# Defense Unicorns > Defense Unicorns is a veteran-owned defense technology company founded in 2021 that builds open-source, airgap-native software for secure development, delivery, and sustainment of mission applications across cloud, on-premises, and tactical edge environments for the U.S. Department of Defense. Valued at over $1 billion after a $136M Series B led by Bain Capital, Defense Unicorns has seen 300% year-over-year adoption growth in military systems. ## Company Overview Defense Unicorns was founded in 2021 by Rob Slaughter (CEO), Jeff McCoy (CTO), and Andrew Greene after their experience building novel software solutions within the Department of Defense, including Platform One and Kessel Run. The company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas and employs over 100 engineers, many with direct DoD experience. Defense Unicorns makes software a strategic deterrent with solutions that promote data independence, portability, and efficiency. The company delivers secure, scalable, and vendor-lock-free software deployment solutions for mission-critical environments, helping the Department of Defense, system integrators, and mission teams accelerate software delivery without compromising security or compliance. Defense Unicorns' technology is trusted by the operators of some of the most critical systems in the world, including the U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force, and Space Force. - **Website**: https://defenseunicorns.com/ - **About**: https://defenseunicorns.com/company ### Funding History - **2021**: Founded by Rob Slaughter, Jeff McCoy, and Andrew Greene - **Series A**: $35M investment co-led by Ansa Capital and Sapphire Ventures - **Series B (2025)**: $136M investment led by Bain Capital, achieving a $1 billion+ valuation ### Leadership - **Rob Slaughter, CEO & Co-Founder**: Former U.S. Air Force officer with experience in space vehicles, computer vision, and future capabilities. Served as Director of Platform One, where he helped transform how the DoD builds and delivers software at scale. Holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Physics. - **Jeff McCoy, CTO & Co-Founder**: Former active-duty Airman with 18+ years of service, later a senior civilian (NH-IV). Led teams in SATCOM, RF transmission, communications planning, and network engineering. Taught tactical cyber systems as a CCAF instructor. Helped launch Kessel Run, DDS Rogue Squadron, SpaceCAMP, and Platform One. Led development of Zarf, Pepr, and the UDS ecosystem at Defense Unicorns. - **Andrew Greene, Co-Founder**: Career focused on engineering solutions for defense and national security. Worked across SpaceCAMP, Platform One, and Defense Unicorns, ensuring UDS continues to evolve as a product that serves the mission. ### Mission & Values Defense Unicorns believes open-source software is essential to achieving global freedom and independence because it provides transparency and eliminates the vendor lock that has plagued military programs for decades. All core technologies are built on open-source foundations with flexible software licenses, allowing continued use even without a Defense Unicorns contract. --- ## Products All UDS products are available at: https://defenseunicorns.com/platform/uds-platform/ Pricing and plan comparison: https://defenseunicorns.com/pricing ### Platform Capabilities **UDS Enterprise** (https://defenseunicorns.com/platform/uds-enterprise/) Streamline secure DevSecOps pipelines across AWS GovCloud, Azure, on-prem, and airgapped environments. UDS provides a consistent deployment baseline across multiple cloud providers and on-premises infrastructure, eliminating the need to rebuild pipelines for each environment. **Software Management** (https://defenseunicorns.com/platform/software-management/) Integrate, package, and deliver your team's software from the secure cloud to the tactical edge with UDS — repeatable, reliable, and built for airgap environments. End-to-end software lifecycle management from build through deployment and sustainment. **UDS Fleet** (https://defenseunicorns.com/platform/uds-fleet/) Deploy, manage, and update mission-critical software on distributed weapon systems at the tactical edge. Includes LARA AI capabilities for embedded systems. Designed for fighter aircraft, ground vehicles, submarines, satellites, and other distributed platforms. ### Unified Defense Stack (UDS) UDS is a secure software delivery platform built for national security missions. It makes approvals, vulnerability scanning, and compliance simple. The platform is portable, open, and secure, powering software delivery everywhere the mission demands. **Key Capabilities:** - Bundle once for any and every environment (cloud, on-prem, tactical edge, airgapped) - Built-in ATO (Authorization to Operate) compliance with automated controls - Real-time observability and threat detection - Zero-trust networking with default-deny Kubernetes NetworkPolicy and Istio STRICT mTLS - CVE scanning, SBOM generation, and software composition analysis - Identity and SSO via Keycloak and Authservice - Admission control via Pepr policies - Runtime security with Falco for real-time threat detection - Purpose-built for Disrupted, Degraded, Intermittent, and Low-Bandwidth (DDIL) operations **Compliance:** UDS Core meets 35% of NIST SP 800-53 