Fortem Technologies
Provides airspace security and defense solutions to detect, track, classify, and defeat aerial threats using radar, AI, and interceptor drones.
Website: https://fortemtech.com/
Publicly reported
| Name | Fortem Technologies |
| Tagline | Airspace Awareness Safety & Security [Fortem Technologies] |
| Headquarters | Lindon, United States |
| Founded | 2016 [Tectonic Defense, September 2026] |
| Stage | Series B |
| Business Model | Hardware + Software |
| Industry | Defense / Govtech |
| Technology | Robotics |
| Geography | North America |
| Growth Profile | Venture Scale |
| Founding Team | Co-Founders (2) [Dealroom.co] |
| Funding Label | $50M+ (total disclosed ~$94,100,000) [Tracxn] |
Links
Publicly reported
- Website: https://fortemtech.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortem-technologies/
- X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/FortemTech
Summary and Signal
Publicly reported Fortem Technologies is a counter-drone defense startup that has secured a strategic position in a rapidly expanding market by combining proprietary radar, AI software, and autonomous interceptor drones into a single, full-stack system. The company's recent $50 million Series B round, led by Lockheed Martin, signals both a capital infusion and a critical validation of its technology and go-to-market strategy within the defense industrial base [Fortem Technologies, September 2026]. Founded in 2016, Fortem has evolved from a radar specialist to a provider of the SkyDome system, which aims to address the entire threat chain from detection to kinetic neutralization [Tectonic Defense, September 2026].
Its product differentiation hinges on the integration of its TrueView radar and DroneHunter interceptor, a drone-on-drone capture system designed to minimize collateral damage, a key consideration for urban and critical infrastructure defense [Dealroom News]. The founding team, Adam Robertson and Timothy Bean, established the technical foundation, while CEO Jon Gruen now leads the company through a period of operational scale and government contracting [Bloomberg, October 2026].
With a disclosed funding total of approximately $94 million and a hardware-plus-software business model, Fortem is capitalizing on urgent demand, evidenced by contracts with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Army [Fortem Technologies, September 2026]. Over the next 12-18 months, the primary focus for investors will be the execution of these major contracts, the integration and scaling of manufacturing for Lockheed Martin, and the company's ability to convert its selection for a potential $1 billion DHS program into sustained, high-margin revenue.
One source, partially checked -- Core business facts and funding are confirmed by company announcements and secondary defense publications; some product performance metrics and founder backgrounds rely on single sources or company statements.
Taxonomy Snapshot
| Axis | Value |
|---|---|
| Stage | Series B |
| Business Model | Hardware + Software |
| Industry / Vertical | Defense / Govtech |
| Technology Type | Robotics |
| Geography | North America |
| Growth Profile | Venture Scale |
| Founding Team | Co-Founders (2) |
| Funding | $50M+ (total disclosed ~$94,100,000) |
Company Overview
Publicly reported Fortem Technologies was founded in 2016 in Lindon, Utah, as a specialized developer of counter-uncrewed-aircraft systems [Crunchbase]. The company's early positioning focused on integrating radar, software, and autonomous drones into a single defensive stack, a structure that has remained consistent through its growth. Its initial public funding milestone came in March 2021 with a $15 million strategic investment from Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions, which also established a formal business alliance [Fortem Technologies, March 2021].
A significant operational milestone was reached in 2022, when the company reported deployments of its SkyDome system protecting high-profile campuses in Europe [Fortem Technologies, January 2022]. The trajectory accelerated in 2026 with a major strategic partnership and funding influx. In April 2026, defense prime Lockheed Martin invested $25 million as an initial tranche of a Series B round, citing urgent demand for counter-UAS technology [Fortem Technologies, April 2026]. This was followed by the close of a $50 million Series B in September 2026, again led by Lockheed Martin [Fortem Technologies, September 2026]. Concurrently, the company opened a new advanced manufacturing headquarters in Lindon to meet global demand [Fortem Technologies, June 2025].
One source, partially checked -- Founding details and early funding corroborated by Crunchbase and company press releases. Later milestones and partnerships are sourced directly from company announcements, with independent publisher coverage for the 2026 funding rounds [Tectonic Defense, September 2026].
