Commercial Solutions for Tactical Edge Operations

Edge AI shifts from slide-deck fantasy to tactical reality. Rifle companies now carry 1,800 TOPS of computing power in two Pelican cases, enabling sense-decide-act cycles in 300 milliseconds even when every communication link is jammed or burning. Dell's new Pro Max systems with GB10 Grace-Blackwell accelerators fundamentally rewrite the tactical playbook. A 15-kilogram package now delivers what previously required containerized server farms, running 120-billion parameter models on vehicle power or 8-hour batteries without throttling. The operational specifications that matter include 1 petaFLOP of AI performance at 250W total system draw, and 128 GB of coherent unified LPDDR5x memory, keeping multiple models resident. NVIDIA Confidential Computing with FIPS 140-3 options for TS/SCI weights, while liquid-metal and vapor-chamber cooling enable 60°C ambient operation. This translates to AI firepower that survives Iraqi summers in a JLTV. Ukraine validates these capabilities daily. Pro Max Mini systems control 80 drones from a single Pelican case, using 120B coordination models that retask swarms, handle attrition, and adapt to jamming in real time. Marine Littoral Regiments are running models four times larger than 2024 systems at half the power consumption. The impact on engagement timelines is dramatic. Mast cameras stream 8K video at 120–180+ fps on 4K/8K feeds for instant threat detection. The system generates threat pop-up boxes, weapon slew commands, and shoot/don't shoot recommendations at 95% confidence levels. Human reaction time averages 4-6 seconds. AI-assisted response collapses to 400 milliseconds. Three fundamental shifts emerge from this edge computing revolution. Speed beats latency; 300ms local processing outperforms 3-second satellite round-trips. Resilience beats connectivity; systems function when everything else is offline. Integration beats isolation. One system handles every AI mission. For contractors: edge AI has moved from PowerPoint promises to operational reality. The question isn't whether to integrate AI at the tactical edge, but how fast you can deliver it. #DellProMax #EdgeAI #Defense

🚀 Europe’s Armed Forces Face a 15km 'Death Zone'—Startups Could Be the Key to Surviving It Europe’s militaries are confronting a new battlefield reality: a 15km "zone of total death" identified from the Ukrainian frontlines, where traditional logistics and manned operations have become lethal due to drones, electronic warfare, and precision strikes. At the recent UK-Ukraine Defence Tech Forum, General Valerii Zaluzhnyi put it bluntly: “Classical offensive operations are not just ineffective—they’re suicidal in these zones.” 👉 This challenge demands a radical rethink of logistics at the tactical edge. Troops cannot risk driving trucks into these zones. Instead, quiet, electric Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) must be deployed to ferry ammunition, supplies, and even evacuate the wounded—taking humans out of harm’s way. But here’s the breakthrough: AI-driven autonomy is making this possible. Startups like TENCORE are scaling rapidly to meet this need, delivering modular UGVs capable of: ✅ Autonomous navigation in GPS- and comms-denied environments using AI-powered perception and route planning ✅ Real-time adaptation to battlefield threats without direct operator control ✅ Modular mission-switching—from logistics to mine-laying to fire support—on a single platform These vehicles are engineered for extreme resilience and flexibility: battery swaps in under 10 seconds, lego-like repairability, and minimal human intervention. But let’s be clear: 👉 Hardware is now table stakes. It’s software that will win the wars of the future. The edge lies in the software layer: AI that can navigate and decide under electronic warfare and jamming Swarming algorithms that enable distributed, coordinated missions Autonomous decision-making at the tactical edge without waiting for command uplinks 🔥 The startup opportunity? Europe’s militaries urgently need: AI-first, software-defined autonomy platforms Interoperable software ecosystems across NATO forces Rapid software iteration matching the speed of battlefield adaptation In today’s wars, humans are the most expensive and vulnerable resource. AI-enabled autonomy isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the frontline’s survival mechanism. The future of defence will be fought in code, deployed on autonomous machines. 💬 If you’re building robotics, AI, autonomy platforms, or distributed software systems, this is your moment. Let’s connect: Europe’s defence ecosystem is ready for bold innovators. #DefenceInnovation #MilitaryLogistics #UGVs #AI #AutonomousSystems #SoftwareDefinedWarfare #StartupOpportunity #EuropeanSecurity #TechForDefence #Ukraine #KARISTA #PSION #NationalSecurity #Geopolitics #DualUseTech #OmniUse #DefenceTech #VentureCapital #Investing #TechCommandInvesting

