:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Steve:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Allen Control Systems

Defense tech, robotics, and edge AI are moving fast, but scaling them in the real world is hard. Hunter Dunbar, Chief Product Officer at Luxonis, joins the show to break down embedded computer vision, AI hardware, and perception systems used across drones, robotics, and defense applications. Hunter Dunbar on LinkedInLuxonisWe discuss why Luxonis operates as a software company that ships hardware, how edge AI actually performs outside the lab, and why logistics, reliability, and manufacturing matter more than demos. Hunter shares candid takes on humanoid robots, investor-driven vs customer-driven robotics startups, and the reality of model decay at scale. A grounded conversation on where autonomy and defense tech are headed, and where the hype falls apart.Links to the show:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Steve:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Allen Control Systems

Mike Weigand, Founder and CEO of Aventra Defense Systems, joins the show to unpack a radically different approach to long-range strike and mass precision. Aventra Defense SystemsMike Weigand on LinkedInAventra is building low-cost, modular guidance systems that turn standard munitions into AI-enabled, stratospheric-range weapons using high-altitude balloons and glide delivery.The conversation spans the economics of deep strike military technology, why cost and scale matter more than exquisite platforms for precision guided munitions, and how physics and altitude reshape deterrence math. Mike also shares hard-earned lessons from founding Shift5, raising capital in defense, and why building durable companies beats chasing hype.Episode 57.Links to the show:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Steve:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Allen Control Systems

Drew Horne, founder and CEO of GreenMet, joins the show to break down the rare earth crisis and what the United States needs to do to remain competitive. He previously led critical minerals policy work inside the White House, DoD, and DOE, and offers a direct view into how mineral sourcing shapes defense, energy, and emerging technologies.We cover how U.S. permitting and processing became bottlenecks, and what it will take to stand up credible non-Chinese alternatives.Drew also explains the future of neodymium magnets, dysprosium, nuclear energy, and the surge of private capital flowing into critical minerals.If you want an insider perspective on supply chains, energy security, and the materials that power modern weapons and AI, this episode is essential.Episode 56.Links to the show:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Steve:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Allen Control Systems

Morgan Murphy joins the show to talk national security, defense manufacturing, and why he’s running for U.S. Senate in Alabama. Murphy is a 26-year Navy Reserve captain, former Pentagon press secretary, and national security advisor who has worked across the White House, State Department, and Senate.He shares his perspective on restoring America’s industrial base, rebuilding shipbuilding capacity, and why he believes manufacturing is now a national security imperative.The conversation covers border policy, the defense industrial base, China’s manufacturing lead, and how the Senate actually works behind the scenes.For defense, military, and national security listeners, this episode offers an unusually candid look at policy, power, and the realities of governing.Episode 55.---Links to the show:https://www.youtube.com/@thedroneultimatumhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3F1sc8yzQIF9WcdHQ3w7kf?si=3af8082184104062https://thedroneultimatum.substack.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/https://x.com/droneultimatumhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-drone-ultimatum?trk=public_post_feed-actor-nameFollow Steve:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevensimoni/https://x.com/StevenSimoni⁠https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/

Emma Bates, co-founder and CEO of Cachai, joins the show to break down what true drone swarming actually means and why almost no one has achieved it. Drawing from her background in defense modernization and distributed systems, Emma explains how her team is building software that enables drones and autonomous systems to operate without a single point of failure. The conversation dives into distributed consensus, the difference between “common” and “consistent” operating pictures, and why the U.S. must rethink how it evaluates and procures software. It’s a deep, funny, and surprisingly human discussion about autonomy, warfare, startups, and what it really means to make machines think together.Episode 54.Links to the show:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Steve:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Allen Control Systems

Dan Magy, co-founder and CEO of Firestorm, returns to the show for a live episode recorded at Battlefield 2027. Firestorm is building deployable, modular 3D printing systems that can manufacture drones, parts, and tools directly at the edge of operations — a game-changing capability for contested logistics.We discuss how Firestorm’s portable manufacturing units are reshaping military production, the lessons learned from early Army field tests, and how 3D printing is enabling faster repair and sustainment in the field. Dan also shares his perspective on the realities of scaling a defense startup, the “valley of death” between R&D and procurement, and what it takes to survive in the new era of defense innovation.Links to the show:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Steve:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Allen Control Systems

Rob Sladen is the Chairman and CEO of Zulu Pods, a company pioneering next-generation lubrication and fluid delivery systems for aerospace and defense. Before founding Zulu Pods, Sladen spent 13 years at Pratt & Whitney designing jet engines — experience that now fuels his startup’s role as the “picks and shovels” behind future weapon systems.In this episode, we talk about how Zulu Pods’ “Tide Pod for jet engines” was invented, the state of DoD procurement, and why small defense startups face such steep barriers breaking into military programs. Rob also dives into dual-use technology, cost-plus contracting, and why the Army’s approach to acquisition timelines desperately needs reform. It’s a sharp, insider look at building in defense, raising capital, and rethinking how the next generation of aerospace systems will actually get built.Links to the show:⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Steve:⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Allen Control Systems

John Ferry returns to the show for one of the most blunt conversations yet about the defense startup ecosystem. From the realities of selling to government and surviving the “valley of death” to the cultural dysfunction inside acquisition, Ferry lays out why so many startups die before getting their product fielded and what it actually takes to win.Steve and John discuss how relationships drive every contract, why SBIRs rarely translate to real programs, and how companies like Anduril changed the game through capital, branding, and strategy. They also unpack the coming wave of private equity in defense tech, the illusion of “dual use,” and how the primes still shape who gets a seat at the table.This is the insider’s look at the real mechanics of government contracting, culture, and survival in defense tech.Episode 51.Links to the show:⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠Follow Steve:⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Allen Control Systems

Church Hutton, Chief Growth Officer at AV Inc. (formerly AeroVironment), joins the show for a deep dive into the future of autonomous systems, directed energy, and defense innovation. A retired Army officer and longtime Hill staffer, Church brings an insider’s view of how national security priorities, procurement, and industrial competition with China are evolving.He shares how AV is doubling down on robotics, drones, and lasers following its merger with BlueHalo, and why the company’s investments in internal R&D are outpacing much of the defense industry. Steve and Church also dig into lessons from Ukraine, U.S. homeland defense policy challenges, and what’s next for programs like Golden Dome and directed-energy systems.This episode unpacks how the defense industrial base is changing and what the next generation of defense companies are getting right.Links to the show:⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Follow Steve:⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠Allen Control Systems

Jeff Wright, founder and CEO of SplashOne Robotics, joins the show to discuss how his company is developing small, purpose-built fighter drones to redefine air superiority. A former Marine and Air Force Special Tactics Officer, Wright brings a warfighter’s perspective to modern defense tech — from the limits of current counter-drone systems to the coming shift toward autonomous, air-to-air combat.We cover the “drone bubble” shaping defense startups, how SplashOne is tackling the kill chain end-to-end, and why bullets—not missiles—may define the next era of air defense. Wright also shares what he learned leading drone initiatives across INDOPACOM, why he built his first prototypes in his garage, and what it takes to found a defense startup straight out of uniform.This episode goes deep on the future of air combat, the realities of defense innovation, and the mindset required to build the next generation of fighter drones.Episode #49.Links to the show:⁠YouTube⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠Follow Steve:⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠Allen Control Systems

Max Vozoff, Chief Technology Officer at X-Bow Systems, joins the show to discuss the urgent challenges and opportunities in America’s solid rocket motor industry.With decades of experience, including early work at SpaceX, Vozoff explains why the U.S. is facing a “Sputnik moment” in hypersonics and energetics — and how X-Bow is building new manufacturing methods to meet the demand.We dive into X-Bow’s “rocket factory in a box,” distributed production concepts, and their growing role as a second source supplier for hypersonic weapons. Vozoff also shares lessons from startup scaling, his perspective on contracting bottlenecks in defense, and what it will take for America to regain an edge in critical propulsion technology.This is a rare insider’s look at the transformation of one of the defense sector’s most overlooked but essential industries.X-Bow Systems: https://www.xbowsystems.com/Episode #48.Links to the show:YouTubeSpotifySubstackApple PodcastsInstagramX (Twitter)LinkedInFollow Steve:LinkedInX (Twitter)Allen Control Systems

Todd Graetz, co-founder and CEO of Aerolane, joins the show to share how his aviation startup is reimagining air cargo with autonomous glider-based aircraft. From his early work launching one of the first large-scale drone programs at BNSF Railway to building Aerolane's innovative “air cart” system, Graetz has been at the forefront of UAV and aerospace innovation for over a decade.We discuss the challenges of scaling U.S. drone manufacturing, the realities of FAA regulation, and why bans on Chinese drones won’t solve the underlying problems. Graetz also reflects on recruiting rare engineering talent, lessons learned from entrepreneurship inside a Fortune 500, and the future of autonomous cargo transport. This is a deep insider’s look at drones, aviation, and what it takes to change how goods move through the sky.Todd Graetz: LinkedInEpisode #47.Links to the show: YouTube Spotify Substack Apple Podcasts Instagram X (Twitter) LinkedInFollow Steve: LinkedIn X (Twitter) Allen Control Systems

Jon Dandrow, CEO of Radenso and Strikeman, joins the show to talk about building advanced radar detection systems, modular sensing hardware, and consumer-to-defense innovation.From hacking traffic cameras in his college years to leading dual-use technology companies, Dandrow shares the unconventional path that brought him into the defense world. We dive into how modular, FPGA-powered platforms are reshaping signals intelligence and CUAS, the challenges of manufacturing in the U.S. versus China, and why full-stack engineering capability matters.He also opens up about funding strategies, lessons learned from past startups, and the realities of operating at the intersection of consumer electronics and defense tech.Episode #46Companies & Guest Radenso Strikeman Jon Dandrow on LinkedInLinks to the Show YouTube Spotify Substack Apple Podcasts Instagram X (Twitter) LinkedInFollow Steve LinkedIn X (Twitter) Allen Control Systems#podcast #defensetech #militaryinnovation #startups #govcon #dod #dualuse #radar #signalsintelligence #cua #counteruas #ai #fpga #hardware #manufacturing #china #startuplife #venturecapital #innovation #usmilitary #technology

