🧪 Anduril, Meta & OpenAI Execs to Commission into Army Reserve, Form Detachment 201

📬 In Today’s Defense Brief

🚀 Muon Space Expands Series B and Acquires Propulsion Startup to Scale Production LINK

💰 Gecko Doubles Valuation to $1.25 B, Reaching Unicorn Status LINK

💣 Israel Targets Iranian Military Leaders, Nuclear Sites in Wave of Strikes, IDF Says LINK

🧪 Anduril, Meta & OpenAI Execs to Commission into Army Reserve, Form Detachment 201 LINK

⚛️ US Navy 400 kW “Songbow” Laser Enters Development for Shipboard Defense LINK

🎱 Plus 10 other news stories you may like

📰 Full Breakdown

🚀 Muon Space Expands Series B and Acquires Propulsion Startup to Scale Production LINK

• Muon Space closed a Series B funding round and used proceeds to acquire a rocket-propulsion startup.

• The acquisition supports its goal to scale production of high-volume satellite buses.

• Company leadership says this move will accelerate its roadmap into commercial and national security missions.

💰 Gecko Doubles Valuation to $1.25 B, Reaching Unicorn Status LINK

• Gecko Aerospace — provider of aircraft and satellite inspection tools — has reached a $1.25 billion valuation.

• The increase follows new investment and European market expansion.

• The unicorn milestone reflects growing demand for its inspection technology across defense and space sectors.

💣 Israel Targets Iranian Military Leaders, Nuclear Sites in Wave of Strikes, IDF Says LINK

• The Israeli military confirmed a wave of strikes targeting senior Iranian military officials and nuclear infrastructure across Iran.

• Reports indicate the use of advanced air-launched munitions, with damage assessments ongoing.

• The IDF says the operation was in response to escalating threats and intelligence on imminent hostile action.

🧪 Anduril, Meta & OpenAI Execs to Commission into Army Reserve, Form Detachment 201 LINK

• A group of executives from Anduril, Meta, and OpenAI will formally commission into the U.S. Army Reserve under a new tech talent initiative.

• The cohort will form “Detachment 201,” aimed at embedding cutting-edge AI, autonomy, and defense software expertise within the military.

• Officials describe it as a model for future public-private defense innovation pipelines.

⚛️ US Navy 400 kW “Songbow” Laser Enters Development for Shipboard Defense LINK

• The Navy is developing “Songbow,” a 400 kW-class directed-energy weapon aimed at countering drones and small boats.

• The laser is designed for shipboard installation and integration with existing combat systems.

• Development is ongoing, with the system expected to enhance layered maritime defense capabilities.

🌏 Other Important News

• USAF Slashes F‑35 Buy, Boosts Next‑Gen Fighter in Unconventional 2026 Budget Proposal LINK

• DoD Zeroes In on Boosting Cybersecurity for Military Sustainment Systems LINK

• PL: NATO Selects Planet for Seven‑Figure Contract for Advanced Satellite Monitoring LINK

• Chinese J‑15 Fighters Make Unusual Maneuver Toward Japanese Surveillance Aircraft LINK

• GAO Report: Air Force’s HACM Hypersonic Cruise Missile Behind Schedule LINK

• Navy F/A‑XX Fighter Jet Included in 2026 Budget, Oversight by Hegseth, Phelan, Caine LINK

• Report to Congress on Army Dark Eagle Hypersonic Weapon LINK

• U.S. Needs to Rewrite Foreign Military Sales Process, CENTCOM Chief Says LINK

• JAGM Missile: $179 M Netherlands Approval from U.S. LINK

• Israeli Agents Sabotaged Iranian Defenses Prior to Airstrikes, Official Says LINK

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