Defense Innovation Unit Sought Private Capital Firms

The agency launched the CLASS ACT solicitation to accelerate the development of maritime counter-drone technologies.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Terrorism

Isometric editorial illustration of a modular ship-mounted anti-drone turret on a steel deck, representing defense technology procurement. — The Defense Innovation Unit is seeking private capital partnerships to accelerate the development of advanced kinetic systems designed to counter maritime drone threats. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Defense Innovation Unit is soliciting private capital firms to fund the development of new maritime counter-unmanned systems. The program targets the creation of advanced technologies before potential government procurement.

Why it matters

This initiative aims to modernize the acquisition process, which can take two years to start after a capability need is identified. By leveraging private funding, the agency hopes to expedite the deployment of essential national security assets.

Applicants must demonstrate at least $100 million in available capital and a $5 million average investment history in national security. The agency has set aside $200 million for follow-on prototyping or production deals.

The players

Defense Innovation Unit

This Department of Defense organization focuses on accelerating the adoption of commercial technology for national security.

The details

The CLASS ACT solicitation requires that firm management consists of U.S. citizens and that applicants qualify as nontraditional government contractors. These investors will provide the financial backing for technology companies to develop shipborne kinetic defeat systems.

January 2026: The agency initiated requests for shipborne kinetic counter-drone system submissions.
July 2026: Officials opened a $100 million challenge for the development of unmanned surface vessels.
October 13, 2026: The submission deadline for all responses to the CLASS ACT solicitation.

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Legal Context

This effort follows the requirements set by the CLASS ACT solicitation for private funding of defense tech. The approach marks a shift toward leveraging private venture capital to overcome traditional multi-year federal acquisition delays.

While this solicitation targets institutional investors, it represents a change in how the government funds national security measures. Residents may see faster deployment of advanced maritime security systems to protect coastal waters.

The takeaway

The program creates a model for the government to use private capital to solve pressing defense capability gaps. Investors must ensure they meet stringent citizenship and security investment thresholds to participate.