Matt McCrann, U.S. Navy veteran and CEO of DroneShield US, joins the show to talk about the evolving fight against drone threats. From handheld jammers like the DroneGun MkIV to advanced sensor fusion and AI-powered RF detection, DroneShield is building modular tools for defense and homeland security. We dig into the cat-and-mouse game with adversary drones, lessons from Ukraine, and how modular hardware and software-defined jamming keep pace with new threats. McCrann also shares insights on working with the DoD, DHS, and allies, the role of startups in defense, and where unmanned ground and maritime systems are headed. A candid, insider look at one of the leading companies shaping the counter-UAS space.Links to the show on all platforms: YouTube Spotify Substack Apple Podcasts Instagram X (Twitter) LinkedInFollow Steve: LinkedIn X (Twitter) Allen Control Systems

Troy Demmer is the co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Gecko Robotics, the industrial tech company behind wall-climbing inspection robots and the full-stack software platform reshaping how we manage critical infrastructure. In this episode, Troy breaks down Gecko’s origin story, their second act in defense, and why hardware is just the wedge.We talk about the staggering cost of industrial maintenance, the Navy’s sustainment crisis, the failure of legacy digital twin initiatives, and how Gecko’s modular robots collect structured data across steel, concrete, and rotating equipment. Troy also shares his startup lessons from building in Pittsburgh, fundraising from Sam Altman and Founders Fund, and his view on what defense tech gets wrong. One of the sharpest, most underrated founders in the game.Episode #44.---Links to the show:https://www.youtube.com/@thedroneultimatumhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3F1sc8yzQIF9WcdHQ3w7kf?si=3af8082184104062https://thedroneultimatum.substack.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/https://x.com/droneultimatumhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-drone-ultimatum?trk=public_post_feed-actor-nameFollow Steve:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevensimoni/https://x.com/StevenSimoni⁠https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/#podcast #defensetech #startups #militaryinnovation #robotics #dualuse #geckorobotics #navy #infra #criticalinfrastructure #manufacturing #dod #sustainment #militaryreadiness #foundersfund #hardwarestartups #yc #ai #industrialtech #austintx #venturecapital

Mike Canty, co-founder and CEO of Armaments Research Company, joins the show to discuss the future of defense tech and the realities of building hardware startups for the Pentagon. A former Army major, Mike now leads ARC in developing AI-enabled weapon sensors that turn rifles into data-driven decision systems. We get into his founder journey from bootstrapping hardware to selling a previous startup to DoorDash, the challenges of raising money in defense before it was “cool,” and the realities of selling to the U.S. military. From Ukraine’s frontlines to U.S. Army test brigades, this conversation digs into drones, jamming, venture funding, and how defense startups survive in a world still dominated by the primes. If you want to understand the real mechanics behind defense innovation, this is a must-listen.Episode #43.---Links to the show:https://www.youtube.com/@thedroneultimatumhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3F1sc8yzQIF9WcdHQ3w7kf?si=3af8082184104062https://thedroneultimatum.substack.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/https://x.com/droneultimatumhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-drone-ultimatum?trk=public_post_feed-actor-nameFollow Steve:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevensimoni/https://x.com/StevenSimoni⁠https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/#podcast #defensetech #militaryinnovation #startups #dod #army #airforce #navy #defenseindustry #counteruas #drones #ai #weaponsystems #iot #tacticaltech #militarytechnology #nationalsecurity #venturecapital #govcon #warfighter #miltech

Kyle Hardy, CEO of Hardy Dynamics, and Ashkan Bayatpour, U.S. Navy Reserve Officer, join the show to break down the future of drone warfare and the challenges of building software for autonomous swarms. We dig into the reality of counter-drone operations, why electronic warfare and lasers fall short, and why kinetic defenses are still the only reliable option. The conversation covers AI integration, vendor lock problems, DOD acquisition hurdles, and the rapidly evolving threat landscape in Ukraine and beyond. Hardy and Bayatpour also share their personal paths from Navy intel to defense startups, and what it takes to bridge the gap between commercial innovation and national security.Episode #42.---Links to the show:https://www.youtube.com/@thedroneultimatumhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3F1sc8yzQIF9WcdHQ3w7kf?si=3af8082184104062https://thedroneultimatum.substack.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/https://x.com/droneultimatumhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-drone-ultimatum?trk=public_post_feed-actor-nameFollow Steve:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevensimoni/https://x.com/StevenSimoni⁠https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/#podcast #drones #dronewarfare #counteruas #defensetech #militaryinnovation #dod #navyintel #startups #artificialintelligence #droneai #uas #uaswarfare #militarytech #aerospace #dronecountermeasures #droneindustry #natsec #dronepolicy #militarydrones #defensestartups

Defense tech insider Patrick Blumenthal breaks down the latest developments in Ukraine's drone warfare evolution and the Vector vs. RedCat lawsuit shaking up the industry. From Russia's new evasion modules and radar warning receivers on Shaheds to the reality of SMR hype in defense tech, Patrick delivers unfiltered analysis on what's actually working on the battlefield. We dive deep into the cat-and-mouse game of drone interceptors, the business models driving defense innovation, and why peace talks are likely to fail as fighting season continues.Pat on X: https://x.com/patrickjblum?lang=enEpisode #41.---Links to the show:https://www.youtube.com/@thedroneultimatumhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3F1sc8yzQIF9WcdHQ3w7kf?si=3af8082184104062https://thedroneultimatum.substack.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/https://x.com/droneultimatumhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-drone-ultimatum?trk=public_post_feed-actor-nameFollow Steve:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevensimoni/https://x.com/StevenSimoni⁠https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/#podcast #defensetech #ukraine #drones #vector #redcat #lawsuit #shaheds #dronewarfare #interceptors #smr #nuclear #palantir #defenseinnovation #military #dod #govcon #startups #defenseinvesting #battlefieldtech #autonomy

Russia’s ambitions extend far beyond Ukraine.In this episode, we’re joined by two experts with deep regional and strategic insight: former Army intelligence officer Matt Tavares, and Anna Borshchevskaya, Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute and author of Putin’s War in Syria.We unpack how Russia uses frozen conflicts as long-term leverage, why much of the Global South rejects the Western narrative on Ukraine, and what’s next for Russian arms exports. The conversation also explores Putin’s worldview, the limits of Western sanctions, and the future of Syria post-Assad.If you care about how great powers actually operate outside of public view, this episode is for you.⸻Article: https://jstribune.com/borshchevskaya-tavares-russias-defense-ties-in-the-middle-east/Matt Tavares: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-tavares/Anna Borshchevskaya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaborshchevskaya/---Links to the show:https://www.youtube.com/@thedroneultimatumhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3F1sc8yzQIF9WcdHQ3w7kf?si=3af8082184104062https://thedroneultimatum.substack.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/https://x.com/droneultimatumhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-drone-ultimatum?trk=public_post_feed-actor-nameFollow Steve:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevensimoni/https://x.com/StevenSimoni⁠https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/

Andrew Peterson is the co-founder and CEO of Array Labs, a startup building 3D imaging radar satellites to compete with billion-dollar airborne ISR platforms at a fraction of the cost. In this episode, Andrew breaks down why government customers don’t just want imagery—they want hardware—and how selling into the defense ecosystem really works.We dig into the startup journey, the realities of firm fixed-price contracts vs. cost-plus, and what it takes to build scalable space systems that the Pentagon actually wants to buy. Andrew also shares candid lessons from founding the company, fundraising, and navigating the misunderstood world of defense innovation.Whether you’re deep in dual-use or just SAR-curious, this one’s packed with hard-won insights.Andrew Peterson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-peterson-array-labs/Array Labs: https://www.arraylabs.io/Links to the show:https://www.youtube.com/@thedroneultimatumhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3F1sc8yzQIF9WcdHQ3w7kf?si=3af8082184104062https://thedroneultimatum.substack.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/https://x.com/droneultimatumhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-drone-ultimatum?trk=public_post_feed-actor-nameFollow Steve:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevensimoni/https://x.com/StevenSimoni⁠https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/

Kirsten Bartok Touw is the co-founder and Managing Partner of New Vista Capital, a venture firm focused exclusively on aerospace, space, and defense. In this episode, Kirsten joins to talk about investing in dual-use tech, startup momentum, and how capital is becoming a competitive moat in defense. We discuss what founders get wrong about working with the DOD, the talent shift from Silicon Valley to DC and Austin, and why so few hardware companies reach TRL 9.From the future of hypersonics to the realities of raising defense venture capital, this is a sharp, wide-ranging conversation about building and backing serious defense tech.Links to the show:https://www.youtube.com/@thedroneultimatumhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3F1sc8yzQIF9WcdHQ3w7kf?si=3af8082184104062https://thedroneultimatum.substack.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/https://x.com/droneultimatumhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-drone-ultimatum?trk=public_post_feed-actor-nameFollow Steve:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevensimoni/https://x.com/StevenSimoni⁠https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/