controls out of the box for IL 4+ environments. Deployment artifacts are aligned to NIST SP 800-53, CNSSI 1253, and DoD compliance frameworks. **Architecture:** UDS is designed around zero-trust and defense-in-depth principles. It is fully portable, supporting multiple cloud providers, on-prem infrastructure, and tactical edge solutions. Teams can deploy the same software baseline across contractor environments, government systems, unclassified, classified, or SAP environments without vendor lock-in. ### UDS Core (Free, Open Source) UDS Core is the free, open-source foundation of the UDS platform, purpose-built for secure, portable, and airgap-ready software delivery. It is fully open source under AGPL-3.0 license. **Includes:** - Zarf packaging tool for bundling apps and dependencies - Secure runtime and Pepr policy engine - SBOM generation and CVE scanning - Support for fully disconnected and airgapped deployments - OCI-compliant container support - Centralized logging via Vector - Metrics and dashboards via Prometheus and Grafana - Runtime security via Falco - Identity and access management (IDAM) - Service mesh via Istio - Backup and restore capabilities UDS Core is command-line driven and is ideal for developers, platform engineers, and DevSecOps teams. It is fully compatible with later upgrades to UDS Premium. ### UDS Premium UDS Premium builds on UDS Core with enterprise features: - Full graphical user interface (no CLI required) - Real-time observability tools and security dashboards - Visual registry access - Pre-packaged ATO compliance documentation (SCTM mapped to NIST SP 800-53 Rev 4/5, system architecture diagrams, information flow diagrams, SBOMs) - FIPS-compliant hardened container images - 24/7 operational support with SLAs - Centralized policy management - Works in both connected and airgapped environments ### UDS Tactical Edge UDS Tactical Edge extends the UDS platform into the field, enabling non-technical warfighters to deploy secure software updates directly to disconnected systems like aircraft, submarines, and ground vehicles. Unlike UDS Core or Premium, Tactical Edge includes a mobile deployment application designed for ruggedized, government-issued Android devices and tablets. **Key Capabilities:** - One-click software deployment via the UDS Mobile App with guided workflows - Operates entirely offline with no cloud dependency - Zero-downtime deployments for fleet readiness under any conditions - Validated for real-world military use in-flight, in transit, and in combat - Secure software packaging, artifact signing, and transport via UDS's hardened delivery pipeline - All packages include SBOM and CVE metadata from UDS Registry - Deployment logs can be collected and sent back for security validation or audit - Designed for warfighters, not developers — intuitive, role-optimized interface **How It Works:** 1. Software developers use UDS Premium to build, package, and harden mission-critical updates 2. Pre-vetted applications are selected from UDS Registry with compliance metadata and hardened container images 3. Updates are downloaded to the mobile device in a connected environment (TOC or command post) 4. Operators deploy software to target platforms using the UDS Mobile App — no connectivity required **Testimonial:** "UDS Tactical Edge has fundamentally changed how we deploy software to aircraft. Aircrew can now deploy software updates to an aircraft in a matter of days, or even hours." - **Documentation**: https://uds.defenseunicorns.com/tactical-edge-deployments/overview/ - **FAQ**: https://uds.defenseunicorns.com/tactical-edge-deployments/faq/ ### UDS Registry UDS Registry is the first OCI registry purpose-built for mission-critical environments, securing package delivery from enterprise cloud to tactical edge. It builds on standard OCI (Open Container Initiative) protocols, ensuring compatibility with existing container workflows while adding DoD-specific security enhancements. **Capabilities:** - Simple UI for managing and distributing pre-vetted software packages - Push trusted packages to any environment (connected or airgapped) - API-first design for CI/CD workflow integration - Vulnerability and SBOM data visibility before deployment - Granular access controls and distribution permissions - Cross-architecture compatibility: ARM64 for edge/energy-efficient environments, AMD64 for traditional servers - Self-hosted deployment included with UDS Premium license - **Product Page**: https://registry.defenseunicorns.com/ - **Documentation**: https://uds.defenseunicorns.com/registry/overview/ ### UDS Army (Coming Soon) UDS Army is a new approach to accelerate the continuous delivery of secure, mission-ready software to soldiers. Currently accepting inquiries at https://defenseunicorns.com/army-inquiry. Announced as part of the Series B strategic product roadmap. --- ## Open Source Projects Defense Unicorns has made significant contributions to the DevSecOps and Kubernetes communities. All open-source projects are available on GitHub at https://github.com/defenseunicorns and via the developer hub at https://defenseunicorns.com/developers. ### Zarf Zarf is a free, open-source tool that enables continuous software delivery of cloud-native applications to systems disconnected from the Internet. It securely bundles and delivers all required