Lockheed Martin Invests in Fortem's Counter-Drone Tech

Fortem Technologies has secured $50 million in Series B funding, with Lockheed Martin participating as an investor. The counter-drone company plans to use the capital to rapidly expand its manufacturing capabilities and increase bookings. CEO Jon Gruen sat down with Ed Ludlow on "Bloomberg Tech" to discuss how the relationship with Lockheed has evolved from a venture investment into a strategic partnership focused on deploying technology together. Gruen also shared insights from Fortem's experience operating in active conflict zones, where its counter-drone systems have been put to the test. He explained how these real-world deployments have informed product development and helped the company refine its offerings for both military and civilian applications. The funding round marks a significant milestone for Fortem as it seeks to scale its operations and meet growing global demand for counter-drone solutions. The interview provides a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities in the counter-drone market, highlighting the importance of partnerships between established defense contractors and agile startups. Gruen's perspective on the evolving threat landscape and Fortem's role in addressing it offers valuable context for understanding the future of drone defense.