Austin Gray, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Blue Water Autonomy, joins the podcast to break down the future of autonomous naval warfare.From unmanned ships that carry large payloads to the technical and political challenges of defense procurement, Austin offers an insider’s view of building in one of the most complex arenas in defense tech.He shares stories from his Navy intelligence days, dives into the design decisions behind Blue Water’s vessels, and explains how autonomy changes the economics of shipbuilding and warfighting. We talk supply chains, counter-drone systems, nuclear skepticism, and the startup dynamics of this emerging sector. If you’re building in defense or just want to understand where naval innovation is headed, this is a must-listen.Links to the show:https://www.youtube.com/@thedroneultimatumhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3F1sc8yzQIF9WcdHQ3w7kf?si=3af8082184104062https://thedroneultimatum.substack.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/https://x.com/droneultimatumhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-drone-ultimatum?trk=public_post_feed-actor-nameFollow Steve:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevensimoni/https://x.com/StevenSimoni⁠https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/#podcast #defensetech #navy #autonomousships #startups #militaryinnovation #dronedefense #counteruas #aiwarfare #usnavy #governmentcontracting #bluewaternavy #defensestartup #venturecapital #militarytech #indoctrination #warfighting #usdod #robotics #maritimeautonomy #militarystrategy

Paul Lwin is the co-founder and CEO of HavocAI, a defense startup building collaborative autonomous surface vessels. In this episode, Paul breaks down the company’s tech stack, their strategic approach to naval warfare, and how Havoc’s 14-foot robotic boats might reshape the future of the Pacific fight.We dive into dual-use applications, investor narratives, defense procurement challenges, and the software-first strategy behind Havoc’s growth from five people to seventy in under a year. Paul also reflects on Navy life, co-founder dynamics, and what it takes to scale real hardware in a high-stakes industry. A must-listen for anyone in defense tech or autonomy.Links to the show:⁠YouTube⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠Twitter/X⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠Follow Steve:⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Twitter/X⁠⁠Allen Control Systems ⁠

General James Rainey leads the U.S. Army’s effort to prepare for the next war. As the Commanding General of Army Futures Command, he’s focused on adapting to a battlefield shaped by drones, autonomy, and AI. In this conversation, he breaks down how drone warfare in Ukraine is reshaping military thinking, why adaptability—not prediction—is the key to readiness, and how the Army is transforming its doctrine, org charts, and tech stack.We also cover advanced weapons systems, IVAS, industrial base mobilization, and why the Army must stay focused on lethality above all else. If you want a clear-eyed view of how military transformation actually happens, start here.Links to the show:YouTubeSpotifySubstackApple PodcastsInstagramTwitter/XLinkedInFollow Steve:LinkedInTwitter/XAllen Control Systems #podcast #generalrainey #armyfuturescommand #defensetech #militaryinnovation #drones #counteruas #autonomousweapons #usasarmy #militarytransformation #aiwarfare #uas #defensestartups #warfighting #militarystrategy #usdefense #dod #militarytechnology #armytransformation #ivassystem #militarylogistics

Miles Arnone, CEO of Re:Build Manufacturing, joins the podcast to explain why American manufacturing fell behind—and how to bring it back. We dive into defense supply chains, national security vulnerabilities, rare earth magnets, and why the U.S. can’t rely on overseas factories forever. Miles shares Re:Build’s long-term plan to re-industrialize the country by acquiring and integrating specialized manufacturing businesses. We also get into 3D printing myths, scalable drone production, and why designing for manufacturability matters more than ever.If you’re building in defense, hard tech, or industrial automation, this one’s for you.Timestamps:(0:00) Intro(1:15) Miles’ Engineering Background and MIT Experience(2:19) The COVID Wake-Up Call: Industrial Weakness and Mask Production(2:53) What Re:Build Manufacturing Actually Does(3:50) The Case for Industrial Re-shoring and National Security Implications: Rare Earth Magnets and Electric Motor Supply Chains(4:19) The Disappearance of Middle-Class Factory Jobs(5:39) Populism, Economic Frustration, and the American Dream(6:25) What to Reshore (and What Not To)(7:34) How Offshoring Kills Innovation at Home(8:55) Defense Procurement and the Cost of Complexity(9:04) Why Volume Production Beats Fancy Features in Warfare(9:57) 3D Printing Myths, Misuse, and Real Limits(12:34) The Case Against Containerized Drone Production(13:33) Centralizing Drone Platforms and Letting Companies Specialize in Payloads(14:13) How the U.S. Can Compete with DJI(15:30) Scaling to 10,000+ Drones Per Month(17:44) Government Role in Banning Chinese Components (DJI Ban, etc.)(18:10) Comparing Today’s Supply Chain Readiness to Pre-WWII Germany(21:10) Private Equity vs. Long-Term Industrial Investment Models(34:05) Slate Vehicle Case Study: Designing for Manufacturability(39:26) Mass Customization Without Manufacturing Complexity(46:37) Why Most Robotics Startups Fail at Real Factory Use Cases(49:08) Humanoid Robots in Manufacturing: Hype vs. Reality(50:32) AI, Robotics, and System Effects on Society(54:15) The Conveyor Belt Is Still the Best Robot(1:04:21) Weapons Integration and the Challenge of Scaling Production(1:09:09) Morality, War, and the Defense Contractor’s Responsibility(1:11:40) Populism, Social Instability, and the Need for Economic Inclusion(1:27:30) The Apprentice Model and Rebuilding Workforce Pathways(1:28:44) Why College Isn’t the Only Path to a Good Job(1:32:27) AI, Productivity, and the Risks of Technological Elitism(1:33:16) Civil Conflict vs. Nation-State Conflict: Which Is More Likely?(1:33:40) - Final Thoughts and OutroFollow the show everywhere! 👇Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3YOfGtOSubstack: https://thedroneultimatum.substack.com/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541X(Twitter): https://x.com/droneultimatumInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/Check out Allen Control Systems (ACS): https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/#defensetech #hardtech #manufacturing #reshoring #nationalsecurity #drones #startups #supplychain #reindustrialization #aerospace #rareearth #industrialpolicy #semiconductors #automation #robotics #counteruas #venturecapital #dronewarfare #3dprinting #rebuildmanufacturing

David Ruth, Dean of STEM at the University of Austin and retired Navy captain, joins the show to discuss the future of technical education, the ethics of AI in warfare, and what it takes to build a new university from scratch. From nuclear submarines to autonomous drone targeting, this conversation spans practical experience and deep philosophical questions. Dave explains how UATX is rethinking curriculum to blend engineering and philosophy—and why today’s students must be both technically sharp and morally grounded. We also get into nuclear energy policy, drone warfare, and what startups look for in engineering talent. A wide-ranging episode at the intersection of defense, academia, and the future of war.Episode #33.Get the show everywhere! 👇⁠⁠YouTube @thedroneultimatum⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify (The Drone Ultimatum)⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack (The Drone Ultimatum Podcast)⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts (The Drone Ultimatum)⁠⁠Get the latest updates whenever a new episode drops:⁠⁠Instagram @thedroneultimatum⁠⁠⁠⁠X/Twitter @droneultimatum⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn (The Drone Ultimatum)⁠⁠--Follow Steve:⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter/X⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out Allen Control Systems⁠⁠##

Modern Intelligence Founder and CEO John Dulin joins us in-studio for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of autonomous warfare. We break down the latest Ukrainian drone strike and what it signals about the next era of defense tech—where software, not hardware, defines lethality.From AI-powered targeting to modular DoD acquisitions, this episode dives deep into the strategic, technical, and economic transformation unfolding across the defense industrial base. We also discuss startup dynamics, factory-as-a-product models, and the rise of AI-driven competition in unmanned systems.If you’re tracking the evolution of drones, autonomy, or defense VC, this one’s for you.Follow John on XCheck out Modern IntelligenceGet the show everywhere! 👇YouTube @thedroneultimatumSpotify (The Drone Ultimatum)Substack (The Drone Ultimatum Podcast)Apple Podcasts (The Drone Ultimatum)Get the latest updates whenever a new episode drops:Instagram @thedroneultimatumX/Twitter @droneultimatumLinkedIn (The Drone Ultimatum)--Follow Steve:LinkedInTwitter/XCheck out Allen Control Systems##

Mike Monnik, CEO of DroneSec, breaks down the global drone war that’s unfolding in real time. From prison drops to battlefield swarms, Monnik reveals how DroneSec tracks drone threats across the world and delivers that intelligence to military and government clients—putting raw, open-source drone warfare data into actionable hands.DroneSec: https://dronesec.com/Mike Monnik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-monnik-23026a75/Follow the show everywhere! 👇Substack: https://thedroneultimatum.substack.com/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541X (Twitter): https://x.com/droneultimatumInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/Check out Allen Control Systems (ACS): https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/#podcast #DroneWarfare #DefenseTech #CounterUAS #FPVdrones #DroneIntelligence #DroneSec #MilitaryAI #BattlefieldInnovation #KineticDefense #NationalSecurity

Venture capitalist and Anomaly Fund founder Patrick Blumenthal joins the pod to talk frontier tech, reindustrialization, and the future of defense. (0:00) - Intro(0:52) - Defense Spending and Threats from China(2:18) - Patrick Blumenthal and the Anomaly Fund(4:21) - Defense-Focused Venture Investing(10:24) - Pulsar L and Counter-Drone Innovation(13:01) - Fiber-Optic Drone Tactics on the Frontline(17:22) - Ukraine’s Military-Driven Startup Culture(20:02) - FPV Drone Proliferation and Manufacturing(26:10) - North Korean Labor in Russia and Info Ops(28:18) - Manpower Limits and Evolving Russian Tactics(31:16) - Reconnaissance-Strike Complex Doctrine(34:06) - Deep Strikes and Ukrainian Drone Capabilities(39:36) - The Ukrainian Defense Tech Ecosystem(42:07) - Chinese Supply Chains and Semiconductor Risks(47:10) - Domestic Reindustrialization and Defense Supply Chains(50:00) - SMRs and the Politics of Nuclear Investment(57:36) - U.S. Bureaucracy and Defense Delivery Failures(1:00:19) - Defense Startups and Former Military Talent(1:05:45) - Power Generation and Strategic Infrastructure(1:14:35) - Deterrence, Cold War Logic, and the Role of Industry(1:18:01) - Closing ThoughtsFrom meme-driven funding to man-portable EW systems like the Pulsar L, this episode is a deep dive into where warfighting and innovation intersect.Patrick shares firsthand insights from Ukraine’s decentralized drone factories, discusses U.S. industrial base gaps, and breaks down why America remain unprepared for China despite massive defense budgets. We cover drones, fiber optic warfare, SMRs, counter-UAS trends, and more.Follow Pat on X: https://x.com/PatrickJBlumFollow the show everywhere! 👇YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedroneultimatumSubstack: https://thedroneultimatum.substack.com/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541X (Twitter): https://x.com/droneultimatumInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/Check out Allen Control Systems (ACS): https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/#podcast #defensetech #drones #startups #venturecapital #govcon #counteruas #ukrainewar #reindustrialization #militaryinnovation #frontiertechnology #pulsarl #fiberopticdrones #spaceinnovation #founderinsights #anomalyfund #airdefense #EW #miltech #TSMC #china