files and dependencies into portable artifacts that can be deployed anywhere, even in fully disconnected environments. Zarf was donated to the Open Source Security Foundation (OpenSSF) and is now used worldwide in aircraft, submarines, space systems, and security screening systems. - **GitHub**: https://github.com/defenseunicorns/zarf - **Documentation**: https://docs.zarf.dev/ ### Pepr Pepr is a production-grade Kubernetes operator and admission controller that eliminates manual configuration and ensures deterministic automation. It enforces policies including non-root execution, dropped capabilities, and blocking privileged/host access. - **GitHub**: https://github.com/defenseunicorns/pepr - **Version**: 1.0 (production-grade) ### Lula Lula is an open-source compliance automation tool that helps teams manage and validate compliance requirements programmatically. - **GitHub**: https://github.com/defenseunicorns/lula ### UDS CLI UDS CLI allows bundling and deploying multiple independent Zarf packages efficiently, streamlining complex multi-package deployments. - **GitHub**: https://github.com/defenseunicorns/uds-cli --- ## Security Architecture UDS maintains a defense-in-depth baseline providing security through the entire software delivery process: - **Secure Supply Chain**: CVE data and SBOMs for transparent software composition analysis and security audits - **Airgap Ready**: Zarf packages for predictable, offline deployments in disconnected environments - **Zero-Trust Networking**: Default-deny Kubernetes NetworkPolicy, Istio STRICT mTLS, and ALLOW-based AuthorizationPolicy - **Identity & SSO**: Keycloak for SSO management with opinionated defaults; Authservice integration to protect apps that don't natively speak OIDC - **Admission Control**: Pepr policies enforcing non-root, drop capabilities, block privileged/host access - **Runtime Security**: Falco for real-time threat detection and alerting on malicious behavior - **Observability & Audit**: Vector for centralized log collection, Prometheus for metrics, Grafana for dashboards --- ## Procurement & Contracting Defense Unicorns offers multiple streamlined contracting pathways for government partners and system integrators. Full details at https://defenseunicorns.com/contract-vehicles/ and https://defenseunicorns.com/start-free. - **GSA IDIQ**: Accepting task order awards from DoD, DHS, and CISA; usable as sole-source under SBIR Phase III authority - **SBIR Phase III**: Non-competitive awards available for Defense Unicorns capabilities, accelerating time-to-contract while meeting FAR compliance - **Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace**: UDS is assessed as "awardable" through this OTA contracting mechanism for AI/ML, data, and analytics solutions - **P1 Solutions Marketplace**: Post-competition, readily-awardable for hardware, software, and service solutions - **AWS Marketplace**: UDS available for rapid deployment in GovCloud and hybrid environments - **SeaPort NxG**: Department of the Navy contract vehicle for streamlined acquisition --- ## Use Cases - **Air-gapped software delivery**: Deploy and update cloud-native applications in environments with no internet connectivity (submarines, aircraft, forward operating bases) - **DevSecOps for defense**: Complete CI/CD pipeline with built-in security scanning, compliance automation, and policy enforcement - **ATO acceleration**: Automated compliance evidence collection reduces Authorization to Operate timelines from months to days - **Multi-environment consistency**: Same software baseline across cloud, on-prem, classified, unclassified, and SAP environments - **CVE and vulnerability management**: Real-time scanning, SBOM tracking, and runtime threat detection - **Tactical edge deployments**: Secure software delivery to bandwidth-constrained and forward-deployed environments via ruggedized mobile devices with one-click deployment - **Navy fleet modernization**: UDS powers the CANES Next Generation modernization effort for cyber resilience across the U.S. Navy fleet - **Software supply chain security**: UDS Registry provides an American-maintained OCI registry securing the software supply chain with vulnerability and SBOM visibility - **Software factory**: Government software factory solutions at https://defenseunicorns.com/solutions/government/software-factory/ - **Compliance automation**: Accelerate the path to ATO with automated compliance controls at https://defenseunicorns.com/solutions/government/compliance-automation/ - **Forward deployed engineering**: Embed Defense Unicorns engineers directly with military and government teams at https://defenseunicorns.com/solutions/government/forward-deployed-engineering/ - **Portable DevSecOps for industry**: Repeatable DevSecOps platform with compliance as a baseline for defense contractors at https://defenseunicorns.com/solutions/industry/portable-devsecops/ - **Army Authorization Fast Track**: Speed up software's ability to meet Army standards with UDS at https://defenseunicorns.com/solutions/industry/army-authorization-fast-track/ - **Disaster response**: First responders can deploy secure, reliable software packages even in blackout conditions --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **What is Defense Unicorns?