AI at the Edge: Smaller Deployments Delivering Big Results The shift to edge AI is no longer theoretical—it’s happening now, and I’ve seen its power firsthand in industries like retail, manufacturing, and healthcare. Take Lenovo's recent ThinkEdge SE100 announcement at MWC 2025. This 85% smaller, GPU-ready device is a hands-on example of how edge AI is driving significant business value for companies of all sizes, thanks to deployments that are tactical, cost-effective, and scalable. I recently worked with a retail client who needed to solve two major pain points: keeping track of inventory in real time and improving loss prevention at self-checkouts. Rather than relying on heavy, cloud-based solutions, they rolled out an edge AI deployment using a small, rugged inferencing server. Within weeks, they saw massive improvements in inventory accuracy and fewer incidents of loss. By processing data directly on-site, latency was eliminated, and they were making actionable decisions in seconds. This aligns perfectly with what the ThinkEdge SE100 is designed to do: handle AI workloads like object detection, video analytics, and real-time inferencing locally, saving costs and enabling faster, smarter decision-making. The real value of AI at the edge is how it empowers businesses to respond to problems immediately, without relying on expensive or bandwidth-heavy data center models. The rugged, scalable nature of edge solutions like the SE100 also makes them adaptable across industries: Retailers** can power smarter inventory management and loss prevention. Manufacturers** can ensure quality control and monitor production in real time. Healthcare** providers can automate processes and improve efficiency in remote offices. The sustainability of these edge systems also stands out. With lower energy use (<140W even with GPUs equipped) and innovations like recycled materials and smaller packaging, they’re showing how AI can deliver results responsibly while supporting sustainability goals. Edge AI deployments like this aren’t just small innovations—they’re the key to unlocking big value across industries. By keeping data local, reducing latency, and lowering costs, businesses can bring the power of AI directly to where the work actually happens. How do you see edge AI transforming your business? If you’ve stepped into tactical, edge-focused deployments, I’d love to hear about the results you’re seeing. #AI #EdgeComputing #LenovoThinkEdgeSE100 #DigitalTransformation #Innovation

NATO recently sounded the alarm over Russia's potential to disrupt Western infrastructure, particularly undersea internet cables and GPS systems. The article highlights that over 95% of international communications rely on these cables, meaning any disruption could have catastrophic consequences for military and civilian operations. To counter these threats, disaggregated operations provide a tactical solution that ensures resilience and operational continuity. This approach decentralizes critical military functions, enabling units to operate independently while maintaining horizontal communication with other units. Some specifics: We distribute C2 functions across mobile platforms, such as vehicles or portable containers, to avoid disruptions. These mobile units are designed for quick deployment, adaptability, and autonomous operation. We rely on SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Networking) to maintain communication between these mobile C2 units. By leveraging SD-WAN, we use multiple communication paths and dynamically route data to ensure secure and resilient connectivity, even when traditional networks fail. We deploy microservices across multiple nodes instead of relying on centralized servers. This decentralized approach enhances system resilience, ensuring critical services stay operational even under attack. We position compute nodes closer to the front lines to enhance resilience and reduce latency. These edge nodes process data locally, enabling faster decision-making and action. Coupled with SD-WAN, we ensure efficient data processing and communication, even in disconnected environments. We implement mesh networks, supported by SD-WAN, to provide a flexible and robust alternative when traditional hierarchical communication fails. This allows units to communicate directly with each other, maintaining operational coherence even when cut off from higher headquarters. As operations grow more complex, we ensure seamless communication between different units and allied forces. SD-WAN manages diverse communication channels, keeping these networks interoperable and effective across various platforms and nationalities. Inspired by HIMARS's "shoot and scoot" tactics, we design mobile C2, compute, and network nodes for high mobility and quick redeployment. This mobility allows us to avoid detection and targeting by adversaries while continually adapting to the battlefield's dynamic nature. We combine the mobility of these units with SD-WAN’s ability to maintain communication, enabling dynamic operations. This allows us to relocate quickly and re-establish connections to stay ahead of the enemy. We implement radium-based internal timing systems in environments where GPS is jammed or unreliable. These systems provide precise timing independent of external GPS signals, ensuring that operations can continue seamlessly despite attempts to disrupt navigation and synchronization. What do you think? #SDWAN #threat