Government contracting, but with zero fluff.In this episode, we sit down with Travis James—former Army contracting officer and now Head of Contracts at Fortera—for a brutally practical breakdown of how to actually win defense contracts. From underused authorities like 10 USC 4023 to what really happens behind the scenes with sole source justifications, Travis gives founders the roadmap most never get. We also talk autonomous vehicles, program of record dynamics, price vs. performance tradeoffs, and how venture-backed companies can play offense inside the slow-moving machine.(0:00 - Intro (1:12) - From Army Contracting Officer to Defense Startup (3:46) - How Government Contracting Actually Works (5:27) - Understanding 10 USC 4022, 4023, 4025 (8:19) - Leaving Government for Fortera (10:12) - Inside Fortera’s $93M Autonomous Breaching Contract (13:22) - How Defense Demos and Competitions Really Work (15:57) - Price vs. Performance in Government Contracting (18:33) - Program of Record and the Future of Ground Autonomy (20:21) - Selling to the Government as a Venture-Backed Startup (23:13) - Sole Source Contracts and Acquisition Flexibility (26:17) - Role of Dr. Matthew Willis in DoD Awards (29:31) - How to Win With the Right Acquisition Path (31:44) - Lessons From the CROWS Program (34:41) - Retrofitting Autonomy on Legacy Vehicles (36:58) - Planning for Conflict in the Pacific (40:06) - Dual-Use and Fortera's Commercial Autonomy Business (43:39) - Weaponizing Robots and the Case for Autonomy (47:19) - Nuclear Deterrence and Existential Risk (50:44) - Sci-Fi, Pop Culture, and Fallout Scenarios (53:18) - China’s Robotic Systems and Resource Warfare (55:36) - Why Autonomy Solves the Military Recruiting Crisis (57:13) - Positioning Fortera as an Autonomy Prime (59:42) - Congressional Engagement and Reforming 4023 (1:01:23) - OutroFollow Travis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travistjames/Check out Forterra: https://www.forterra.com/Follow the show everywhere! 👇Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3YOfGtOApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541X (Twitter): https://x.com/droneultimatumInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/Check out Allen Control Systems (ACS): https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/

What does it feel like to be under fire? How are drones changing warfare? And why does modern military tech so often miss the mark?In this episode, special operations veterans Chris “Gus” Jennings (5th Special Forces Group) and Mike “Rod” Rodriguez (Marine Raider) join us for a raw, unfiltered conversation about battle, culture, and the evolution of combat. We talk about their first experiences getting shot at, how FPV drones are the new IEDs, what’s wrong with defense procurement, and why tanks aren’t obsolete—just vulnerable. Plus: nuclear deterrence, alien life, and why U.S. warfighters always find a way to win. Podcast #28.Follow Gus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-%E2%80%9Cgus%E2%80%9D-jennings-61972491/Follow Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-rodriguez-b23a4146/Aeon Industries: https://www.aeonindustrial.com/Follow the show everywhere! 👇Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3YOfGtOApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541X (Twitter): https://x.com/droneultimatumInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/Check out Allen Control Systems (ACS): https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/

Most VC-backed defense startups stall, pivot, and eventually die. John Ferry has a few ideas why.As President of Trenchant Analytics and a deeply connected defense insider, Ferry pulls back the curtain on what’s really going on in GovCon. We talk pivot traps, why most military customers aren’t actually looking for innovation, and why founders need to get real about the slow, messy path to contracts. Also in this episode: drone warfare, EW hype cycles, defense memes, investor delusions, and how Signal group chats are changing how the industry talks.Follow John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnferry1/Timestamps:(0:00) - Intro (0:57) - “Be Honest” Meme and Pivot Cycle in GovTech (2:26) - SLED, FedCiv, and the Struggle to Gain Traction (4:37) - Disconnect Between Government Narrative and Reality (6:01) - Policy Shifts and Startup Expectations (8:38) - Surviving the State of Play in Defense (11:06) - Selling to State and Local? Not Worth It (13:05) - Generational Bonding and Green Beret Background (15:43) - Why Founders Need Problem Intimacy (17:27) - Customer Discovery and the Agile Trap in Defense (19:11) - Bridging the Valley of Death (20:53) - The Signal Group Origin Story (23:00) - VC-Backed Startups in Defense: Hot Takes (26:48) - The Realities of EW Startups and Investor Hype (30:48) - How to Actually Win in GovCon VC (34:00) - PE vs. VC: Who Really Wins? (37:09) - Golf Talk and the LIV Analogy (38:23) - FPV Drone Economics and Threat Evolution (40:37) - Naval Drones and Directed Energy Weapons (43:51) - Drone Buster Tech and Point Defense Concepts (48:03) - Making Soft-Kill Systems Work on the Battlefield (51:00) - Nicotine, Focus, and Founding a Defense Company (53:12) - Thank You for Smoking and VC Media (55:31) - Autonomous Strike and Warzone Realities (58:12) - Why Relationships Drive Everything in GovCon (1:00:22) - Automating Acquisition and Spinning Out Startups (1:03:00) - Focus, Traction, and Staying Alive (1:05:10) - Markets Matter and Seeing Future Problem Sets (1:07:20) - Contested Logistics and 3D Printing at the Edge (1:10:36) - Thermonuclear War vs. Unconventional Warfare (1:13:02) - Military Lingo, Signal Chat, and Soft Culture (1:15:18) - Hiring Veterans and the Team Mentality (1:18:00) - Reflections on the Early Days of Startups (1:20:04) - Field Service Headaches and Simplicity at Scale (1:22:00) - Pure Play Startups and Avoiding G&A Bloat (1:23:52) - Signal Messaging, Jargon, and GovComms (1:26:10) - The Rise of SOF VCs and Founder Culture (1:28:28) - SEALs, Athletes, and Engineering Talent (1:30:00) - DevTech Founder Personas and Sales Realities (1:33:05) - Final Thoughts and Outro Follow the show everywhere! 👇Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3YOfGtOApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541X (Twitter): https://x.com/droneultimatumInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/Check out Allen Control Systems (ACS): https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/#podcast #DefenseTech #GovCon #StartupLife #MilitaryTech #DOD #EW #Drones #Hyperspectral #VentureCapital #Acquisition #DefenseStartups #DroneWarfare #SoftKill #HardKill #SignalChats #FPVdrones #DefenseIndustry #VCbacked #Contracting #StartupStruggles

What if satellite imaging could go beyond RGB and actually see the molecular makeup of our planet? In this episode, the former NASA engineer turned co-founder and CEO breaks down how his startup, Matter Intelligence, is creating a new class of earth observation sensors that go beyond RGB to capture the molecular makeup of the planet. We talk about hyperspectral imaging, how Matter’s satellites work, commercial vs. government go-to-market strategy, and why most of today’s satellite data is basically noise. Plus: alien life, Carl Sagan, digital twins, and why the maps of the future won’t look anything like Google Maps.(0:00) - Intro (0:58) - Meet Vishnu Sridhar, CEO of Matter (2:29) - Building Cameras for Space (4:48) - The Physics Behind Hyperspectral Imaging (7:02) - Full-Stack Satellite Ops & Data Access (10:57) - From NASA to Startup Founder (13:46) - Alien Talk, Trump Quotes & Pop Science (16:09) - Fundraising & Building a Hardware Company (21:05) - Commercial vs. Government Sales Strategy (26:24) - Tracking Hypersonic Missiles from Space (30:06) - Startup Tradeoffs: Build vs. Buy (36:58) - Terraforming Mars & Space Colonization (43:12) - Data Moats & the Path to Monopoly (47:00) - Building the Earth’s Digital Twin (51:00) - Future Vision: B2C Satellite Applications Vishnu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishnu-sridhar/Matter Intelligence: https://matter.com/Follow the show everywhere! 👇YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thedroneultimatum?feature=sharedApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541X (Twitter): https://x.com/droneultimatumInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/Check out Allen Control Systems (ACS): https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/#podcast #NASA #EarthObservation #SpaceTech #SatelliteImaging #StartupLife