** Defense Unicorns is a veteran-owned defense technology company that builds open-source, airgap-native software delivery platforms for the U.S. Department of Defense. Founded in 2021, the company is valued at over $1 billion. **What is UDS?** UDS (Unified Defense Stack) is a secure, portable, airgap-native software delivery platform purpose-built for national security missions. It enables teams to package, deploy, monitor, and sustain mission applications across any environment. **What is Zarf?** Zarf is a free, open-source tool that bundles cloud-native applications and all their dependencies for deployment to air-gapped environments. It was donated to the OpenSSF and is used in military aircraft, submarines, space systems, and security screening systems worldwide. **What is Pepr?** Pepr is a Kubernetes policy engine and admission controller that automates cluster configuration and enforces security policies. It reached version 1.0 as a production-grade tool. **What is UDS Tactical Edge?** UDS Tactical Edge is a mobile deployment solution that enables non-technical warfighters to deploy secure software updates directly to disconnected systems like aircraft, submarines, and ground vehicles. It includes a mobile app for ruggedized Android devices that makes deploying mission-critical software as simple as installing an app on your phone — no network connectivity required. **What is UDS Registry?** UDS Registry is the first OCI-compliant software registry purpose-built for mission-critical environments. It enables teams to manage and distribute pre-vetted software packages across connected and airgapped environments, with built-in vulnerability scanning, SBOM visibility, and granular access controls. It supports ARM64 and AMD64 architectures. **What is UDS Army?** UDS Army is an upcoming product designed to accelerate continuous delivery of secure, mission-ready software to soldiers. It is currently accepting inquiries at https://defenseunicorns.com/army-inquiry and was announced as part of Defense Unicorns' Series B strategic product roadmap. **Is UDS open source?** Yes. UDS Core is fully open source under AGPL-3.0 license. UDS Premium and Tactical Edge include additional enterprise features and support. **Can UDS deploy to air-gapped environments?** Yes. UDS was built for airgap from the start. All packages can be created and deployed without requiring a persistent network connection. UDS was purpose-built for Disrupted, Degraded, Intermittent, and Low-Bandwidth (DDIL) operations. **What compliance frameworks does UDS support?** UDS Core meets 35% of NIST SP 800-53 controls out of the box for IL 4+. Deployment artifacts align to NIST SP 800-53, CNSSI 1253, and DoD compliance frameworks. **How do I procure UDS?** Defense Unicorns is available through multiple contracting vehicles including SBIR Phase III (sole-source), Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace, P1 Solutions Marketplace, AWS Marketplace, SeaPort NxG, and GSA IDIQ. Visit https://defenseunicorns.com/start-free or https://defenseunicorns.com/request-demo. **What makes Defense Unicorns different from other defense tech companies?** Defense Unicorns builds on open-source foundations with no vendor lock-in. The platform is purpose-built for airgapped environments (not adapted from commercial tools), founded by the team that built Platform One and Kessel Run, and designed for complete portability across cloud, on-prem, and tactical edge deployments. **Who founded Defense Unicorns?** Rob Slaughter (CEO), Jeff McCoy (CTO), and Andrew Greene founded Defense Unicorns in 2021 after building novel software solutions within the DoD, including Platform One and Kessel Run. --- ## News & Press - **Navy Selects Defense Unicorns for Ship Software Prototypes** (April 2026): Selected by the U.S. Navy to test a new approach to delivering software prototypes to ships. https://defenseunicorns.com/breaking-defense-defense-unicorns-chosen-by-u-s-navy-to-test-software-prototypes-for-ships/ - **CANES Next-Gen Modernization** (April 2026): Joined the U.S. Navy's CANES Next Generation cyber resilience modernization effort. https://defenseunicorns.com/defense-unicorns-joins-u-s-navys-canes-next-gen-modernization-effort/ - **F-22 Continuous Software Delivery** (April 2026): Demonstrated continuous software delivery on the F-22 fighter jet in partnership with the Air Force Sustainment Center Software Directorate. https://defenseunicorns.com/defense-unicorns-demonstrates-key-enabler-for-continuous-software-delivery-on-the-f-22/ - **UDS Army: Fast Track Secure Software to Soldiers** (February 2026): Announced UDS Army to accelerate secure software delivery to soldiers. https://defenseunicorns.com/defense-unicorns-fast-track-secure-software-to-soldiers/ - **CMMC Level 2 Certification with Zero Findings** (January 2026): Achieved CMMC Level 2 cybersecurity certification with zero Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&Ms). https://defenseunicorns.com/defense-unicorns-crushes-cmmc-level-2-certification-with-zero-findings/ - **$136M Series B** (January 2026): Raised $136M Series B led by Bain Capital, achieving $1B+ valuation. https://defenseunicorns.com/defense-unicorns-raises-136-million-series-b/ - **UDS Registry Launch** (2025): Launched UDS Registry for mission-critical software distribution. https://defenseunicorns.com/defense-unicorns-launches-uds-registry/ - **RapidFort