Fortem Technologies, a Lindon, Utah-based provider of counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS), has raised $25M in an initial Series B tranche led by Lockheed Martin Ventures. The funding supports scaling production of its SkyDome system, which integrates AI-powered TrueView radars, command-and-control software, and DroneHunter F700 autonomous interceptors to detect and neutralize drone threats. This capital arrives amid escalating global UAS risks seen in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Lockheed Backs Swarm Defense Surge
The investment follows Lockheed Martin's prior $17.8M round in Fortem and aligns with its Sanctum C-UAS ecosystem. Competitors like Dedrone have raised $130M total, while DroneShield secured over $26M. Fortem differentiates with kinetic drone-on-drone interceptors, the only type authorized in U.S. airspace, proven against Group-3 threats like Shahed-136.
Drone Swarms Overwhelm Legacy Defenses
Low-cost drones costing $20K-$50K outpace expensive missile systems, with conflicts like Ukraine featuring hundreds of Shahed launches. Fortem reports nearly 5,000 UAVs captured successfully, achieving over 85% fixed-wing and 95% rotary capture rates. These metrics highlight the gap in scalable, low-collateral solutions for military bases, airports, and events.
TrueView Radars Power Edge Detection
Fortem's TrueView R40, R30, and R20 radars use AI for 4-12km detection and classification, feeding the SkyDome Manager for automated response. Unlike RF jammers from DroneShield or cyber takeover by D-Fend Solutions ($70M raised), DroneHunter F700 deploys nets for physical capture without debris or interference.
As Jon Gruen, Fortem CEO, noted:
"The rapid expansion of low-cost autonomous drones is outpacing many legacy defense systems."
This autonomous approach demonstrated 5-vs-5 swarm intercepts with zero human control.
Strategic Defense Giant Validates Tech
Lockheed Martin Ventures, with a $1B fund, targets deep-tech like autonomy and sensors, having backed Skydio and acquired Terran Orbital. The tranche deepens integration into Lockheed's platforms, signaling production scaling over mission capital. Fortem's selection for U.S. Army Replicator-2 and G-TEAD Marketplace underscores defense conviction.
C-UAS Market Scales to Billions
The counter-UAS market stands at $6.64B in 2025, projected to reach $20.31B by 2030 at 25.1% CAGR, per MarketsandMarkets. Another estimate pegs it at $10.63B with 26.5% growth. Epirus ($550M+ raised) focuses on directed energy, but Fortem's reusable interceptors address diverse threats from prisons to FIFA World Cup venues.
Radar Pioneer Leads Kinetic Shift
CTO and co-founder Adam Robertson brings 20+ years in miniature radar, having scaled a prior drone radar business to 100+ employees and $100M+ contracts. His invention of TrueView radars powers Fortem's edge over passive detection rivals. Recent hires like ex-Navy SEAL CEO Jon Gruen complement this with UAS command expertise.
Production Doubles Amid Contracts
Fortem plans to double manufacturing capacity at its Lindon facility, adding jobs to meet demand from an $18M U.S. Army deal and multimillion-dollar 2026 FIFA World Cup order. Deployments expand to utilities via Southern States partnership and global sites including East Asia.