Luke Fischer is the Co-Founder and CEO of SkyFi, an industry-leading Earth Observation marketplace company headquartered in Austin, Texas. Before co-founding SkyFi, Luke was an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Shield Capital, focusing on investing in Space, Autonomy, AI, and Cyber. Prior to joining Shield Capital, he led Government Operations at Joby Aviation, and prior to Joby was Head of Flight Operations at Uber. Luke is also a highly decorated US Army Special Operations Aviation veteran with experience leading teams in demanding environments.TOPICS(0:00) Intro(1:13) About SkyFi and How It Works(5:20) Luke’s Background - Army to Entre(14:00) Austin4America(20:05) Getting into Business(23:11) Partnering with Bill Perkins and Fundraising(26:32) VTOL Aircraft(29:13) SkyFi Customer Base & Use Cases(34:43) Roadmap for SkyFi(38:05) The Value in Satellite Imaging(40:55) The Drone Problem + Luke's Lived Experience(46:10) DoD innovation Must be Faster(49:45) Supporting the American Market & Industrial Base(53:43) Autonomous Vehicles in the Military(1:01:49) The Drone Dual Use Dilemma(1:08:59) Display Ads are Underrated(1:12:43) Bill Perkins Book + TVs and Movies(1:18:26) Aliens(1:19:35) Outro--Follow the show everywhere! 👇Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3YOfGtOApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541X (Twitter): https://x.com/droneultimatumInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/Check out Allen Control Systems (ACS): https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/

A proven serial entrepreneur and early defense tech investor, Jackson Moses currently serves as the Founder and Managing Partner of Silent Ventures, an early stage venture firm that invests in exceptional founders building unrivaled aerospace, defense, and national security startups. He also founded and manages Silent Capital, a private syndicate that provides its members exclusive access to leading multi-stage defense and deep tech deals. Additionally, Jackson serves as a Senior Advisor to the founding teams of Castelion and Privateer Space.(0:00) Intro(1:09) Founder Support Systems(4:33) About Silent Ventures(8:50) Layered CUAS Defense(12:20) Hypersonics in the Pacific(13:02) Trump Changes to Defense Budget(15:59) Areas to Invest in 2025(20:10) Investing in Aeon(26:09) Banning DJI(30:49) DoD Requirements(34:22) Space Investments (38:55) Conspiracy Theories (44:45) Anduril (47:15) Sizing Checks & Investment Strategy (56:59) Defense Industry vs Other Industries (59:25) Competing with China (1:02:40) Texas is Great (1:05:44) Contested Logistics (1:07:25) Defense Guys Aren’t War Dogs (1:13:50) Steve’s 7/11 Dream (1:15:00) Outro--Follow Jackson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacksonmoses/Silent Ventures: https://silentvc.com/--Follow the show everywhere! 👇Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3YOfGtOApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541X (Twitter): https://x.com/droneultimatumInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/Check out Allen Control Systems (ACS): https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/

Michael LaFramboise is the co-founder and CEO of Aurelius Systems, a defense technology startup building the next generation of autonomous counter-UAS. Their premier product, the Archimedes Laser Sentinel, combines high-powered directed energy with edge-deployed advanced control for unparalleled point-defense capabilities.TOPICS(0:00) Intro(1:06) Our First Laser Guest(2:29) BlueHalo’s Locust(4:29) US Navy Laser Weapons(5:51) Steve’s Sub Experiences(8:14) What’s Different About Defense(11:25) A New Defense YC?(17:14) Aurelius’ Laser, Explained(26:45) Demo Plans + Fundraising(32:58) Improving CROWS Weapon System(39:46) Aurelius Growth Plan(44:25) Importance of Lobbying(48:08) How Long EW Will Be Effective Against Drones (57:31) The Path to a $1T Laser Company(01:01:22) 7/11 Life After Defense Companies(01:10:41) Investor Relations Life(01:16:11) Founder Life = R&R (Raising and Recruiting)(01:17:54) Computer Vision and Equipment Challenges(01:24:30) Outro--Follow the show everywhere! 👇Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3YOfGtOApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541X (Twitter): https://x.com/droneultimatumInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/Check out Allen Control Systems (ACS): https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/

Simone Ledeen has served in various U.S. Government and business leadership positions, most recently as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East Policy. Her prior US Government work, including on multiple overseas deployments, influenced key counterterrorism activities, intelligence collection and analysis, as well as military information support operations involving cyber and disinformation, irregular warfare, direct action, sensitive special operations and personnel recovery/hostage issues. She is a Senior Fellow at the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue where she works on a variety of issues including the nexus of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Ms. Ledeen has an MBA from the Bocconi University School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brandeis University. Her writing has been featured in The Hill, the National Interest, Newsweek and the National Review. She has appeared on Al Arabiya, Al Hurra, Asharq TV and numerous podcasts.https://www.simoneledeen.com/Simone’s Substack: https://substack.com/@signalsandstrategies1Vantage ROI: https://vantageroi.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-ledeen/--Follow the show everywhere! 👇Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3YOfGtOApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541X (Twitter): https://x.com/droneultimatumInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/Check out Allen Control Systems (ACS): https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/#podcast #China #Drones #Taiwan #DefenseTech #Geopolitics #AI #MilitaryStrategy #USChinaRelations #DefenseIndustry #EconomicStatecraft

Follow the show and subscribe for more!Chapters / Topics:IntroEpirus Fundraising AnnouncementDual Use vs. Military-Use OnlyR&D and ProcurementHow to get the Military to Buy Your StuffDefense Investor Perspective on Current TrendsTips for Fundraising in Defense TechIncubation & Cap TablesHumanoid RobotsPresentation and CollaborationAudience Questions--Naweed Tahmas served as the Special Assistant to the President and Associate Director of the White House.He advised the President, and advanced the Administration's key policy and personnel priorities in coordination with over 15 federal departments and agencies, including the Office of Management and Budget, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Department of Interior, General Services Administration, National Science Foundation, and others. He successfully negotiated and secured key policies that protected manufacturing jobs and critical supply chains.He has also held director roles at Firehouse Strategies and Umbra Space.--Alex Moore focuses on incubating companies through 8VC’s Build Program, Defense, building talent networks and fundamental operational support for the portfolio. Alex also focuses on enterprise and seed-stage investments. Prior to joining 8VC Alex was a startup operator for 12 years. Alex was the first employee and Director of Operations at Palantir Technologies, building the team from one room to 350 people, $100mm in sales. Alex co-founded Backplane, a social media analytics company, and NodePrime, a cloud automation company which was acquired in 2016 by Ericsson.--As Army Applications Laboratory’s executive director, Dr. Casey Perley leads the mission to reshape how the Army works with industry to provide the best tech in the world to the best Army in the world. Her vision is for AAL to work from problem inception to sustainment hand in glove with stakeholders across the Army and the Department of Defense to accelerate and assess the Army’s ability to ingest innovation.----Follow the show everywhere! 👇Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3YOfGtOApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541X (Twitter): https://x.com/droneultimatumInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/Check out Allen Control Systems (ACS): https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/#podcast #DefenseTech #MilitaryInnovation #StartupFunding #VentureCapital #NationalSecurity #Lethality #DualUseTech #DefenseIndustry #AI #Robotics #Autonomy #MilitaryTech #Drones #DefenseStartups #DirectedEnergy #MissileTech #GovTech

Is China the new global superpower? April Herlevi, a senior research scientist at CNA and non-resident fellow at the National Bureau of Asian Research, joins us to break down China’s economic statecraft, military expansion, and defense tech strategy. We discuss China’s growing arms exports, the role of drones in modern warfare, Taiwan’s response to military threats, and how China’s global reach extends from Africa to AI development.China’s military exports & influence in AfricaThe role of drones & AI in modern warfareTaiwan’s defense strategy & lessons from UkraineThe rise of China’s special economic zonesOverfishing, economic statecraft, and global impact--Notes on April's WorkIntersections, CNA’s US-China Technology Competition Newsletter: https://www.cna.org/our-media/newsletters/intersectionsTaiwan Lessons Learned from the Russia-Ukraine War: https://www.cna.org/reports/2024/12/taiwan-lessons-learned-from-the-russia-ukraine-warTaiwan Lessons Learned Executive Summary: https://www.cna.org/quick-looks/2024/10/Taiwan-Lessons-Learned-from-Russia-Ukraine.pdfChina as a Niche Arms Exporter Article: https://www.cna.org/our-media/indepth/2021/08/china-as-a-niche-arms-exporterMap of recipient countries: https://www.cna.org/reports/2021/10/CHINAS-DEFENSE-EXPORTS-Small-Volume-but-room-for-growth.pdf China’s arms export data (From SIPRI, updated for 2022-23): https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/CSVResultUS-China Security and Economic Commission (USCC) Testimony on China’s Arms Exports: https://www.uscc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-01/April_Herlevi_Testimony.pdfBook Project Summary: https://herlevi.weebly.com/current-projects.html--April A. Herlevi is an expert on the People’s Republic of China (PRC) foreign and security policy, economic statecraft for technology acquisition, and the increasing role of PRC commercial, economic and military actors globally. Her research focuses on PRC technology and innovation, global infrastructure development, and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).For CNA, Herlevi has published research on port operations along China’s Maritime Silk Road, PLA views of Oceania, and China-Middle East relations, and she continues to research PRC technological upgrading. She regularly participates in CNA-led wargames and was on a team that won the CNA CEO Teamwork Award for supporting the CNA wargaming team.Follow April on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herlevi--Follow the show everywhere! 👇YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedroneultimatumApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541X (Twitter): https://x.com/droneultimatumInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/Check out Allen Control Systems (ACS): https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/

Bryan Clark is a senior fellow and director of the Center for Defense Concepts and Technology at Hudson Institute. He is an expert in naval operations, electronic warfare, autonomous systems, military competitions, and wargaming.TOPICS(0:00) Intro(1:00) Bryan's Background & Hudson Institute(4:21) Saronic & USVs Breakdown(15:05) Impacts of Drones in Ukraine War(18:21) Carrier Strike Group in Age of USVs(24:00) American Drone Production Capacity(27:01) Unitree & Humanoid Robots(30:28) How to Counter Drone Swarms(39:18) GPS Denied Components for Drones(42:01) Retooling Our Arsenal & Countering China(51:26) DOD Getting Ahead of DOGE?(54:41) Hypersonics Are Not That Great(57:06) Contested Logistics(1:00:37) Lasers Are Overrated(01:04:11) Loitering Munitions(01:06:17) Undersea Drones(01:11:08) OutroFollow the show everywhere! 👇YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedroneultimatumApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541X (Twitter): https://x.com/droneultimatumInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/Check out Allen Control Systems (ACS): https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/