If you're building counter-UAS systems and haven't considered the JIATF-401 Commercial Solutions Opening, you may be 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 in defense right now. In less than five weeks, the market structure materially changed. Feb. 24: JIATF-401 launched its c-UAS marketplace, creating a procurement layer for validated solutions through an existing enterprise vehicle rather than forcing new contracting cycles. Feb. 27: The CSO opened with a low-friction Phase 1 requirement: a five-page solution brief across mobile, fixed-site, and command-and-control capability areas. Mar. 14: The first major signal arrived when JIATF-401 selected Anduril's Lattice as the common tactical C2 backbone in an initial $87M task order inside the larger $20B ID/IQ announcement. A lot of founders saw the $20B award to Anduril as market closure, "new Prime becoming the old Prime." No, it is the opposite and this is our moment. What JIATF-401 really signaled is that the counter-UAS fight needs a common, open, rapidly deployable platform layer that can integrate sensors, effectors, EW, and interagency workflows without rebuilding the stack every time. They've opened the door for Anduril to prove Lattice can become an important component in that layer. They can reach scale fast and can bring others with them if they choose to send the elevator back down. For everyone else building in sensing, EW, fixed-site defense, mobility, or effectors, there is real opportunity to share this win with the right strategic partnering. Some of the dust is finally settling after months of urgency, and JIATF-401 is leading. They recognize the need for interoperability, data sharing and have started with the U.K. We've been working closely with Japan Self Defense Force, USMC, and NATO on this for the last year to share those lessons across theaters. The teams that engage now can still shape the assumptions, workflows, and data standards. The teams that wait inherit requirements written by, and optimized for, someone else. For senior leaders, stop the shortsighted corner cutting that is costing us time and money every program cycle. Instead, follow the 401 pattern: give yourself options with an open C2 platform, broad acquisition ecosystem, and market competition of real capability. Don't get left behind. If your system works but your pathway to JIATF-401 is unclear, find and work with others who know the way. https://lnkd.in/gAujee_R

Had a great chat with Marc Langlois at Hexagon US Federal, who generously walked me through the capabilities of ARTEMIS—the Aerial Reconnaissance Tactical Edge Mapping Imagery System. Marc knows I’ve been deep into drone tech lately, and he didn’t hold back. ARTEMIS is built for the tactical edge: autonomous, portable, and designed to operate in disconnected environments. It leverages the eBee TAC drone (Blue UAS cleared, DIU-approved) and integrates with the Google Earth Enterprise Platform to deliver secure, high-res 2D/3D mapping—perfect for warfighters and peacekeepers who need situational awareness without compromise. What stood out most? It’s all commercially available, no ITAR restrictions, and deployable across a wide range of missions—from corridor mapping and coalition sharing to disaster response and humanitarian aid. Marc’s passion for empowering operators with intuitive, mission-ready tech is contagious. I left the conversation inspired by how far we’ve come—and how much more is possible when innovation meets purpose. Thanks again, Marc. Always appreciate learning from someone who’s shaping the future of geospatial intelligence. https://lnkd.in/gbDpXdiF #DroneTech #GeospatialInnovation #ARTEMIS #HexagonUSFederal #BlueUAS #WarfighterSupport #PeacekeeperTools #SituationalAwareness