The Product and the Stack
Public record plus analysis
Fortem Technologies’ commercial proposition is a full-stack, integrated system for countering uncrewed aerial threats, a deliberate architectural choice that distinguishes it from point-solution vendors. The company’s core offering, branded as the SkyDome® Family of Systems, combines three hardware and software layers into a single workflow: TrueView® radar sensors for detection, AI-powered command-and-control software (SkyDome Manager) for tracking and classification, and DroneHunter® autonomous interceptor drones for kinetic neutralization [Fortem Technologies, September 2026]. This integrated approach is designed to address the entire “counter-drone kill chain,” a wedge emphasized in coverage of the company’s strategy [Tectonic Defense, September 2026].
The system’s technical differentiation appears anchored in its radar and interceptor capabilities. TrueView radar is described as a compact, low-power sensor specialized for detecting small, low-flying drones [AERPAW User Manual]. The DroneHunter interceptor, which is cued by this radar and controlled by the SkyDome Manager software, employs a net-based capture mechanism intended to minimize collateral damage compared to destructive countermeasures [Dealroom News]. Independent testing sources report a high success rate for the interceptor in demonstrations, though specific performance figures vary between company claims and third-party accounts [CUAS Hub]. A notable public capability is the company’s authorization to deploy a drone-on-drone kinetic interceptor in U.S. national airspace, a status it claims is exclusive [BusinessWire, January 2026].
Public evidence points to ongoing product development and manufacturing scale-up. Job postings for roles like Principal Radar Systems Engineer and Senior RF Engineer signal a continued focus on core sensor technology [PUBLIC]. Similarly, openings for Production Engineers and a Shipping & Logistics Specialist, all listed as on-site, suggest an active manufacturing and fulfillment operation in Lindon, Utah, consistent with the company’s 2025 announcement of a new advanced manufacturing headquarters [Fortem Technologies, June 2025]. The technology stack is inferred from these postings to involve specialized RF engineering, systems integration, and hardware production.
One source, partially checked -- Core product architecture is described in company press releases and corroborated by independent defense publications. Specific technical claims (e.g., radar specs, interceptor success rates) have partial third-party corroboration, but detailed performance data and software capabilities remain primarily company-sourced.
The Market They Are Entering
Publicly reported The counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) market is moving from a niche military concern to a critical layer of national and corporate security, driven by the proliferation of low-cost, commercially available drones and their weaponization in active conflicts.
Third-party market sizing for the specific C-UAS segment is not widely published, but analogous defense technology reports provide a directional view. The broader global military drone market was valued at approximately $13.9 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $23.9 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual rate of 8.0% [Fortune Business Insights, 2024]. Within this, the counter-drone segment is often cited as one of the fastest-growing sub-categories, though precise figures vary. A separate analysis of the global counter-UAS market estimated its size at $2.8 billion in 2024, with a forecast to exceed $7.5 billion by 2029 [MarketsandMarkets, 2024]. The SAM for a full-stack hardware and software provider like Fortem would be a subset of this, focused on systems for military, government, and critical infrastructure protection.
The primary demand drivers are well-documented in defense and security publications. The use of small drones for surveillance, smuggling, and direct attacks has become commonplace in conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, validating the need for kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures [Tectonic Defense, September 2026]. This has accelerated procurement timelines within defense departments globally. Concurrently, regulatory pressure is increasing on commercial and critical infrastructure operators. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Homeland Security are actively developing rules and funding programs to secure airspace around airports, power plants, and large public events, creating a parallel demand stream from non-military buyers [Fortem Technologies, September 2026].
Key adjacent markets include traditional air defense, electronic warfare, and physical perimeter security, each representing a potential substitute or complementary solution. Legacy air defense systems are ill-suited for small, low-flying drones, creating the wedge for specialized C-UAS technology. Electronic warfare and signal jamming systems address part of the threat but often lack the discrimination to avoid disrupting friendly communications and may be prohibited in civilian areas. The regulatory landscape is both a tailwind and a complexity; agencies like the FAA govern national airspace, while export controls (e.g., International Traffic in Arms Regulations) strictly govern the sale of advanced defense technology abroad, impacting market expansion strategies.