Dr. Casey Perley joins the show to talk about the Army Applications Lab, innovation in defense, and how startups can work with the Army.👉 Watch one of our favorite episodes: https://youtu.be/fA8x9eGvaFk?si=bpFeYTM3Gz1Z12m2(00:00) Intro(01:02) Meet Dr. Casey Pearly & Army Applications Lab (02:13) How the Army Works with Startups & Non-Traditional Companies (03:36) The Army’s Definition of Non-Traditional Companies (06:00) How the Army Identifies Problems & Finds Solutions (07:41) The Process of Getting Tech to the Warfighter (12:06) How Many Army Tech Projects Are Active Right Now? (14:44) Breaking Down a Real Military Innovation Cohort (19:01) How the Army Evaluates Innovation Success (25:02) The Rise of FPV Drones & Their Role in Warfare (31:00) Competing with DJI: How the US Can Build a Stronger Drone Industry (37:01) The History of Bioweapons & Biosecurity in Defense (41:00) How Startups Should Approach Working with the Army (46:07) What SBIR Funding Is & How Startups Can Win It (50:26) Countering Drones: Can It Be Done? (53:34) Final Thoughts & Where the Future of Military Innovation is Headed --As Army Applications Laboratory’s executive director, Dr. Casey Perley leads the mission to reshape how the Army works with industry to provide the best tech in the world to the best Army in the world. Her vision is for AAL to work from problem inception to sustainment hand in glove with stakeholders across the Army and the Department of Defense to accelerate and assess the Army’s ability to ingest innovation.Dr. Perley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseyperley/--Follow the show everywhere! 👇Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3YOfGtOApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541X (Twitter): https://x.com/droneultimatumInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/Check out Allen Control Systems (ACS): https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/#Podcast #DefenseTech #MilitaryInnovation #Drones #ArmyStartups #NationalSecurity #DefenseStartups #MilitaryTechnology #DoDContracts #TechFunding #FutureOfWarfare #Innovation #DronesInWarfare #USArmy #DefenseIndustry #StartupFunding #GovernmentContracts #MilitaryTech #Entrepreneurship #DefensePolicy #EmergingTech

Nic Adams joins the show to talk defense, Capitol Hill, drones, and preparing for future conflicts.(0:00) Intro(1:20) Nic's background - Army Intel, JSOC, Capitol Hill(5:37) The NDAA(9:28) Getting $$ for Defense Tech(12:19) Steve's favorite brand, Alo *not sponsored*(13:50) NDAA and Approps(21:40) Leaving the Hill(23:11) Steve is training for the World Championship(26:37) What does Washington Office do?(29:03) Dual Use & The Defense Industrial Base(36:50) Castelion(46:11) Office of Strategic Capital(48:11) The Chinese Drone Threat(55:25) Lily Drone Fraud(58:27) Juicero Exposed(1:00:32) Catching Up in Drone Tech(1:03:00) Goal of Lobbying Firms & Business Model(1:09:45) Government Work to Private Sector(1:11:11) Why Government People Can't Go On Podcasts (1:12:48) OSC Loan Guarantees(1:14:48) Palantir(1:18:44) Outro--Follow the show and leave a review!Follow Nic on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-adams208/Washington Office: https://www.yourwashingtonoffice.com/Nic Adams is a Partner at Washington Office, a strategy firm for frontier tech companies. Nic most recently served as Professional Staff Member on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. His issue portfolio included defense, intelligence, foreign affairs, energy, science, space, and technology for numerous different members of Congress.Nic was also a commissioned officer in the United States Army, deploying several times to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and to Jordan and Iraq in the Global War on Terror.--Follow the show everywhere! 👇Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3YOfGtOApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541X (Twitter): https://x.com/droneultimatumInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/Check out Allen Control Systems (ACS): https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/#Podcast #DefenseIndustry #NationalSecurity #MilitaryTech #Geopolitics #FutureOfWar #DefensePolicy #TechAndWar #CapitolHill #DefensePolicy #GovernmentConsulting #Congress #PolicyInsider #MilitaryFunding #DroneWarfare #MilitaryDrones #DefenseStartups #AIDefense #AutonomousSystems #EmergingTech #FutureOfConflict #ModernWarfare #GlobalSecurity #DefenseInnovation #WarfareTechnology

What do you think about AI and space warfare? Leave a comment!(0:00) Intro(1:08) Discussing Drone Swarm Threats(2:45) Working for CIA & a Think Tank (Clayton’s Background)(8:20) Space & Future Defense Strategies(12:04) Going to Mars Debate(15:43) Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS)(18:28) Space: The Future Battlefield?(23:00) Growing Commercial Space Industry & Defense Applications(30:25) Air Power & Drones in Russia-Ukraine(38:00) Building Small Drones in America(46:33) An American Iron Dome?(52:55) Counter-Drone Arms Race & Military Innovation (59:28) AI vs. Autonomy(1:06:00) Opportunities in Space and Missile Defense(1:09:14) Outro--How will AI, drones, and space-based missile defense shape the future of war? In this episode, we dive deep with Clayton, an expert from a leading defense think tank, to explore:- The rise of military AI & autonomous warfare- The possibility of an “Iron Dome” in space- How the U.S. and allies are countering drone swarms- What a future war between the U.S. & China could look like- Why private space companies are now key players in defenseClayton shares insights from his CIA background and current work in defense analysis, breaking down how military technology is evolving—from counter-drone systems to AI-powered targeting solutions and the next era of air & space defense.If you’re interested in military innovation, defense strategy, or the intersection of AI and warfare, this episode is a must-watch.Follow Clayton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claytonswope/Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS): https://www.csis.org/--Clayton Swope is the deputy director of the Aerospace Security Project and a senior fellow in the Defense and Security Department at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).Before joining CSIS, Swope led national security and cybersecurity public policy for Amazon’s Project Kuiper, an initiative to increase global broadband access through a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit. While at Amazon, he also worked on cloud policy issues.Prior to his time at Amazon, Swope served as a senior adviser on national security, space, foreign affairs, and technology policy issues for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.He also worked for more than 14 years at the Central Intelligence Agency, serving largely in the Directorate of Science and Technology. He holds a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from the University of Notre Dame.--Follow the show everywhere! 👇YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedroneultimatumApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541X (Twitter): https://x.com/droneultimatumInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/Check out Allen Control Systems (ACS): https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/

Rob Thompson discusses aviation, drones, regulations, and his family legacy. Rob is one of the world’s foremost authorities on the subjects of aviation and unmanned aircraft systems for aircraft design, certification, regulation, policy and innovative flight training. He is the founder of the CUAS Coalition, an education and advocacy organization focused on the regulation and development of C-UAS technology. Follow Rob: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robthompsonpilot/ CUAS Coalition: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cuas-coalition/ Follow the show everywhere! 👇 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedroneultimatum Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541 X (Twitter): https://x.com/droneultimatum Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/ Check out Allen Control Systems (ACS): https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/ #dronewars #defensetech #militaryinnovation #dronesinwarfare #defenseindustry #djidrones #emergingthreats #dronetechnology #militarytechnology #dronesinaction #nationalsecurity #techindefense #futureofwarfare #dronethreat #modernwarfare #dodtech #gamechanger #innovationinwarfare #drone #podcast #defenseindustry #aviation #faa

Gabe joins the show and talks space, satellites, defense tech, investing, and running companies. (0:00) Intro (0:55) How Umbra Started (3:52) Gabe Before Umbra (6:28) Having a "Real Job" Before Startups (8:05) Drones over California (9:19) Investing in Firehawk Aerospace (13:24) Acquisitions in Defense (20:08) Investing and Getting Funded (23:41) Having No Money in Tech = Advantage? (27:16) Outlook on Aeon (28:33) Outdated Legacy Prime Contract Models (32:19) Steve's Startup Idea & "The Valley of Death" (36:01) The Startup Game is to Stay Alive (38:15) DJI Changes & Drone Manufacturing (43:05) Umbra's Plan for the Future (47:36) TV Shows & Documentaries (49:46) Selling "The Vision" (52:23) More TV Shows (54:39) Locations (58:16) Vision for Umbra (1:01:06) Why We Changed The Pod Name (1:02:40) Crypto, Mentors, Naming Things (1:10:23) Outro Gabe Dominocielo is the President and co-founder of Umbra, a technology company specializing in advanced space systems to both commercial and government clients. Under his leadership, Umbra has distinguished itself by offering the highest-resolution commercial satellite images available, utilizing proprietary technology to capture clear imagery through clouds and at night. Before establishing Umbra in 2015, Dominocielo co-founded and served as Chief Operating Officer of a legal services firm whose panel attorneys achieved over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements. Umbra: https://umbra.space/ Follow the show everywhere! 👇 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3YOfGtO Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541 X (Twitter): https://x.com/droneultimatum Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/ Check out Allen Control Systems (ACS): https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/

