Marauder Launched 🏴‍☠️, Karp Honored 🏆, Anduril Fires 🚀, Firehawk Expands 🧪, Shield AI Upgrades 🤖

Saronic Acquires Gulf Craft, Unveils "Marauder" 🏴‍☠️

Saronic Technologies has acquired Gulf Craft (Louisiana-based shipbuilder), securing a shipyard and skilled workforce to rapidly scale autonomous ship production. The acquisition enables immediate manufacturing of the new 150-foot ASV Marauder, which can carry 40 tons, travel 3,500 nautical miles, and loiter for over 30 days. Saronic plans to invest $250 million into modernizing the facility and scaling to 50 vessels per year—creating 500+ jobs in Louisiana.

Alex Karp Makes TIME 100 for 2025 🏆

Time’s 100 honors Alex Karp for pioneering a “techno‑nationalist” vision that links Western influence to military strength rather than ideals, a stance he’s detailed in investor letters and his book The Technological Republic. His outspoken advocacy has attracted a dedicated following and reframed debates about technology’s role in geopolitics. At the same time, Palantir’s Q4 2024 revenue surged 36%, underscoring the market impact of Karp’s defense‑oriented data strategy.

Anduril Fires Hypersonic Milestone 🚀

Anduril Industries has successfully test fired its 21-inch hypersonic solid rocket motor twice in partnership with the U.S. Navy, marking a key milestone in the STANDARD Missile Program. The tests validate Anduril’s rapid development model and manufacturing approach, which leverages automation, analytics, and single-piece flow technology to outpace traditional SRM production methods. With a $75M investment into its Mississippi facility—on track for a July expansion—Anduril is preparing to scale quickly and deliver next-gen propulsion at speed and cost.

Firehawk Doubles Down in Midland 🧪

Firehawk Aerospace is expanding its West Texas test site, signing a new lease to double its footprint. The company is testing hybrid rocket engines powered by its proprietary 3D-printed solid fuel, and has hosted U.S. Army reps with plans to host the Air Force next. A new partnership with Fairlead will integrate Firehawk’s propellant into modular systems for defense applications, opening doors for future contracts.

Shield AI Acquires DDR 🤖

Shield AI has acquired Crowdbotics’ Data Driven Readiness (DDR) software, adding advanced flight‑data analytics to its Hivemind autonomy stack. DDR’s post‑mission debrief tools will now evaluate autonomous performance alongside human pilot proficiency, creating a unified, end‑to‑end solution for mission execution and continuous improvement. By integrating DDR, Shield AI accelerates trust and qualification in manned‑unmanned teaming (MUM‑T) and adds key DDR team members to bolster its autonomy roadmap.