Defense Tech Funding Breaks Records: $35.6B in H1 2026
Key Questions
How much defense tech funding occurred in H1 2026?
Defense tech funding reached $35.6B in H1 2026, representing a 40% year-over-year increase. Anduril's $5B Series H alone accounted for 14% of the total.
What are the dominant themes in defense tech investments?
Autonomy technologies such as UAVs, UGVs, and USVs represent the primary investment focus. This reflects a broader capital allocation shift alongside AI developments.
Which new defense unicorns emerged recently?
Kraken Technology Group became Europe's newest defense unicorn after raising $175M in a Series B round. The company specializes in maritime defense technologies and has joined the unicorn ranks.
Defense tech funding hit $35.6B in H1 2026, up 40% YoY. Anduril's $5B Series H alone accounts for 14%. Autonomy (UAV/UGV/USV) is the dominant theme. Barbell effect: early-stage and venture growth up, later-stage down. This is a core capital allocation shift alongside AI.