Military Drone Market 2023 | 13.9 | $B
Military Drone Market 2030 | 23.9 | $B
Counter-UAS Market 2024 | 2.8 | $B
Counter-UAS Market 2029 | 7.5 | $B
The available sizing data, while from analogous markets, illustrates a sector with a credible growth trajectory. The counter-UAS segment's projected near-tripling in five years suggests investor and contractor expectations are aligning around a sustained, multi-billion dollar addressable market, though precise company-level penetration remains unverified.
One source, partially checked -- Market sizing is drawn from third-party analyst reports (Fortune Business Insights, MarketsandMarkets) but is not specific to the company's exact product segment. Demand drivers are corroborated by industry reporting.
The Competitive Field
Public record plus analysis Fortem Technologies operates in a crowded and rapidly evolving segment where competitive advantage is defined by system integration, regulatory access, and the ability to execute on large government contracts.
| Company | Positioning | Stage / Funding | Notable Differentiator | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fortem Technologies | Full-stack counter-UAS (radar, C2, kinetic interceptor) | Series B / ~$94M | Proprietary TrueView radar & DroneHunter kinetic interceptor; FAA authorization for drone-on-drone interception in U.S. airspace [BusinessWire, January 2026] | [Fortem Technologies, September 2026] |
| Anduril | Integrated defense platforms (C-UAS, autonomous systems, command & control) | Late-stage / $2.9B+ | Large-scale prime contractor capabilities; Lattice OS software platform; focus on autonomous, attritable systems [Anduril] | [Competitor list] |
| Dedrone Holdings Inc. | RF-focused C-UAS detection, tracking, and mitigation | Acquired (2023) / $85M pre-acq. | Strong focus on RF sensor fusion and AI classification; acquired by Axon [Axon, 2023] | [Competitor list] |
| DroneShield | Portable and fixed-site C-UAS solutions (RF, acoustic, radar) | Public (ASX:DRO) / ~A$1.2B market cap | Broad portfolio of portable, rapidly deployable systems; strong international government customer base [DroneShield] | [Competitor list] |
| BlueHalo | Mission-focused defense technology (C-UAS, directed energy, space) | Private / $1.5B valuation (2023) | Integrated laser-based counter-drone systems (Titan); focus on directed-energy weaponry [BlueHalo] | [Competitor list] |
The competitive map is segmented by technological approach and customer access. On one side are large defense primes and system integrators like Lockheed Martin, Leonardo DRS, and CACI International Inc., which compete for multi-billion-dollar program-of-record contracts. These incumbents offer scale and integration muscle but often rely on partnering with or acquiring specialized technology. On the other side are pure-play C-UAS challengers, which range from sensor specialists (e.g., Dedrone with RF, Black River Systems with AI/ML tracking) to kinetic interceptor providers (e.g., ParaZero with parachute recovery systems). Fortem’s full-stack positioning aims to bridge these segments, offering a vertically integrated solution that can be both a standalone system for end-users and a subsystem for larger primes.
Fortem’s most tangible edge today appears to be its regulatory position and its capital partnership with Lockheed Martin. The company claims to be the only entity authorized by the FAA to deploy a drone-on-drone kinetic interceptor in U.S. national airspace [BusinessWire, January 2026]. This is a significant, perishable moat; it is a time-bound regulatory advantage that could be extended to competitors through lengthy certification processes. The strategic investment and integration partnership with Lockheed Martin provides a powerful distribution channel into large government programs, such as the Sanctum counter-UAS architecture, which competitors without a prime anchor may struggle to access [Fortem Technologies, April 2026]. However, this edge is also a point of exposure, creating a degree of customer concentration and dependency on a single, powerful partner for scaling.
The company’s primary exposure lies in competing against better-capitalized, full-spectrum rivals that can outspend on R&D and sales. Anduril, for instance, has raised over $2.9 billion and is building a broad suite of autonomous defense systems, not just counter-drone technology. Its Lattice OS software platform and prime contracting ambitions position it to bid on and fulfill contracts of a scale that may be beyond Fortem’s current capacity. Furthermore, Fortem’s focus on net-based kinetic capture, while reducing collateral damage, may be seen as a niche solution compared to layered defense systems that also incorporate electronic warfare, spoofing, or directed-energy options offered by competitors like Epirus or BlueHalo.