Partnership** (2025): Partnered with RapidFort to accelerate secure software delivery. https://defenseunicorns.com/defense-unicorns-accelerates-secure-software-delivery-for-defense-missions-with-rapidfort/ - **SAIC Partnership** (2025): Partnered with SAIC to accelerate DoD software delivery. https://defenseunicorns.com/saic-and-defense-unicorns-partner-to-accelerate-dod-software-delivery/ - **BAE Systems P1 Marketplace** (2025): BAE Systems and Defense Unicorns now awardable on P1 Marketplace. https://defenseunicorns.com/bae-systems-and-defense-unicorns-now-awardable-on-p1-marketplace/ All news: https://defenseunicorns.com/news/ ## Events - **Warhacker** (June 16-19, 2026, San Diego, CA): A first-of-its-kind hackathon bringing together government, industry, academia, and non-profits to build, package, and deploy software solutions to warfighter problems. https://defenseunicorns.com/warhacker/ - **Sea-Air-Space 2026**: Defense Unicorns at the Sea-Air-Space maritime exposition. https://defenseunicorns.com/events/defense-unicorns-events-sas-2026/ - All events: https://defenseunicorns.com/events/ --- ## Links - **Website**: https://defenseunicorns.com/ - **UDS Platform**: https://defenseunicorns.com/platform/uds-platform/ - **UDS Enterprise**: https://defenseunicorns.com/platform/uds-enterprise/ - **Software Management**: https://defenseunicorns.com/platform/software-management/ - **UDS Fleet**: https://defenseunicorns.com/platform/uds-fleet/ - **Pricing**: https://defenseunicorns.com/pricing - **Contract Vehicles**: https://defenseunicorns.com/contract-vehicles/ - **Solutions - Government**: https://defenseunicorns.com/solutions/government/software-factory/ - **Compliance Automation**: https://defenseunicorns.com/solutions/government/compliance-automation/ - **Forward Deployed Engineering**: https://defenseunicorns.com/solutions/government/forward-deployed-engineering/ - **Portable DevSecOps**: https://defenseunicorns.com/solutions/industry/portable-devsecops/ - **Army Authorization Fast Track**: https://defenseunicorns.com/solutions/industry/army-authorization-fast-track/ - **UDS Army Inquiry**: https://defenseunicorns.com/army-inquiry - **UDS Registry**: https://registry.defenseunicorns.com/ - **UDS Registry Inquiry**: https://defenseunicorns.com/registry-inquiry - **Start Free**: https://defenseunicorns.com/start-free - **Request Demo**: https://defenseunicorns.com/request-demo - **UDS Documentation**: https://uds.defenseunicorns.com/ - **Zarf Documentation**: https://docs.zarf.dev/ - **GitHub**: https://github.com/defenseunicorns - **Developers**: https://defenseunicorns.com/developers - **Resources**: https://defenseunicorns.com/resources - **News**: https://defenseunicorns.com/news/ - **Events**: https://defenseunicorns.com/events/ - **Warhacker**: https://defenseunicorns.com/warhacker/ - **Careers**: https://defenseunicorns.com/careers - **Contact**: https://defenseunicorns.com/contact - **Company**: https://defenseunicorns.com/company - **Brand Toolkit**: https://defenseunicorns.com/brand-toolkit/ ## Complete Sitemap Page Index - [A Game-Changing Approach to Software Delivery for the DoD](https://defenseunicorns.com/a-game-changing-approach-to-software-delivery-for-the-dod/): WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, veteran-founded Defense Unicorns has released its revolutionary new system to the Department of Defense – UDS - [Announcing the Airgap Store!](https://defenseunicorns.com/announcing-the-airgap-store/): Announces the Airgap Store, a mission software marketplace for arming operators with modern warfare applications. - [Category: News](https://defenseunicorns.com/category/news/): Defense Unicorns site page. - [Defense Unicorns and Paramify Unite to Give More Nationally Vital Organizations the Secure Foundation They Need to Succeed](https://defenseunicorns.com/defense-unicorns-and-paramify-unite-to-give-more-nationally-vital-organizations-the-secure-foundation-they-need-to-succeed/): This Integration Enables Defense and Federal Agencies to Automate Security Compliance and Onboard New Capabilities Faster Than Ever - [Defense Unicorns CEO Rob Slaughter Featured on SAN Interview](https://defenseunicorns.com/defense-unicorns-ceo-rob-slaughter-featured-on-san-interview/): Defense Unicorns continues to gain national attention for its mission to modernize software delivery across the Department of Defense (DoD). In a recent - [Defense Unicorns Launches UDS Fleet to Put Mission Operators in Command at the Tactical Edge](https://defenseunicorns.com/defense-unicorns-launches-uds-fleet-to-put-mission-operators-in-command-at-the-tactical-edge/): Defense Unicorns Launches UDS Fleet to Put Mission Operators in Command at the Tactical Edge - [Defense Unicorns named to Silicon Valley Defense Group’s NatSec100](https://defenseunicorns.com/defense-unicorns-named-to-silicon-valley-defense-groups-natsec100/): The annual NatSec100 highlights the top 100 venture/PE-backed American defense companies that are innovating, building, and delivering warfighting - [Defense Unicorns: Officially Achieved Unicorn Status](https://defenseunicorns.com/defense-unicorns-officially-achieved-unicorn-status/): We did it! Defense Unicorns has officially achieved unicorn status. - [Defense Unicorns on Bloomberg Tech](https://defenseunicorns.com/defense-unicorns-on-bloomberg-tech/): For