Defense technology investment is running at a record pace in 2026, with $35.6 billion invested in defense and defense-adjacent startups during the first half of the year, according to PitchBook data provided to Tectonic Defense. That represents a 40% increase from 2025 and is already roughly two-thirds of the capital raised during all of last year. The first quarter set a record with $19.8 billion invested across 262 deals, followed by another $15 billion in Q2. The median funding round also nearly doubled year over year, climbing from $11 million to $20 million.
Autonomy has emerged as one of the biggest magnets for investment, with capital flowing into unmanned aircraft, ground vehicles, maritime systems and autonomous manufacturing. Several major defense tech companies have also landed enormous rounds, including Anduril’s $5 billion Series H, Shield AI’s $2 billion Series G and Saronic’s $1.75 billion Series D. But the funding boom is not evenly distributed. PitchBook found that the top five rounds represented 48% of first-half investment, suggesting investors are putting significant capital behind companies that have already demonstrated an ability to scale. At the same time, early-stage investment increased 47%, indicating there is still substantial interest in the next generation of defense technology companies.
Layoffs: Noble Supply & Logistics
Boston-based defense contractor Noble Supply & Logistics is preparing for significant job cuts at its Seaport headquarters, with 59 employees expected to be laid off by October 9. The company filed a WARN notice with Massachusetts officials indicating that it would have to permanently close its Boston office because of its financial circumstances. Noble supplies equipment and materials to government customers, including products ranging from tactical gear to electrical and hydraulic equipment.
The situation is tied to a contract dispute with the Defense Logistics Agency. Noble says it is pursuing a claim of approximately $100 million related to the termination of a major defense support contract and has warned that it could be forced to seek bankruptcy protection if its financial situation is not resolved. However, the company told the Boston Business Journal that it is looking for alternative financing in an effort to avoid closing the headquarters and laying off the affected employees.
Hiring: Everfox
Everfox is preparing to expand its workforce as demand grows for the Herndon, VA-based cybersecurity company’s technology. CEO David Wajsgras told the Washington Business Journal that the company plans to hire 200 employees, alongside a broader push to expand globally and integrate its technology with major defense technology and artificial intelligence players. Everfox specializes in secure information sharing, cross-domain solutions, insider risk and other cybersecurity capabilities used in mission-critical environments.
The hiring plans come as Everfox sees increasing demand from the Pentagon and other government customers. The company says its technology is currently trusted by more than 100 government organizations worldwide, putting the planned workforce expansion squarely in the national security and cleared talent market. For job seekers, the addition of 200 positions could make Everfox a company worth watching as it moves into its next stage of growth.
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Opportunity to Watch
World Wide Technology (WWT) has landed a potential $99 million U.S. Air Force contract to provide cybersecurity and engineering support for the 688th Cyberspace Wing. The firm-fixed-price contract falls under the Cybersecurity Service Provider-Assurance, Risk, Governance and Innovation Systems Security program, with work expected to continue through September 14, 2031, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas. No funds were obligated at the time of the award.
The contract was competitively awarded after the Air Force received 22 offers, putting WWT in a key support role for an organization responsible for continuous global network defense and cyberspace operations. The 688th Cyberspace Wing includes more than 3,200 active-duty personnel, civilians and contractor support across roughly two dozen units worldwide, making the award another notable opportunity for contractors supporting the Air Force’s growing cyber mission.