The most plausible 18-month scenario hinges on the execution of announced government contracts and the Lockheed Martin partnership. If Fortem successfully integrates its SkyDome system into the U.S. Army’s worldwide installation defense program and the DHS’s billion-dollar Track 1 contract, it will solidify its position as a trusted subsystem provider and could become a likely acquisition target for a larger defense contractor seeking its interceptor technology and airspace authorization. In this scenario, sensor-focused competitors without a kinetic mitigation solution may lose share in integrated program bids. Conversely, if integration timelines slip or a competing interceptor platform gains similar FAA authorization, Fortem could find itself in a crowded middle ground, pressured by larger primes above and more agile, software-focused C-UAS providers below.
One source, partially checked -- Competitor list and basic positioning are publicly listed; specific differentiators for Fortem (FAA authorization, Lockheed partnership) are from company announcements. Competitive analysis of other firms is based on public positioning, not detailed product benchmarking.
Opportunity
Publicly reported The prize for Fortem Technologies is to become the integrated, full-stack counter-UAS standard for Western military and critical infrastructure defense, a role with a plausible path to a multi-billion dollar valuation based on current contract momentum and strategic backing.
The headline opportunity is to be the default, integrated hardware and software layer for layered air defense in an era of proliferating drone threats. This is not a niche product play but a bid to define the architecture for a new domain of warfare and security. The evidence that makes this outcome reachable, rather than merely aspirational, includes the company's selection as the only small business on a five-year, $1.011 billion ceiling DHS contract track [Fortem Technologies, September 2026] and its deepening integration into Lockheed Martin's Sanctum counter-UAS ecosystem [Fortem Technologies, April 2026]. These are not pilot programs but production-level commitments from two of the most significant buyers and integrators in the defense sector, suggesting Fortem's full-stack approach is being validated as a solution, not just a component.
Growth from this foundation could follow several concrete paths, each with identifiable catalysts.
| Scenario | What happens | Catalyst | Why it's plausible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform Standard for NATO Allies | Fortem's SkyDome system becomes the recommended or de facto C-UAS standard for allied militaries, driven by U.S. adoption and interoperability requirements. | A major Foreign Military Sale (FMS) or NATO procurement program that specifies Fortem technology, potentially following its deployment in Ukraine [BusinessWire, January 2026]. | The U.S. Army's three-year, $18 million installation defense contract provides a referenceable deployment [Tectonic Defense, September 2026]. Lockheed's global defense sales channel can accelerate this path. |
| Critical Infrastructure Mandate | Regulations or insurance requirements mandate counter-drone systems for airports, power grids, and communication networks, creating a large commercial and government adjacent market. | An FAA rulemaking or DHS directive following a high-profile drone incident at critical infrastructure. | Fortem has already sold its TrueView radar to a top U.S. communication provider for infrastructure protection [Fortem Technologies, August 2021], establishing an early beachhead in this segment. |
| Acquisition by a Prime | Fortem is acquired by a major defense prime (e.g., Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman) to own the full-stack C-UAS capability outright and accelerate its integration across product lines. | The successful fulfillment and expansion of the current DHS contract, proving the system's scalability and reliability in the field. | Lockheed Martin's successive investments, totaling $75 million, and its role as the lead strategic investor indicate a deep operational partnership that could naturally evolve [Fortem Technologies, September 2026]. |
Compounding for Fortem looks like a data and integration flywheel. Each new deployment of TrueView radar and DroneHunter interceptors generates proprietary data on drone swarm tactics, flight patterns, and evasion techniques. This data can be used to train the AI in the SkyDome Manager software, improving classification accuracy and autonomous response times. A more effective system wins more contracts, which in turn deploys more sensors, generating more data. This creates a performance moat that is difficult for new entrants or point-solution vendors to replicate. Early signs of this flywheel are suggested by the company's claim of technology validation in operational deployments across multiple active theaters [BusinessWire, January 2026], implying real-world data is already informing product development.
The size of the win, if the platform standard scenario plays out, can be framed by looking at comparable public defense technology firms. For example, Mercury Systems, which provides trusted, secure mission-critical subsystems for aerospace and defense, currently holds a market capitalization of approximately $2.4 billion. A company that becomes the entrenched provider of a new, essential defense layer like counter-UAS could command a similar or greater valuation. This is a scenario-based comparable, not a forecast, but it illustrates the magnitude of the opportunity given the strategic nature of the capability and the scale of government budgets being allocated. The DHS contract ceiling alone suggests a billion-dollar revenue opportunity over five years for the selected vendors [DroneLife, September 2026], of which Fortem is one.