From WWII mine warfare to AI-powered drones - exploring next-gen military tech with defense industry insights. (0:00) Intro (1:13) CNA Origins (World War II) (5:08) IEDs in Iraq (12:58) Mines in the Pacific (15:46) Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) (24:21) Drones (29:03) Why and how to use USVs? (42:40) Drone countermeasures (45:41) CNA Funding and Info Flow (52:35) Managing a Team vs Independent Contributor (56:19) AI & LLMs (59:28) Is AI really a timesaver? (1:04:25) AI is a misnomer (1:07:25) The Future of AI (1:12:57) Separating signal from the noise (1:15:15) Synthetic Data (1:18:35) CNA's Year Ahead (1:21:35) Outro -- David Broyles, Ph.D., is a Research Program Director and specialist in cyber operations, artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomy, special operations, and information warfighting at CNA, an independent, nonprofit research and analysis organization. David has served as a CNA field representative to numerous commands, including United States Fleet Forces Command and those in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has a doctorate in chemistry from Cornell University and a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from Washington University in St. Louis. -- Follow the show everywhere! 👇 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3YOfGtO Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drone-ultimatum/id1770994541 X (Twitter): https://x.com/droneultimatum Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedroneultimatum/ -- Check out Allen Control Systems (ACS): https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/ #dronewars #defensetech #militaryinnovation #dronesinwarfare #defenseindustry #djidrones #emergingthreats #dronetechnology #militarytechnology #ukraineconflict #dronesinaction #nationalsecurity #kinetickill #techindefense #futureofwarfare #dronethreat #modernwarfare #dodtech #gamechanger #innovationinwarfare #drone #podcast #ai #artificialintelligence #llm #navy #navalwarfare

Donald Stoker discusses military history, national strategies, and today’s global state. 0:00 Intro 1:11 About Don 3:44 The Korean War 11:01 North Korea and Iran Today 13:11 War in Ukraine 23:29 Don's Class at Nat'l Defense Uni 27:33 The American Revolution 32:28 Wars of Expansion 34:35 First Gulf War & Military Buildup 40:16 Karl Von Clausewitz 47:28 Why America Loses Wars 54:50 The Impact of Drones on War 1:06:00 Academia 1:09:28 American History Rhyming? 1:14:03 Nuclear Weapons 1:16:18 Purpose and Power, Don's Book 1:22:17 Revisionist Powers & Modern War 1:33:40 Don's Future Plans 1:38:20 Outro Donald Stoker is a Professor of National Security and Resource Strategy at the Eisenhower School at the National Defense University in Washington, D.C. He was previously a Professor for the U.S. Naval War College program. He received his PhD in Military and Diplomatic History from Florida State University and has published more than 70 books and articles on strategy and military and foreign affairs topics. Follow Professor Stoker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donaldstoker/ Buy Professor Stoker's Books! Purpose and Power: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1009257277/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk Why America Loses Wars: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1009220861/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk Clausewitz: His Life and Work: https://www.amazon.com/Clausewitz-Life-Work-Donald-Stoker/dp/0199357943 Follow the show everywhere! 👇 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3YOfGtO Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3ObLKme X (Twitter): https://x.com/droneultimatum Instagram: https://bit.ly/4hNn7Ki Steve's Company (Allen Control Systems): www.allencontrolsystems.com #dronewars #defensetech #militaryinnovation #dronesinwarfare #defenseindustry #djidrones #emergingthreats #dronetechnology #militarytechnology #ukraineconflict #dronesinaction #nationalsecurity #kinetickill #techindefense #futureofwarfare #dronethreat #modernwarfare #dodtech #gamechanger #innovationinwarfare #drone #podcast #history #militaryhistory

Dhruva Rajendra discusses autonomy, defense innovation, mergers, and lessons from Ukraine. Timestamps: (0:00) Intro (0:35) This Week in Startups Podcast (2:40) Michael Saylor & MicroStrategy (5:36) Steve's Review of Wicked (10:21) Company Updates (13:33) Fuses (17:42) BlueHalo-AeroVironment Merger (25:55) Elon's F-35 Debate (36:49) The Future is Autonomy (40:58) Podcast Rebrand (44:50) America's Missing Pieces in Defense (50:00) Not Learning From Ukraine (56:17) Small Drone Markets & Regulations (1:06:40) Building Ahead of Requirement (1:11:25) Commercial Use Case First (1:14:40) Different Weapons for Each Conflict (1:16:45) Could America Just Retool For War? (1:21:09) Outro Dhruva Rajendra is the co-founder and CEO of Deterrence, a defense tech startup company building advanced autonomous manufacturing systems. Follow Dhruva on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhruvarajendra/ Follow Dhruva on X: https://x.com/dkrajendra Dhruva's Company (Deterrence): https://www.deterrence.com/-- Follow the show everywhere! 👇 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3YOfGtO Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3ObLKme X (Twitter): https://x.com/droneultimatum Instagram: https://bit.ly/4hNn7Ki -- Check out Allen Control Systems (ACS): www.allencontrolsystems.com #dronewars #defensetech #militaryinnovation #dronesinwarfare #defenseindustry #djidrones #emergingthreats #dronetechnology #militarytechnology #ukraineconflict #dronesinaction #nationalsecurity #kinetickill #techindefense #futureofwarfare #dronethreat #modernwarfare #dodtech #gamechanger #innovationinwarfare #drone #podcast #manufacturing #reindustrialize

Mike Fiuk shares Darkhive’s vision, roadmap, and insights on selling and tech in defense. Chapters: (0:00) Intro (1:00) Who is Mike Fiuk? (4:27) About Darkhive & Obelisk (9:57) Video Games (12:43) Supply Chains (19:01) Reacting to Trae Stephens (22:04) Autonomous Teaming & Analysis (23:38) DIU Blue List (25:35) Advice for Selling in Defense (29:02) Ukraine Lessons & Scale to Win Wars (34:36) How to Get Info About Ukraine (36:30) Darkhive's 2025 Plans42:50 Keeping Products Updated (46:10) Demos and Conferences (53:11) Investors in Darkhive (54:28) T-Levels in Founders (Study) (57:35) Outro -- Mike Fiuk is the Vice President of Defense Strategy at Darkhive Inc., a company dedicated to developing U.S. produced autonomous robotic systems for defense and public safety. He is also a Veteran and current Reserve Officer in the United States Army. Previously, Mike was a consultant at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and co-founded or was involved with multiple startup companies. He is a graduate of The United States Military Academy at West Point and Harvard Business School. Follow Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michalfiuk/ Darkhive: https://www.darkhive.com/ -- Follow the show everywhere! 👇 YouTube: Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3ObLKme X (Twitter): https://x.com/droneultimatum Instagram: https://bit.ly/4hNn7Ki -- Check out Allen Control Systems (ACS): www.allencontrolsystems.com #dronewars #defensetech #militaryinnovation #dronesinwarfare #defenseindustry #djidrones #emergingthreats #dronetechnology #militarytechnology #ukraineconflict #dronesinaction #nationalsecurity #kinetickill #techindefense #futureofwarfare #dronethreat #modernwarfare #dodtech #gamechanger #innovationinwarfare #drone #podcast #publicsafety

Alex Taylor shares insights on aerospace, the Thiel Fellowship, and purpose-driven American innovation. Chapters: (0:00) Intro (01:37 Why Alex Started Orb Aerospace (07:39) Reality of the Founder Life (09:07) Thiel Fellows (14:18) Exploitative vs Redemptive Entrepreneurship (17:20) Thiel Fellow as a Tribe (20:03) Trials of Success and Failure (22:45) Alex's Religious Journey (26:04) Orb's Mission and Culture (29:56) How Alex & Steve Met (31:32) Being "Normal" vs. "Different" (34:25) Our New Technological Era (40:10) Alex's Vision for Orb (51:20) Regulations & Innovation (54:10) Orb's Products (1:07:55) Orb's Plan for 2025 (1:12:12) Government Affairs & Lobbying (1:14:19) DJI & If America Turns It Around (1:19:17) ACS and the Business Landscape (1:25:20) Being Authentic (1:33:34) Outro -- Alex Taylor is a Thiel Fellow and the founder of Orb Aerospace, an electric humanitarian aerospace company he started in 2017. Orb is on a mission to revolutionize transportation by creating a global aerospace network that doesn't rely on traditional infrastructure. Follow Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-taylor-06432915b/ Alex's Company (Orb Aerospace): https://www.orb.aero/ -- Follow the show everywhere! 👇 YouTube: youtube.com/@thedroneultimatum Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3ObLKme X (Twitter): https://x.com/droneultimatum Instagram: https://bit.ly/4hNn7Ki -- Check out Allen Control Systems (ACS): www.allencontrolsystems.com #DroneWarfare #DefenseTech #MilitaryInnovation #DronesInWarfare #DefenseIndustry #DJIDrones #EmergingThreats #DroneTechnology #MilitaryTech #UkraineConflict #DronesInAction #NationalSecurity #KineticKill #TechInDefense #FutureOfWarfare #DroneThreat #ModernWarfare #DoDTech #GameChanger #InnovationInWarfare #drone #podcast #AerospaceInnovation #FutureOfTech #PurposeDrivenLeadership #entrepreneurship #ThielFellows #NextGenAerospace #VisionaryFounder #TechAndFaith #InnovateWithPurpose #startup #aerospace #aeroplane #airplanes

Dan Magy, co-founder and CEO of Firestorm Labs, talks the new drone and logistics tech at Firestorm, his experiences in startups and defense tech, and more. Chapters: (0:00) Intro (1:40) Changing the Podcast Name (6:26) Firestorm Products (9:20) Additive Manufacturing & The XCell (14:34) Original Vision vs. Customer Requests (18:17) Learning Appropriations and the End User (20:44) Act Like You Belong (22:34) Dan’s Previous Ventures (28:20) Personal Investments & Mistakes (34:47) Drones & Laser Landscape (39:00) Product Strategies and Ideas (43:13) More Drone Companies (50:58) How Steve Got Into Startups (57:26) Steve Story: Meeting Patrick Mahomes (59:40) Some Favorite Backgrounds of Employees (1:02:50) DoD: “The Mother of Enterprise Sales” (1:05:53) The Crazy COVID ZIRP Era (1:09:07) Ukraine & Europe (01:13:57) Firestorm in 2025 Plans (01:20:36) Outro Dan Magy co-founded Firestorm Labs in May 2022 and is currently serving as CEO. In July 2022, he joined Bonsai Robotics as a Chief Strategy Advisor. Dan is also a Board Member at Beyond Capital since June 2022. In 2016, Dan founded Citadel Defense Company in 2016, which was later acquired by Blue Halo in November 2021. Follow Dan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danmagy/ Dan's Company (Firestorm Labs): https://www.launchfirestorm.com/ -- Follow the show everywhere! 👇 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedroneultimatum Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3YOfGtO Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3ObLKme X (Twitter): https://x.com/DroneWarspodcst Instagram: https://bit.ly/4hNn7Ki -- Check out Allen Control Systems (ACS): www.allencontrolsystems.com #DroneWarfare #DefenseTech #MilitaryInnovation #DronesInWarfare #DefenseIndustry #DJIDrones #EmergingThreats #DroneTechnology #MilitaryTech #UkraineConflict #DronesInAction#NationalSecurity #KineticKill #TechInDefense #FutureOfWarfare #DroneThreat #ModernWarfare#DoDTech #GameChanger #InnovationInWarfare #drone #podcast

