The defense tech startups to watch in 2027 are Anduril for autonomous systems at scale, Shield AI for AI pilots, Saronic for autonomous surface vessels, Epirus for high-power microwave counter-drone defense, and Hadrian for automated precision manufacturing. Skydio, Hermeus, Vannevar Labs, Castelion and Chaos Industries round out the list.
Venture-backed defense companies have moved from pilots to programs of record. They sell hardware and software built quickly with commercial methods, often through Other Transaction Authority agreements and SBIR pathways rather than traditional cost-plus contracts. For suppliers, consultants and service firms, these companies are some of the fastest-growing buyers in the defense market.
This list highlights companies with real production, contracts or flight hardware, rather than early concepts. Facts reflect public information as of late 2026.
Defense Tech Startups At A Glance
Company
Headquarters
Founded
Focus
Anduril Industries
Costa Mesa, CA
2017
Autonomous systems and the Lattice software platform
Anduril builds autonomous air, sea and ground systems on its Lattice command-and-control software and has expanded into large-scale manufacturing to produce them in volume.
It is the reference point for every newer defense startup and a growing buyer of parts, software and services.
2. Shield AI — AI Pilots For Aircraft That Fly Without GPS Or Communications
Shield AI develops Hivemind, autonomy software that lets aircraft operate in contested environments, along with its V-BAT vertical take-off drone.
It shows how software-first autonomy can be licensed across many airframes.
3. Saronic — Autonomous Surface Vessels Built At Startup Speed
Austin-based Saronic designs and builds autonomous surface vessels in several sizes for naval missions and has invested heavily in shipbuilding capacity.
It sits at the center of the Navy’s push for large numbers of uncrewed vessels.
4. Epirus — High-Power Microwave Defense Against Drone Swarms
Epirus builds Leonidas, a solid-state high-power microwave system designed to disable many drones at once.
Counter-drone demand is rising, and Epirus is one of the few companies fielding directed energy at this scale.
5. Hadrian — Automated Factories For Aerospace And Defense Parts
Hadrian builds automated machining factories that produce precision parts for aerospace and defense, aiming to fix supply chain bottlenecks.
Its growth matters to anyone selling into the defense industrial base, because manufacturing capacity is a key constraint.
6. Skydio — The Leading US Maker Of Autonomous Drones
Skydio makes autonomous drones and docking systems used by the military, public safety agencies and utilities.
It benefits directly from US policies that favor domestically made drones.
7. Hermeus — Hypersonic Aircraft Developed Through Rapid Iteration
Atlanta-based Hermeus is developing reusable hypersonic aircraft through a series of uncrewed test vehicles, with Department of Defense backing.
It is a long-term bet on high-speed aviation for defense and, later, commercial use.
8. Vannevar Labs — AI Tools For Intelligence And Mission Planning
Vannevar Labs builds software that helps defense and intelligence users collect, translate and analyze foreign-language and open-source information.
It reflects the shift toward AI software as a core defense capability.
9. Castelion — Affordable Long-Range Strike Through Rapid Testing
Castelion is developing low-cost long-range strike weapons, using frequent flight testing and commercial manufacturing methods to reduce cost.
It targets one of the Pentagon’s top priorities: affordable munitions in large quantities.
Chaos Industries develops advanced radar and sensing systems for detecting and tracking modern threats such as drones.
It is part of a wave of startups rebuilding core sensor technology.
How We Chose These Companies
We focused on venture-backed companies founded in the last decade or so and weighed:
Fielded products, flight tests or production capacity
Contracts or programs with US military customers
Strategic importance of their mission area
Impact on suppliers and the wider defense ecosystem
What These Startups Mean For Contractors And Suppliers
New defense companies buy precision parts, electronics, software, testing services, facilities and professional services. Suppliers that want to sell to them should be ready for fast timelines and strict security requirements.
Get compliant early. Many buyers require CMMC readiness and ITAR controls. See our CMMC RPO list and ITAR consultants.
Understand non-traditional contracting such as Other Transaction Authority agreements and commercial solutions openings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a defense tech startup?
A defense tech startup is a young, usually venture-backed company that builds hardware or software for military and national security customers, often designed with commercial methods and sold through faster acquisition pathways.
What is dual-use technology?
Dual-use technology has both commercial and military applications, such as drones, AI software, satellites and advanced manufacturing.
How do defense startups win government contracts?
Many start with SBIR awards, prototype agreements under Other Transaction Authority, or programs run by units such as the Defense Innovation Unit, then move into production contracts.
Which defense tech startup is the largest?
Anduril is widely regarded as the largest and most established of the new defense companies.
Conclusion
These companies are reshaping how the Pentagon buys technology. Watch Anduril, Shield AI and Saronic for autonomy at scale, Epirus and Chaos Industries for counter-drone and sensing, Hadrian for manufacturing, and Hermeus and Castelion for speed and long-range strike.
