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ARTICLE · 30 JUNE 2026

New Joint Ventures Accelerate Evolution Of Battlefield Technology

A&O Shearman
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Joint ventures have become a key feature of the rapidly evolving defense landscape. Flexible structures that often prioritize operational outcomes over technology ownership are enabling collaborations between primes, disruptors...

GlobalGovernment, Public Sector
Alain Dermarkar
Alain Dermarkar
Romain Dambre
Romain Dambre
Benjamin Crawford
Benjamin Crawford
Author LinkedIn connections

Joint ventures have become a key feature of the rapidly evolving defense landscape. Flexible structures that often prioritize operational outcomes over technology ownership are enabling collaborations between primes, disruptors, and financial sponsors. However, export controls, foreign direct investment (FDI) rules, and long investment horizons make careful structuring essential.

Summary

  • Modern warfare’s shift toward technology-driven and autonomous systems is accelerating JV formation, with partners combining complementary strengths like intellectual property, manufacturing, and supply chains.
  • The defense supply chain is now characterized by diverse partnerships, such as disruptor-disruptor and disruptor-prime relationships alongside traditional prime-prime alliances.

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