One source, partially checked -- The core opportunity thesis is supported by publicly disclosed contracts and partnerships (DHS, U.S. Army, Lockheed Martin), but specific valuation comparables and the detailed mechanics of the proposed data flywheel are not independently corroborated beyond company claims.
Sources
Publicly reported
[Fortem Technologies] Fortem Technologies | Airspace Awareness Safety & Security | https://fortemtech.com/
[Fortem Technologies, September 2026] Fortem Technologies Closes $50M Series B Financing Led by Lockheed Martin | https://fortemtech.com/press-releases/2026-09-30-fortem-technologies-closes-50m-series-b-financing-led-by-lockheed-martin/
[Tectonic Defense, September 2026] Exclusive: Counter-drone startup Fortem raises $50M Series B | https://www.tectonicdefense.com/exclusive-counter-drone-startup-fortem-raises-50m-series-b/
[Bloomberg, October 2026] Watch Lockheed Backs Fortem’s Counter-Drone Push | https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2026-10-02/lockheed-backs-fortem-s-counter-drone-push-video
[Dealroom.co] Fortem Technologies company information, funding & investors | https://app.dealroom.co/companies/fortem_technologies
[Crunchbase] Fortem Technologies - Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding | https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/fortem-technologies
[Tracxn] Fortem Technologies - 2026 Company Profile, Team, Funding & Competitors | https://tracxn.com/d/companies/fortem-technologies/__bkItKU4AZ7eGT0sA63--ASSsYtIQqKbOPuC_5x3lknc
[Fortem Technologies, March 2021] Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Invests $15 Million in Fortem Technologies | https://fortemtech.com/press-releases/
[Fortem Technologies, April 2026] Lockheed Martin Invests $25M in Fortem Technologies to Meet Urgent Demand for Countering UAS Threats | https://fortemtech.com/press-releases/2026-04-22-lockheed-martin-invests-25m-in-fortem-technologies-to-meet-urgent-demand-for-countering-uas-threats/
[Fortem Technologies, June 2025] Fortem Technologies Opens New Advanced Manufacturing Headquarters to Meet Global Demand for Counter-Drone Defense | https://fortemtech.com/press-releases/2025-06-17-fortem-technologies-opens-new-advanced-manufacturing-headquarters-to-meet-global-demand-for-counter-drone-defense/
[Fortem Technologies, January 2022] SkyDome and DroneHunters are deployed protecting high-profile campuses against drone surveillance and attack in Europe | https://fortemtech.com/press-releases/
[AERPAW User Manual] AERPAW User Manual | https://aerpaw.org/
[Dealroom News] TrueView radar detects and tracks low-flying drones, while DroneHunter interceptor fires a net to entangle targets rather than destroy them, cutting collateral damage | https://dealroom.co/
[CUAS Hub] DroneHunter has a success rate of more than 90 percent in dozens of demonstrations and can intercept fixed-wing drones with a 2-meter wingspan | https://cuashub.com/
[BusinessWire, January 2026] Fortem is the only company authorized to deploy a drone-on-drone kinetic interceptor in U.S. airspace | https://www.businesswire.com/
[Fortune Business Insights, 2024] Military Drone Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis | https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/
[MarketsandMarkets, 2024] Counter-UAS Market by Technology, Platform, Application, End Use and Region - Global Forecast to 2029 | https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/
[Fortem Technologies, August 2021] TrueView® R30 ground-based radar and SkyDome Manager software were purchased by one of the nation’s top communication providers | https://fortemtech.com/press-releases/
[DroneLife, September 2026] Fortem Technologies Funding: $50M Series B | https://dronelife.com/2026/09/30/fortem-technologies-funding-50m-series-b/
Articles about Fortem Technologies
- Fortem Technologies Lands Lockheed Martin as a Customer and a $50M Investor — The Utah-based counter-drone startup is now integrated into the defense giant's Sanctum ecosystem, with systems deployed in Ukraine and at the FIFA World Cup.