defense tech specifically, Bloomberg Tech has become the platform for announcing major defense technology deals and funding. Reaching over 400 million - [Defense Unicorns Partners with McDowell, Spire Motorsports](https://defenseunicorns.com/defense-unicorns-partners-with-mcdowell-spire-motorsports/): Defense Unicorns partners with Spire Motorsports and Michael McDowell for the Anduril 250 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. - [Defense Unicorns UDS Registry Featured on DefenseScoop](https://defenseunicorns.com/defense-unicorns-uds-registry-featured-on-defensescoop/): Defense Unicorns continues to gain recognition for modernizing how the Department of Defense delivers secure software across national security systems. - [Direct Awards Playbook Download](https://defenseunicorns.com/direct-awards-playbook-thank-you/): Thank-you page for downloading the Direct Awards Playbook, with next-step links to events, UDS, and documentation. - [Direct Awards Playbook](https://defenseunicorns.com/direct-awards-playbook/): Learn more about the contracting vehicles available to federal government programs. By downloading the Direct Awards Playbook, you'll help your contract go from 18 months to a... - [error 404](https://defenseunicorns.com/error-404/): Please go back to home or reach out to us! - [AFA Air Space Cyber](https://defenseunicorns.com/events/defense-unicorns-events-afa-2026/): At Defense Unicorns, we understand the challenges. That's why we created (UDS), a secure software delivery platform purpose-built to meet the unique needs of - [DAFITC](https://defenseunicorns.com/events/defense-unicorns-events-dafitic-2026/): At Defense Unicorns, we understand the challenges. That's why we created (UDS), a secure software delivery platform purpose-built to meet the unique needs of - [DODIIS Worldwide](https://defenseunicorns.com/events/defense-unicorns-events-dodiis-worldwide-copy/): We're partnering with HERE at DoDIIS Worldwide, hosted by the Defense Intelligence Agency. Together, we're working to advance mission-ready software delivery - [Global Force](https://defenseunicorns.com/events/defense-unicorns-events-global-force-2026/): At Defense Unicorns, we understand the challenges. That's why we created (UDS), a secure software delivery platform purpose-built to meet the unique needs of - [Peak Cyber Symposium](https://defenseunicorns.com/events/defense-unicorns-events-peak-cyber-sympsoium-copy/): At Defense Unicorns, we understand the challenges. That's why we created (UDS), a secure software delivery platform purpose-built to meet the unique needs of - [Space Symposium](https://defenseunicorns.com/events/defense-unicorns-events-space-symposium-2026/): At Defense Unicorns, we understand the challenges. That's why we created (UDS), a secure software delivery platform purpose-built to meet the unique needs of - [AFCEA TechNet Cyber](https://defenseunicorns.com/events/defense-unicorns-events-tech-net-cyber-2026/): At Defense Unicorns, we understand the challenges. That's why we created Unified Defense Stack (UDS), a secure software delivery platform purpose-built to - [TechNet Indo-Pacific](https://defenseunicorns.com/events/defense-unicorns-events-tech-net-indo-pacific/): At Defense Unicorns, we understand the challenges. That's why we created (UDS), a secure software delivery platform purpose-built to meet the unique needs of - [Open Source Summit and Embedded Linux Conference](https://defenseunicorns.com/events/open-source-summit-and-embedded-linux-conference/): Monday, May 18 | 1:30 PM CDT - [Warhacker Event](https://defenseunicorns.com/events/warhacker/): Event listing for Warhacker. - [F-22 Case Study](https://defenseunicorns.com/f-22-case-study/): Software update cycles on the F-22 once measured in days are now measured in hours. UDS Fleet puts software delivery directly in the hands of aircrew and - [Forbes: Battlefield to Boardroom](https://defenseunicorns.com/forbes-battlefield-to-boardroom/): In a new Forbes feature on veteran-led defense technology companies, Defense Unicorns CEO and cofounder Rob Slaughter shares how his experience modernizing - [hatchIT](https://defenseunicorns.com/hatchit/): Software update cycles on the F-22 once measured in days are now measured in hours thanks to UDS Fleet. By putting software delivery directly in the hands of - [How Defense Unicorns Modernizes DoD Tactical Software Delivery](https://defenseunicorns.com/how-defense-unicorns-modernizes-dod-tactical-software-delivery/): Making Software a Strategic Deterrent Through Tactical Edge Deployments - [Legal](https://defenseunicorns.com/legal/): Legal document hub for Defense Unicorns policies, terms, product terms, and license agreements. - [Cookies](https://defenseunicorns.com/legal/cookies/): This page is not visible on the site, and so it has no content. The cookies link in the footer anchor-links to the Cookies section of the Privacy Policy page. - [DEFENSE UNICORNS, INC. SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT](https://defenseunicorns.com/legal/end-user-license-agreement/): This Defense Unicorns Software End User License Agreement ("EULA") sets forth your license rights and obligations with respect to Software provided by Defense - [Privacy Policy](https://defenseunicorns.com/legal/privacy-policy/): Our Privacy Policy was last