Defense Tech Signals

Issue #2: 04 March 2025

Editor's Brief

Last week we explored Anduril Industries and their approach to autonomous systems development.

This week we turn our focus to Rebellion Defense and their AI-powered software platforms. As always, your feedback helps shape our coverage - reply directly to this email with questions or insights.

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SIGNAL BRIEF: Rebellion Defense - Software-First National Security

Rebellion Defense develops AI-powered software platforms for military mission planning, network security, and threat analysis, applying modern software practices to national security challenges. Their suite of products—including Iris for predictive analytics, SECURE for vulnerability assessment, Dispatch for mission planning, and Nova for defense analysis—addresses the Pentagon’s urgent need to modernize software capabilities outside of traditional acquisition cycles.

Origins & Vision

Founded in 2019 by Chris Lynch, Nicole Camarillo, and Oliver Lewis, Rebellion Defense emerged from a recognition that outdated software development processes were eroding the U.S. military’s technological edge. The founders, having seen firsthand how multi-year procurement cycles created capability gaps, set out to redefine defense technology with an agile, software-first approach.

Rebellion breaks from hardware-centric legacy contractors, instead prioritizing artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. This model has helped attract top-tier software engineering talent that traditionally avoids the defense sector.

As cyber and information warfare threats accelerate, defense leaders increasingly emphasize faster, adaptable software development—a gap Rebellion is positioned to fill by bringing Silicon Valley-style development methodologies to the defense industry.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

TECH RADAR: Rebellion's Software Portfolio

Iris – AI-Powered Threat Detection & Intelligence Analysis

Iris is an AI-driven threat detection and predictive analytics platform that enables military analysts and operators to track, predict, and plan against threats in complex operational environments. Designated as an "awardable" vendor on the DoD’s Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace, Iris can now be rapidly procured by defense agencies, enhancing multi-domain awareness and counter-unmanned systems (C-UAS) capabilities.

Key Capabilities:

  • Multi-Domain Threat Tracking – Monitors air, land, sea, and cyber threats.

  • Predictive Analytics – Uses AI to forecast adversary movements.

  • Real-Time Intelligence Processing – Helps users analyze large intelligence datasets.

  • Interoperability with DoD Systems – Seamlessly integrates with existing defense infrastructure.

SECURE – AI-Driven Cyber Vulnerability Assessment

SECURE is an AI-powered penetration testing platform that continuously scans networks for vulnerabilities. Using machine learning and predictive analysis, it helps defense organizations assess their cybersecurity posture and prioritize risk-based remediation.

Key Capabilities:

  • Continuous Threat Monitoring – Identifies emerging cyber threats in real-time.

  • Automated Risk Prioritization – Ranks vulnerabilities based on mission-critical impact.

  • Integration with Existing Security Frameworks – Works alongside DoD cybersecurity infrastructure.

Dispatch – AI-Powered Mission Planning

Dispatch is an AI-driven mission planning tool that rapidly recommends optimal courses of action by analyzing mission objectives, available assets, and environmental conditions. It helps commanders generate, evaluate, and adjust mission plans dynamically.

Key Capabilities:

  • Automated Mission Optimization – AI evaluates multiple tactical options.

  • Success Probability Analysis – Rates plans based on forecasted effectiveness.

  • Adaptive Resource Allocation – Automatically assigns military assets based on mission needs.

Nova – Adversary Analysis & Defense Comparison

Nova is a strategic analysis platform that models adversary capabilities, comparing them against a nation’s defense strengths and weaknesses. It provides planners with simulated conflict scenarios to test military resilience.

Key Capabilities:

  • Adversary Capability Modeling – Analyzes potential threats across domains.

  • Defense Readiness Assessment – Evaluates national strengths and vulnerabilities.

  • War-Gaming & Scenario Simulations – Helps planners anticipate and counter enemy strategies.

Mission Engineering Software Delivery Model

Rebellion’s Mission Engineering model reflects a shift from traditional defense development cycles:

  • Continuous Delivery – Deploys updates in days or weeks, not years.

  • Open Architecture – Uses modular designs and open APIs for seamless integration.

  • Data Ownership – Ensures government customers retain control over data.

  • Mission-Ready Deployment – Works across cloud-based and denied environments.

By focusing on agility and interoperability, Rebellion helps defense organizations deploy cutting-edge software solutions faster than legacy acquisition models allow.

MARKET & CAREER SIGNALS

Funding & Growth

Rebellion Defense has raised $223.8 million across multiple rounds:

  • Seed Round (July 2019): $11.3M

  • Series A (April 2021): $62.5M

  • Series B (September 2021): $150M

  • Valuation (2021): $1.15B

Hiring & Expansion

With offices in Washington, D.C., Seattle, and London, Rebellion is scaling to meet the growing demand for AI-driven defense solutions. Their hiring strategy emphasizes commercial tech talent in mission-driven roles.

In-Demand Roles:

  • Software Engineers – Focused on modern development practices.

  • Machine Learning Engineers & Data Scientists – AI-driven analytics and automation.

  • DevSecOps Specialists – Secure and scalable deployment solutions.

  • Product Managers – Expertise in software delivery.

  • Technical Program Managers – Overseeing AI-driven defense projects.

By providing a direct path for commercial software professionals to impact national security, Rebellion offers a compelling alternative to traditional tech careers.

LOOKING AHEAD

Rebellion’s software-first model positions it for expanded adoption across the DoD, but challenges remain:

  • Legacy Integration – Adapting AI software to older defense systems requires significant effort.

  • AI Reliability in Contested Environments – Performance can be impacted by data manipulation or degraded inputs.

  • Security & Classification Hurdles – Agile development must align with DoD security protocols.

Despite these hurdles, Rebellion’s inclusion in Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace highlights its growing credibility in the defense sector. As AI-driven warfare continues to evolve, Rebellion Defense represents a key player in shaping the future of software-defined military capabilities.

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