Doug Livermore talks West Point, drones in warfare, deploying to Africa, Ukraine, and more. Chapters: (0:00) Intro (2:06) "College Life" at West Point (6:52)Training the Congalese Army (12:16) Training Former Rebels in Mali (15:33) Africa: What's Going On? (19:41) Rare Earth Minerals In Africa (21:27) Africa's Vicious Cycle of Turmoil (24:04) Steve's Private Military Plan (27:20) The Rapid Development of Drones (30:09) Drones as Munitions (31:50) Adventures in Russia (35:39) ZYN & Ozempic (37:56) Iraq is Unraveling (42:56) Drones In Iraq (44:49) What's "Irregular Warfare" Now (47:51) Drones in Myanmar, Mexico, Azerbaijan (50:43) Social Media Sharing Drone Kills (52:22) Rethinking C-UAS and Air Defense (54:54) Glide Bombs (57:38) Oura Ring (58:45) CenCore, Doug's New Company (1:00:38) Nonprofits in Defense & National Security (1:07:51) Alternative Drugs for Veteran PTSD (1:10:47) More Nonprofit Work with Ukraine (1:14:05) How Will the War in Ukraine End? (1:20:45) Upcoming Defense Tech Trends (1:23:19) AeroVironment, Inc. (AVAV) (1:26:40) Lasers + Dexter TV Series Doug Livermore is the Senior VP at the CenCore Group and Director of Special Operations, Irregular Warfare, Special Programs, and Sensitive Activities for the Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy. Multiple international affairs and security studies journals have distributed Doug’s works, including many publications in War on the Rocks, Small Wars Journal, and the Military Times. Doug is the National Director for External Communications for the Special Forces Association and is also the Director of Communications with West Point’s Irregular Warfare Initiative. Additionally, he is on the Board of Directors for both No One Left Behind and the Special Operations Association of America where he has been instrumental in the ongoing evacuation and resettlement of Afghan interpreters and their families. Doug earned his undergraduate degree in Military History at West Point, his graduate degree in International Security Affairs from Georgetown University, and exceled in the Army Command and General Staff Officer Course. Follow Doug: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dolivermore/ CenCore Group: https://cencoregroup.com/ Special Forces Association: https://www.specialforcesassociation.org/ Special Operations Association of America: https://soaa.org/ Irregular Warfare Initiative: https://irregularwarfare.org/ No One Left Behind: https://www.nooneleft.org/ Corioli Institute: https://corioli.org/

Leave a comment and review, and follow for more! Topics: (0:00) Intro (1:36) Matt's Warfighting & Intelligence Background (3:30) The Future of Artillery (8:07) Why Matt Went Into Intel (9:49) Discovering The Drone Problem (12:26) Trends & Insights on Drones (15:35) Calculations of Our Adversaries (19:20) Missteps & Brutality in Ukraine (22:30) Weakness of Current C-UAS (24:25) How The IED Problem Was Addressed (27:45) Offensive vs. Defensive Combat (29:19) North Koreans in Ukraine (31:49) Matt's New Media Project (34:52) New Tools For Journalists (38:34) Prediction Markets & Media (45:46) Additive Manufacturing (54:35) Firestorm's xCell and Logistics (59:11) Cana: Molecular Beverage Printer (1:01:58) The Value of Patience in Defense (1:03:54) Our Swanky Podcast Studio (1:06:30) Del Ray, Alexandria, VA Is Great (1:08:24) Polarization in Media (1:11:22) Is Social Media Overpersonalized? (1:17:13) The Panama Papers (1:18:44) Social Platform Preferences (1:20:07) Telegram CEO Issues (1:21:48) Starting a Business, Then vs. Now (1:24:22) Outro Check out Matt's work: https://www.protocolmedialabs.com/ Matt Tavares is an Army veteran with two decades of experience in national security, emerging technology, and warfighting, including service as an artillery officer, Chief of Intelligence Plans for Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, and Country Director for Russia working on Asymmetric Activities. He has now joined the tech startup world with a new company, The Protocol, which leverages blockchains to create a market for quality journalism that can survive in an increasingly censored news environment. #podcast #drone #military #defensetechnology

Comment, leave a review, and follow for more! Timestamps: (0:00) Intro (1:16) Pryzm, not sponsored (1:56) Scott Being Early on Drone Warfare (6:35) Drones in Urban Combat (8:19) Takeaways From Ukraine War (10:13) Military "Rustiness" & Turnover (12:18) Putin's Interview with Tucker (14:16) Acquired Podcast shout out (15:50) How Forterra’s CEO got into the business (18:07) Reality of DoD Procurement for Startups (20:50) SBIRs: Pros and Cons (23:18) Best Path for a New Defense Product (26:37) Problems with "Cost + Fixed Fee" (30:00) Is Building a Successful American Drone Company Possible? (31:40) Should We Ban DJI Drones / TikTok? (34:52) How Scott Got Into Anduril Early (38:45) Anduril's Early Product Development (44:02) Your Buyer Is Not Your User (45:38) Issues with DoD's Detailed Requirements (48:11) OSINT (49:44) Testing Hard Tech Products (52:02) Why a Self Driving Car on the Battlefield (56:01) Risks of Forterra Business Model (59:55) Buying An Autonomous Vehicle Off-the-Shelf (1:04:16) Aliens & UFOs (1:07:39) Outro Scott Sanders is chief growth officer at Forterra - a leading provider of autonomous systems for ground-based movement in the working world.Before Forterra, Scott was Head of Business Development at Vannevar Labs and Senior Director for Anduril Industries’ Counter Unmanned Systems division, where he built the company’s acquisition strategy for its $1 billion SOCOM Systems Integration Partner program.

Follow, leave a review, and turn on notifications for new episodes weekly! Timestamps/Topics: (0:00) Intro (1:30) Ryan's Background (2:58) Problems with the Pentagon Process (5:01) Frustration with Lack of Innovation (9:00) Vulnerabilities on the Front Line (10:57) Drones Around Langley Air Force Base (16:26) Lasers Won't Stop Drones (WSJ Article) (24:18) Fight Drones with More Drones? (Anduril Bolt video) (26:51) Switchblade 300 vs the Bolt (29:15) Outdated Software Dev Process of Defense Primes (32:50) Engineering in Startups vs the Primes (35:30) Advice for Bootstrapping in Defense (38:59) How To Think About VC vs. Bootstrapped (40:40) AFWERKS Is Actually A Great Program (43:11) Being an Introvert & A Founder (44:14) The Issues with Big Defense Conferences/Events (45:48) The "Decade of Consequence" For China (50:43) Outro Ryan Farris is currently the co-founder and COO/CFO of Visto360.ai, a startup developing 3D computer vision applications for precise object detection. He previously co-founded and sold Orbital Effects, a small radar satellite company that revolutionized space based tactical ISR and effects. Ryan is a retired U.S. Navy officer who served at sea on several Aegis ships and in Washington DC at the White House, U.S. Senate, and Department of Defense. Post-retirement, Ryan co-founded Orbital Effects, a small radar satellite company that revolutionized space based tactical ISR and effects.

Brice Cooper is a former Green Beret, former head of SOCOM C-UAS, and the Chief Strategy Officer of Allen Control Systems. Follow for more! Leave us a review! Timestamps / Topics: (0:00) Intro (1:22) Brice's Army & Special Forces Experience (6:10) Autonomous Vehicles (8:08) SOCOM's Counter-Unmanned Systems Program Breakdown (10:12) Group 3 Interceptors (14:21) Small drone threats (Group 1 and 2) (17:35) Drone Swarms (19:06) Autonomous turrets for shooting down drones (21:55) Innovations Being Ahead of the Problem (23:32) Combining Autonomous Vehicles + Autonomous Weapons (24:04) Brice's Advice to Startups Working with the Government (30:03) How to Navigate Foreign Military Sales (31:13) The State of Ukraine & Foreign Affairs (38: 13) Conflicts Accelerating Defense Technology Usage (43:16) CCA Drama (47:01) Betting Markets & Steve's Startup Idea (51:58) Brice's Looking Ahead to Working in A Startup

Olaf Hichwa is the co-founder and CTO of Neros Technologies, a defense tech startup building vertically integrated development of unmanned aerial systems at scale. Follow for more, leave us a review, and subscribe on YouTube as well!

Our premier episode featuring Dhruva Rajendra, co-founder and CEO of Deterrence, a defense tech startup company building advanced autonomous manufacturing systems. We talk about the drone problem, Steve Jobs, Chinese drone shows, munitions, and much more! Follow and leave a review, and subscribe to our channel on YouTube!

Don't miss our premier episode featuring Dhruva Rajendra, co-founder and CEO of Deterrence, a defense tech startup company building advanced autonomous manufacturing systems. Full episode drops Friday, Sept. 27th. Follow us and hit the bell to be notified right when the episode goes live!