updated and posted on February 22, 2022. It governs the privacy terms of our Website, located at DefenseUnicorns.com , - [Product Terms and Conditions](https://defenseunicorns.com/legal/product-terms-and-conditions/): Previous Versions: - [Website Terms Of Service](https://defenseunicorns.com/legal/site-terms-of-service/): This page represents a legal document that serves as our Terms of Service and governs the legal terms of our website, DefenseUnicorns.com , - [DEFENSE UNICORNS TERMS OF USE](https://defenseunicorns.com/legal/terms-of-use/): Effective Date: Jun 24, 2025 - [National Review Podcast: How AI Can Help Win Wars](https://defenseunicorns.com/national-review-podcast-how-ai-can-help-win-wars/): At Warhacker, Defense Unicorns CEO Rob Slaughter sat down with National Review to discuss the hackathon, the Spire 71 car at the Anduril 250 Race the Base, - [Newsletter](https://defenseunicorns.com/newsletter/): Subscribe to The Unicorn Report, Defense Unicorns' monthly newsletter featuring product updates, engineering insights, industry perspectives, company news, - [NYSE Floor Talk with Rob Slaughter](https://defenseunicorns.com/nyse-floor-talk-with-rob-slaughter/): Rob Slaughter joined Ashley Mastronardi on NYSE Floor Talk to discuss: - [Partnerships](https://defenseunicorns.com/partnerships/): The people protecting freedom deserve software that moves faster than any threat. Our partners share our commitment to getting secure, capable software into - [Product Terms and Conditions: December 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026](https://defenseunicorns.com/product-terms-and-conditions-december-1-2025-to-february-28-2026/): Archived product terms and conditions for the December 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026 period. - [AI is taking our jobs!](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/ai-is-taking-our-jobs/): Explore how GenAI is reshaping software engineering, DevOps, and developer workflows—what's hype, what's real, and who's actually at risk. - [Airgap Deployments Are Like Camping](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/airgap-deployments-are-like-camping/): Off-grid deployment made simple. UDS packages everything your mission needs to run inside an airgapped environment—no Internet, no guesswork. - [Announcing UDS Core 1.0](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/announcing-uds-core-1-0/): After years of enabling warfighting missions, Defense Unicorns is proud to announce that UDS Core has reached version 1.0! - [Authorization to Operate Explained](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/authorization-to-operate-explained/): Every information system that touches a federal or defense network must earn permission to operate, and that permission is called an Authorization to Operate - [Automating Rebuildable Secure Pipelines with Zarf](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/automating-rebuildable-secure-pipelines-with-zarf/): Automate your secure pipelines for Continuous Delivery with Zarf to enhance efficiency and quality in your development process using zarf. - [Defense Unicorns Joins the Spire 71 Car for the Anduril 250](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/defense-unicorns-joins-the-spire-71-car-for-the-anduril-250/): For the first time, a national-level race will be held on an active military installation, as part of the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary. A milestone that - [From Six Months to Two Days: Accelerating ATO for Navy and Beyond](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/from-six-months-to-two-days-accelerating-ato-for-navy-and-beyond/): In the DoD, Authorization to Operate (ATO) has long been a bottleneck measured in months, not weeks. Defense Unicorns' Unified Defense Stack (UDS) changes that. By automating... - [I’m Too Smart to Make Mistakes](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/im-too-smart-to-make-mistakes/): Do you make mistakes? Me too. Maybe we just need to learn from others who are smarter than we are. - [Istio Ambient: Simplifying Service Mesh in UDS Core](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/istio-ambient-simplifying-service-mesh-in-uds-core/): Simplify your service mesh with Istio Ambient and UDS Core—reduce sidecar complexity and deploy secure, scalable solutions in minutes. - [Managing CVEs in Defense Systems for Real-Time Risk Mitigation](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/managing-cves-in-defense-systems-for-real-time-risk-mitigation/): Stop just identifying vulnerabilities—start managing them. See how UDS Core enables mission-ready vulnerability management and runtime CVE mitigation. - [Pepr 1.0: A Production-Grade Kubernetes Operator and Admission Controller](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/pepr-1-0-a-production-grade-kubernetes-operator-and-admission-controller/): We're proud to announce Pepr 1.0, a production-grade Kubernetes operator and admission controller that eliminates manual configuration and ensures deterministic automation. - [Review Board Dramatic Theater](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/review-board-dramatic-theater/): Why CABs and ARBs fail: explore how approval boards create risk, waste time, and why shifting left is the path to secure, efficient