# 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

- [About Us](https://defenseunicorns.com/company): Founding story, mission, leadership team, and company timeline
- [Careers](https://defenseunicorns.com/careers): Open positions and benefits
- [Contact](https://defenseunicorns.com/contact): Get in touch with Defense Unicorns
- [Request a Demo](https://defenseunicorns.com/request-demo): Schedule a product demonstration
- [Start Free](https://defenseunicorns.com/start-free): Get started with UDS

## Platform

- [UDS Platform](https://defenseunicorns.com/platform/uds-platform/): Unified Defense Stack — secure, portable, airgap-native software delivery platform for national security missions including UDS Core, UDS Premium, UDS Tactical Edge, and UDS Registry
- [UDS Enterprise](https://defenseunicorns.com/platform/uds-enterprise/): Streamline secure DevSecOps pipelines across AWS GovCloud, Azure, on-prem, and airgapped environments
- [UDS Fleet](https://defenseunicorns.com/platform/uds-fleet/): Deploy, manage, and update mission-critical software on distributed weapon systems at the tactical edge
- [Software Management](https://defenseunicorns.com/platform/software-management/): Integrate, package, and deliver software from the secure cloud to the tactical edge with UDS
- [UDS Pricing / Plans](https://defenseunicorns.com/pricing): Compare UDS Base (free, open source) with UDS Premium plans
- [UDS Army Inquiry](https://defenseunicorns.com/army-inquiry): UDS Army — new approach to accelerate continuous delivery of secure, mission-ready software to soldiers
- [UDS Registry Inquiry](https://defenseunicorns.com/registry-inquiry): Pre-vetted, ready-to-deploy software packages via UDS Registry

## Solutions

### Government
- [Software Factory](https://defenseunicorns.com/solutions/government/software-factory/): Software factory solutions for government
- [Compliance Automation](https://defenseunicorns.com/solutions/government/compliance-automation/): Accelerate the path to ATO with automated compliance controls
- [Forward Deployed Engineering](https://defenseunicorns.com/solutions/government/forward-deployed-engineering/): Embed Defense Unicorns engineers directly with military and government teams

### Industry
- [Portable DevSecOps](https://defenseunicorns.com/solutions/industry/portable-devsecops/): Repeatable DevSecOps platform with compliance as a baseline for defense contractors
- [Army Authorization Fast Track](https://defenseunicorns.com/solutions/industry/army-authorization-fast-track/): Speed up software's ability to meet Army standards with UDS

### Procurement
- [Contract Vehicles](https://defenseunicorns.com/contract-vehicles/): Government procurement pathways including GSA IDIQ, SBIR Phase III, Tradewinds, AWS Marketplace, P1 Marketplace, and SeaPort NxG

## Open Source & Developers

- [Developers](https://defenseunicorns.com/developers): Open-source projects, developer resources, tutorials for Zarf, Pepr, Lula, and UDS
- [UDS Registry](https://registry.defenseunicorns.com/): OCI registry purpose-built for mission-critical software distribution across connected and airgapped environments

## Documentation

- [UDS Documentation](https://uds.defenseunicorns.com/): Full UDS platform docs including configuration, deployment, and security reference
- [UDS Security Overview](https://uds.defenseunicorns.com/security/overview/): Zero-trust networking, SSO, runtime security, and compliance details
- [Tactical Edge Documentation](https://uds.defenseunicorns.com/tactical-edge-deployments/overview/): UDS Tactical Edge deployment guides and overview
- [Tactical Edge FAQ](https://uds.defenseunicorns.com/tactical-edge-deployments/faq/): Frequently asked questions about UDS Tactical Edge
- [UDS Registry Documentation](https://uds.defenseunicorns.com/registry/overview/): Registry architecture, cross-architecture compatibility, and usage
- [Zarf Documentation](https://docs.zarf.dev/): Zarf installation, usage, and tutorials

## Resources

- [Resources](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources): Articles, whitepapers, case studies, videos, and guides
- [Authorization to Operate Explained](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/authorization-to-operate-explained/): What an ATO is, why it matters, and how UDS accelerates the path to Authorization to Operate
- [Announcing UDS Core 1.0](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/announcing-uds-core-1-0/): UDS Core reaches 1.0 milestone after years of warfighting mission use
- [Pepr 1.0](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/pepr-1-0-a-production-grade-kubernetes-operator-and-admission-controller/): Pepr reaches production-grade 1.0 release as a Kubernetes operator and admission controller
- [ATO Acceleration](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/from-six-months-to-two-days-accelerating-ato-for-navy-and-beyond/): How UDS reduces ATO timelines from months to days
- [Enable ATO in Days, Not Months](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/uds-enable-ato-in-days-not-months/): UDS simplifies ATO with built-in compliance, automated controls, and secure CI/CD
- [Why UDS: Integrate Once, Deploy Anywhere](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/why-uds-integrate-once-deploy-anywhere/): UDS value proposition for air-gapped, disconnected, and tactical systems
- [The Strategic Reasons for DevSecOps](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/the-strategic-reasons-for-devsecops/): Why DevSecOps matters strategically beyond just speed
- [Managing CVEs in Defense Systems](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/managing-cves-in-defense-systems-for-real-time-risk-mitigation/): Real-time vulnerability management and runtime CVE mitigation with UDS Core
- [Istio Ambient in UDS Core](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/istio-ambient-simplifying-service-mesh-in-uds-core/): Simplifying service mesh in UDS Core with Istio Ambient mode
- [Runtime Security: Standardizing on Falco](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/runtime-security-in-uds-core-standardizing-on-falco/): Runtime threat detection with Falco in UDS Core
- [Automating Rebuildable Secure Pipelines with Zarf](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/automating-rebuildable-secure-pipelines-with-zarf/): Building automated, rebuildable secure CI/CD pipelines using Zarf
- [Airgap Deployments Are Like Camping](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/airgap-deployments-are-like-camping/): Analogy-based guide to understanding airgap deployment challenges
- [US Army Software Factory](https://defenseunicorns.com/resources/us-army-software-factory-drives-modernization-in-software-engineering/): How the Army Software Factory drives modernization in software engineering
- [Game-Changing DoD Software Delivery](https://defenseunicorns.com/a-game-changing-approach-to-software-delivery-for-the-dod/): How Defense Unicorns transforms DoD software delivery