Most people missed this.... In the span of ten [10] days, three [3] companies quietly assembled what could become the most important ISR architecture in Western defence. March 2: Ondas Inc. invests $10 million in World View. Partnership agreement signed. March 12: Palantir Technologies joins the partnership. Three AI-powered programmes announced. Here is what they are building: A unified multi-domain intelligence ecosystem that connects the stratosphere, the air and the ground under a single AI-driven operational framework! World View operates where nobody else does — the stratosphere. Their Stratollite® platform sits between satellites and aircraft, delivering persistent wide-area sensing for days or weeks at a fraction of satellite cost. This is the missing layer in the ISR stack. Ondas brings the tactical edge: the Optimus System (first FAA-certified autonomous UAS), Iron Drone Raider (counter-UAS interception), Roboteam ground robots (combat-proven with special operations forces) and Sentrycs | Counter-Drone Solutions Adapting at the Speed of Threats cyber counter-drone systems. Five [5] operating companies. One integrated autonomous portfolio! Palantir brings the intelligence layer that makes it all work together: → Warp Speed — scaling production from prototype to fleet → AI Flight Director — AI agents for mission planning across multiple Stratollites → SkyWeaver — edge intelligence processing on the platform itself This shifts ISR from data collection to decision delivery. That is a fundamental change. What makes this partnership compelling is the leadership behind it. Eric Brock has spent years assembling Ondas' autonomous portfolio through disciplined acquisitions: American Robotics, Airobotics, Roboteam, Sentrycs, Apeiro Motion [and more...] and is now connecting them into a single multi-domain architecture with the World View investment. That is strategic vision executed with operational precision. Ryan Hartman recognised that the stratosphere represents a trillion-dollar gap in the intelligence market and has been building World View to fill it. Partnering with Ondas and Palantir gives his platform the tactical layer below and the software layer above to become a complete intelligence solution, not just a balloon. With $2.72 trillion in global defence spending, NATO's 5% GDP target, and persistent ISR demand accelerating across every theatre, this partnership is positioned at the intersection of three of the most powerful trends in defence: autonomous systems, persistent sensing, and AI-driven operations. In attachment a detailed overview. Exited times ahead!

Garrett Smith would have you believe he's "a head in the clouds, visionary CEO who's not grounded in reality." But Reveal Technology's story proves otherwise. While some defense tech startups chase headlines and trade show sponsorships, Garrett and his team have quietly become the first commercial software solution certified on the Army's mobile network. Today on #CrossingtheValley, I sat down with Garrett and Dave Caudle, the company's VP of Defense, to unpack how a small team is revolutionizing tactical edge operations. This episode just might change how you think about defense tech. We cover: 🎯 The Power of Tactical Truth While others pitched PowerPoints to generals, Reveal spent time on ranges with sergeants and lieutenants, building capabilities they wished they had in combat. Result? When they finally met program leadership, the grassroots demand was undeniable. 💡 The Integration Revelation Most founders obsess over technology readiness (TRL). Reveal discovered early that integration readiness (IRL) is the real kingmaker. It's not enough to build great software – it has to seamlessly integrate into the warfighter's complex ecosystem. 🤝 The Platform Play What started as an edge mapping solution is morphing into something much bigger. With a recent acquisition and a $33.6M STRATFI award, Reveal is positioning to become the standard platform for AI-enabled operations at the tactical edge. Full episode available now at ValleyCrossers (dot) Com. Whether you're a founder, investor, or acquisition professional, you don't want to miss this. #DefenseTech #Military #Innovation #Leadership

Raven Doctrine, The Network is the System — Managing Sensor Inputs with SDN At the tactical edge, everything begins with inputs: radar, EO/IR, RF, UAV video, SATCOM, radios, and operator devices. The challenge lies not in connecting these inputs, but in controlling how data moves, where it goes, and what gets priority. Traditional networking is not suited for this environment. It relies on static configurations, complex constructs like VLANs and spanning trees, and assumes relatively stable conditions—none of which apply to the battlefield. This is where Software Defined Networking (SDN) transforms the model. With our Software Defined Network Switch, Raven enables true control-plane/data-plane separation, allowing operators to dictate traffic flow across the network. Instead of merely reacting to network behavior, operators can command it by: - Defining which sensors can communicate with which systems - Prioritizing mission-critical data above all else - Dynamically segmenting traffic to prevent interference or overload - Eliminating unnecessary network complexity SDN offers: - Deterministic data flow - Network segmentation by design - A deny-by-default posture at the network layer At the tactical edge, these capabilities are foundational. If the network cannot manage the inputs, the entire system is compromised. #SoftwareDefinedNetworks #Edgecompute #AI #Sensors #TacticalCommunications #Ruggedcompute #Army #Navy #AirForce #SpaceForce