Rapid Build Drone Program Signals Shift In Pentagon Procurement Strategy

California-based defense startups Divergent Technologies and Mach Industries have successfully flown a new autonomous strike aircraft, Venom, just 71 days after concept development. The project utilized a fully digital design and additive manufacturing process, reducing part count and eliminating traditional tooling. The companies’ achievement demonstrates the potential for rapid production of unmanned systems, aligning with the Pentagon’s push for ‘affordable mass’. The program has gained visibility at senior levels within the Department of Defense, with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth meeting with company executives. This development was first reported by AeroTime.