software delivery. - [Runtime Security in UDS Core: Standardizing on Falco](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/runtime-security-in-uds-core-standardizing-on-falco/): UDS Core now ships with Falco as the default runtime detection tool, reducing operational complexity and strengthening real-time threat detection in airgapped and... - [The Strategic Reasons for DevSecOps](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/the-strategic-reasons-for-devsecops/): The ability to deliver fast only matters if it serves purpose. DevSecOps helps you build that secure, strategic advantage—one step at a time. - [UDS: Enable ATO in Days, Not Months](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/uds-enable-ato-in-days-not-months/): UDS simplifies the ATO process with built-in ATO compliance—featuring automated controls, secure CI/CD, and faster approvals in disconnected environments. - [US Army Software Factory Drives Modernization in Software Engineering](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/us-army-software-factory-drives-modernization-in-software-engineering/): The Army Software Factory is transforming soldiers into software engineers, driving mission-ready innovation with DevSecOps. - [Warhacker: Don’t Just Talk About Problems, Build the Solutions](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/warhacker-dont-just-talk-about-problems-build-the-solutions/): There are plenty of DOW conferences where people gather to talk about problems, get fired up, and then do nothing. - [When Warfighters Control Their Own Software: A Conversation with Austen Bryan](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/when-warfighters-control-their-own-software-a-conversation-with-austen-bryan/): Austen Bryan is Defense Unicorns' chief strategy and product officer. He came to the company straight from active duty; a Skillbridge success story who's held - [Why UDS? Integrate Once, Deploy Anywhere.](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/why-uds-integrate-once-deploy-anywhere/): Secure software delivery using UDS’s CI/CD pipeline across air-gapped, disconnected, and tactical systems—supporting zero-trust and compliance. - [You’re Probably Solving the Wrong Problem](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/youre-probably-solving-the-wrong-problem/): If you don't aim right, you'll miss. Software supply chain thinking reveals where your dev process is leaking value. - [Rob Slaughter in Air & Space Forces Magazine](https://defenseunicorns.com/rob-slaughter-in-air-space-forces-magazine/): As the U.S. Air Force accelerates its transition to open mission systems and rapid software delivery across both next-generation and legacy aircraft, Defense - [Rob Slaughter Named a Finalist for Top Entrepreneur by ColoradoBiz](https://defenseunicorns.com/rob-slaughter-named-a-finalist-for-top-entrepreneur-by-coloradobiz/): We’re proud to share that Defense Unicorns co-founder and CEO Rob Slaughter has been named a top finalist for the ColoradoBiz Top Entrepreneur - [Rob Slaughter on MTS Live: Defense Software Deployment, AI in National Security, & Open Source Tech](https://defenseunicorns.com/rob-slaughter-on-mts-live-defense-software-deployment-ai-in-national-security-open-source-tech/): Defense Unicorns co-founder and CEO Rob Slaughter joined the MTS Podcast to discuss why delivering software to the U.S. military remains so difficult, and why - [Rob Slaughter on TBPN – Live from Warhacker](https://defenseunicorns.com/rob-slaughter-on-tbpn-live-from-warhacker/): Defense Unicorns CEO Rob Slaughter joined TBPN live from Warhacker. He discussed the challenges of delivering modern software to military assets and shared - [San Antonio Express-News: This San Antonio software firm is sponsoring a NASCAR team in a June race](https://defenseunicorns.com/san-antonio-express-news-this-san-antonio-software-firm-is-sponsoring-a-nascar-team-in-a-june-race/): The San Antonio Express-News is covering our latest milestone: Defense Unicorns is partnering with Spire Motorsports and driver Michael McDowell for the - [Andrew Greene](https://defenseunicorns.com/team/andrew-greene/): Andrew has spent his career engineering solutions for defense and national security. From SpaceCAMP to Platform One to Defense Unicorns, he has been at the - [Jeff McCoy](https://defenseunicorns.com/team/jeff-mccoy/): Jeff McCoy is the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Defense Unicorns. He sets the company’s technical direction and product strategy for secure, - [Rob Slaughter](https://defenseunicorns.com/team/rob-slaughter/): Rob founded Defense Unicorns after a career in the U.S. Air Force leading work in space vehicles, computer vision, and future capabilities. As Director of - [U.S. Navy Selects Defense Unicorns to Advance to Shipboard Deployment Phase of Software Evaluation](https://defenseunicorns.com/u-s-navy-selects-defense-unicorns-to-advance-to-shipboard-deployment-phase-of-software-evaluation/): CHARLESTON, SC – The U.S. Navy has selected Defense Unicorns to advance to the next phase of evaluation under a Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic - [UDS Army Thank You](https://defenseunicorns.com/uds-army-thank-you/): Thank-you page for UDS Army interest, with download and next-step links to events, Warhacker, and UDS documentation.