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Advent, a leading global private equity investor, announces a commitment to invest up to $1 billion in next-generation defense technology companies.
The commitment builds on Advent’s long-established investment strategy in the defense sector, where it has consistently backed businesses supporting national security priorities. The firm’s approach reflects a sustained focus on identifying and scaling technologies that are critical to maintaining a strategic edge, including artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.
Advent will pursue investments in differentiated, cutting-edge companies developing advanced capabilities to support defense modernisation and long-term security needs.
Since 2020, Advent has deployed more than $15 billion across the global defense sector, including investments in Cobham, Ultra Electronics, Vantor, and Attalon. This investment history underscores a consistent level of investment activity in the sector, established well ahead of recent geopolitical developments.
Through its ecosystem of experienced executives, government relationships and insights drawn from its portfolio, we believe Advent is well positioned to support pioneering defense technology companies – particularly in areas such as go-to-market strategy, manufacturing scale-up, M&A, and capital markets.
As part of this commitment, Advent has signed a definitive agreement to make an initial investment in the defense technology company Shield AI, co-leading its $1.5 billion Series G funding round, which values the company at $12.7 billion. Founded in 2015, Shield AI develops AI-powered autonomous systems to support air operations, with a mission to protect service members and civilians through intelligent technology.
Shonnel Malani, Managing Partner and global head of aerospace and defense at Advent, said: “We are proud to bring to bear our experience of strategic defense investing and our global network across industry and government to support the next generation of defense technology companies at this critical moment. We believe Shield AI represents the frontier of this transformation and we look forward to partnering with the company as it scales its vision of AI-driven autonomy, helping shape a future where intelligent systems can enhance resilience, protect service members, and redefine the nature of modern security.”
The transaction is expected to close in Q2 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.
