Smack Technologies, a defence technology startup developing artificial intelligence tools for military decision-making, is raising $61 million in Series B funding to accelerate production of its flagship AI platform and develop wearable technology designed for battlefield use.
The funding comes as the US Department of Defense seeks to diversify its artificial intelligence suppliers and accelerate the deployment of AI technologies across the armed forces. Smack co-founder and CEO Andy Markoff said the company held discussions with the US Marine Corps and Navy earlier this year, with both services pushing the startup to increase production.
Pentagon Seeks Faster Battlefield AI
The growing demand for military AI reflects concerns within the Pentagon that future conflicts with technologically advanced adversaries could take place in highly decentralised and communications-degraded environments.
Unlike previous US military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, troops in future conflicts may not be able to continuously transmit battlefield information to centralised command centres. This could require soldiers and commanders to make more tactical decisions directly on the battlefield.
Markoff said future warfare is expected to be significantly more decentralised, increasing the need for AI systems capable of supporting rapid decision-making in contested environments.
Smack’s Omega AI Platform
Smack’s flagship technology, Omega, is designed to streamline the Marine Corps’ fires-planning process by helping determine targets, select appropriate responses and adjust plans when weapons, sensors or other battlefield resources become unavailable.
The company says Omega uses reinforcement-learning models and real-time computer vision to generate potential courses of action within minutes and rapidly adapt disrupted battle plans.
In July, Smack announced two prototype contracts with the Joint Fires Network (JFN) and the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab. While the individual contract values were not disclosed, the company said their combined value exceeded seven figures.
New Funding to Support Wearable AI
The latest funding will also support the development of Alpha, a wearable AI display designed to provide battlefield information directly to troops.
The forearm-mounted device is intended to replace improvised whiteboards and other tools that soldiers have traditionally used in the field. Smack has established an office in Austin, Texas, dedicated to developing the technology and plans to produce 10 to 20 prototype units over the next six months.
The valuation attached to the Series B funding round was not disclosed. Investors include Costanoa Ventures, First In, Point72 Ventures and Geodesic Capital, among others.
Smack Expands Workforce
The defence AI startup has also experienced rapid growth. Smack Technologies increased its workforce from 19 employees in April to 51, with plans to reach approximately 85 employees by the end of the year.
The company’s latest investment highlights the growing demand for AI-powered military decision-making systems, battlefield technology and autonomous defence solutions as the US military seeks faster and more adaptable technologies for future conflicts.