## News

- [News](https://defenseunicorns.com/news/): Latest updates and press coverage
- [Navy Selects Defense Unicorns for Ship Software Prototypes](https://defenseunicorns.com/breaking-defense-defense-unicorns-chosen-by-u-s-navy-to-test-software-prototypes-for-ships/): Selected by U.S. Navy to test software delivery to ships (Breaking Defense)
- [CANES Next-Gen Modernization](https://defenseunicorns.com/defense-unicorns-joins-u-s-navys-canes-next-gen-modernization-effort/): Joins U.S. Navy's CANES Next Generation cyber resilience modernization
- [F-22 Continuous Software Delivery](https://defenseunicorns.com/defense-unicorns-demonstrates-key-enabler-for-continuous-software-delivery-on-the-f-22/): Demonstrated continuous software delivery on the F-22 with Air Force Sustainment Center
- [Fast Track Secure Software to Soldiers](https://defenseunicorns.com/defense-unicorns-fast-track-secure-software-to-soldiers/): UDS Army accelerates secure software delivery to soldiers
- [CMMC Level 2 with Zero Findings](https://defenseunicorns.com/defense-unicorns-crushes-cmmc-level-2-certification-with-zero-findings/): Achieved CMMC Level 2 cybersecurity certification with zero POA&Ms
- [Series B Announcement](https://defenseunicorns.com/defense-unicorns-raises-136-million-series-b/): $136M raise led by Bain Capital, $1B+ valuation
- [Unicorn Status](https://defenseunicorns.com/defense-unicorns-officially-achieved-unicorn-status/): Officially achieved unicorn status
- [UDS Registry Launch](https://defenseunicorns.com/defense-unicorns-launches-uds-registry/): Launch of UDS Registry for mission-critical software distribution
- [RapidFort Partnership](https://defenseunicorns.com/defense-unicorns-accelerates-secure-software-delivery-for-defense-missions-with-rapidfort/): Accelerated secure software delivery with RapidFort partnership
- [SAIC Partnership](https://defenseunicorns.com/saic-and-defense-unicorns-partner-to-accelerate-dod-software-delivery/): SAIC and Defense Unicorns partner for DoD software delivery
- [BAE Systems on P1 Marketplace](https://defenseunicorns.com/bae-systems-and-defense-unicorns-now-awardable-on-p1-marketplace/): BAE Systems and Defense Unicorns now awardable on P1 Marketplace

## Events

- [Events](https://defenseunicorns.com/events/): Upcoming conferences, speaking engagements, and events
- [Warhacker](https://defenseunicorns.com/warhacker/): Hackathon bringing together government, industry, academia, and non-profits to build and deploy software solutions (June 16-19, 2026, San Diego)
- [Sea-Air-Space 2026](https://defenseunicorns.com/events/defense-unicorns-events-sas-2026/): Defense Unicorns at the Sea-Air-Space maritime exposition

## Legal

- [Privacy Policy](https://defenseunicorns.com/legal/privacy-policy/)
- [Site Terms of Service](https://defenseunicorns.com/legal/site-terms-of-service/)
- [Terms of Use](https://defenseunicorns.com/legal/terms-of-use/)
- [End User License Agreement](https://defenseunicorns.com/legal/end-user-license-agreement/)
- [Product Terms and Conditions](https://defenseunicorns.com/legal/product-terms-and-conditions/)
- [Cookies](https://defenseunicorns.com/legal/cookies/)
- [Brand Toolkit](https://defenseunicorns.com/brand-toolkit/): Logos and brand assets for press kits, partner pages, and co-branded materials

## Additional Sitemap Pages

- [Home](https://defenseunicorns.com/): Defense Unicorns makes software a strategic deterrent with solutions that promote data independence, portability, and efficiency.
- [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 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.
- [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.
- [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
- [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.
- [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.
- [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
- [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.

## Source Code

- [GitHub Organization](https://github.com/defenseunicorns): All open-source repositories including uds-core, zarf, pepr, uds-cli, and more