Tech innovator Anduril makes a big play in the defense space, and Turkish drone maker Baykar unveils the "Kamikaze" — that and more on Defense Dollars.
Show More Show Less View Video Transcript
0:00
Welcome to Defense Dollars, your update on the defense and aerospace markets around the world and what's making the numbers move. Let's dive in
0:08
Now, the U.S. Army says it has signed a 10-year contract with defense technology startup Anderil that could be worth up to $20 billion
0:17
The agreement begins with a five-year base period and includes an option to extend for an additional five years
0:23
The deal covers Anduril's hardware, software, infrastructure and services and consolidates more than 120 separate procurement actions into a single enterprise contract
0:34
Defense officials say the move will help the military acquire and deploy software capabilities faster as modern warfare becomes increasingly software driven
0:44
Anduril was co-founded by Palmer Luckey, the entrepreneur who previously sold the virtual reality company Oculus to Facebook
0:53
now Meta. The defense startup has gained prominence for its focus on autonomous military technology
1:00
including drones and other advanced systems. Reports also suggest the company is in talks
1:05
to raise new funding at a valuation of about $60 billion, following an estimated $2 billion
1:11
in revenue last year. The contract comes as the Defense Department navigates broader debates
1:17
over the use of artificial intelligence in military applications. Meanwhile, Turkish drone maker Bekar has successfully tested its K-2 Kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicle
1:30
demonstrating advanced autonomy, artificial intelligence, and formation flight capabilities. Five K-2 UAVs took off from a flight training and test center
1:40
completing right echelon, line, and V formations over the Gulf of Soros
1:45
The platform uses AI and sensors to maintain position within swarms and is capable of additional configurations
1:52
NAICAR aims to field cost mass UAVs with potential reusability even in electronic warfare environments where signals may be jammed or unavailable
2:05
The K2 Kamikaze UAV is the largest platform in its class, with a maximum takeoff weight of 800 kilograms and the ability to carry a 200-kilogram warhead
2:15
It boasts a range of over 2,000 kilometers, speed above 200 kilometers per hour
2:21
and endurance exceeding 13 hours. Now, Baycar Entirely self-funded reported exports of $2.2 billion in 2025
2:30
with 90% of revenue generated internationally, making it a key driver of Turkey's high-tech exports
2:38
And now one more story before you go. The UK Ministry of Defense has awarded maritime technology company
2:44
Kraken Technology Group a 12.3 million pound contract to support the development of uncrewed surface vessels for the Royal Navy's transition to a hybrid fleet
2:55
Under Project Beehive, Kraken will deliver 20 advanced modular UK-built USVs and provide training, tactical, and warfare support for the Royal Navy's surface flotea
3:07
The USVs are designed with full modular open systems, architecture, and modular payload capabilities
3:14
capabilities, ensuring flexibility for future autonomous maritime applications. This contract follows Kraken's recent success with the U.S. Special Operations Command
3:25
in which the company was tapped to develop unmanned surface and subsurface vessels
3:31
Founded just five years ago, Kraken has rapidly expanded, working with the MOD
3:36
NATO Task Force X, and multiple SOCOM innovation cycles, while attracting a wide range of
3:42
investments from the NATO Innovation Fund to the British National Security Strategic Investment Fund
3:48
And that wraps up your defense dollars for this week. Join us on Cheddar.com and DefenseNews.com for more stories like these
#Military
#news
#Aerospace & Defense


