Defense

Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) has raised $15 billion across five new funds, focusing on infrastructure, healthcare, and “American Dynamism.” A significant portion will go to a growth fund, with allocations for applications, infrastructure, and defense/aerospace initiatives. This move reflects a pivot towards defense technology and a broader strategy to bolster U.S. technological and industrial capabilities amidst evolving geopolitical landscapes. The firm’s substantial fundraising marks a significant portion of U.S. venture capital deployment.

While AI dominated Wall Street, defense and space stocks soared. Companies like Planet Labs and EchoStar saw significant gains due to renewed interest in national security, lunar exploration, and the burgeoning “orbital economy.” Government investment in defense, alongside commercial ventures in satellite imagery, connectivity, and drone technology, fueled this growth, demonstrating lucrative opportunities beyond traditional tech hubs.

Amentum announced a significant expansion in the UK, creating 3,000 jobs over four years due to growing demand in nuclear power and defense. This follows discussions between Amentum’s CEO, the U.S. President, and the UK Prime Minister, emphasizing transatlantic partnerships. Amentum is a key partner in UK nuclear projects like Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, and provides services for the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet. The expansion includes investments in digital engineering, AI, and automation.

HII is expanding shipbuilding capacity via strategic partnerships and distributed manufacturing. Outsourced hours doubled in 2025, aiming to quadruple within two years. A structural assembly network includes 23 partners, growing further. Key moves include acquiring a Goose Creek facility for submarine and aircraft carrier modules, partnerships with six shipbuilders for Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, and international collaborations with Hyundai Heavy Industries and Babcock International Group to enhance production efficiency and strengthen the industrial base.

Focus Graphite’s Lac Knife graphite was successfully tested in Pluto Aerospace’s Dash 1 Flight 003 rocket launch, reaching over 45,000 feet. The graphite nozzle components withstood temperatures exceeding 3,000°C. This marks Focus Graphite’s entry into aerospace and defense applications. Future tests are planned for graphene-based coatings for icephobic and radar suppression on rockets and UAVs. The project involved collaboration with American Energy Technologies Company, Pluto Aerospace, and ACP Technologies, utilizing North American materials. This positions Focus Graphite as a potential supplier for critical military applications.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions announced a public offering of 12,987,013 shares at $38.50, raising approximately $483.75 million. Closing on June 27, 2025, the proceeds will fund program scaling, new awards, acquisitions, and debt reduction, bolstering Kratos’ position in defense and national security. The offering is managed by Baird, RBC Capital Markets, Truist Securities, and Raymond James, supporting Kratos’ advanced technology development.