Strategic Acquisition Powers AI and Data Backbone for a Unified Joint Force—Raft Leads the Charge in Defense Modernization
Raft, a recognized leader in autonomous defense technologies, has announced its acquisition of N3bula Systems, forming a strategic alliance set to redefine the future of joint force operations. This milestone partnership unites Raft’s cutting-edge agentic AI capabilities with N3bula Systems’ pioneering defense infrastructure—designed to connect sensors, shooters, and weapons systems seamlessly across domains and services.
Chosen from a competitive landscape of defense innovators, Raft was selected by N3bula Systems for its ability to deliver machine-speed integration of fires and mission systems, setting the foundation for a next-generation operational backbone that transforms how the U.S. military operates and wins in the digital battlespace.
“N3bula Systems is one of the most impactful teams in defense technology—the minds behind a critical defense infrastructure,” said Shubhi Mishra, Founder and CEO of Raft. “They chose to partner with us because we represent a New Prime. We embed directly with warfighters as trusted edge nodes, scale proven AI across mission-critical operations, and deliver real solutions to real battlefield problems—faster than established players. This signals a fundamental shift toward edge-native defense innovation.”
This acquisition brings together two mission-aligned innovators to build a cohesive AI and data infrastructure, enabling real-time interoperability across previously siloed military systems. This strategic fusion directly supports emerging national defense priorities and initiatives like Golden Dome, while bolstering efforts within the Department of the Air Force’s PEO C3BM program.
“The decision came down to mission alignment and execution capability,” said Ryan Mize, Founder and President of N3bula Systems. “Raft demonstrates consistent delivery of what warfighters actually ask for. As a new prime, they represent the future of defense contracting—impact over bureaucracy, and we want to be part of that.”
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Founded in 2020 and based in Colorado Springs, N3bula Systems is the architect behind critical command-and-control infrastructure supporting the U.S. Navy, DARPA, and U.S. Air Force. When combined with Raft’s AI-powered platform, [R]AIMS (AI Mission System), the unified offering delivers exponentially faster operational decision-making, autonomous data fusion, and persistent threat monitoring. The combined systems boast zero-latency handoffs from tactical to strategic levels and 99.9% uptime in even the most contested environments.
“N3bula Systems’ infrastructure expertise combined with Raft’s agentic AI creates unified command and control operating at machine speed across every domain,” said Bhaarat Sharma, CTO of Raft. This technological combination enables the seamless sensor-to-shooter integration that military leaders have identified as essential for maintaining operational advantage against near-peer threats at global scale.
Since its founding in 2018, Raft has scaled to over 350 employees—referred to internally as Rafters—and now serves more than 25 federal agencies. This acquisition is Raft’s first since receiving investment from Washington Harbour Partners in May 2024, and marks a significant step in expanding its mission-focused innovation model.
“With this flight, Raft is continuing to help solve the hardest challenges facing the national security ecosystem with a clear eye on the mission,” said Mina Faltas, Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Washington Harbour Partners. “Washington Harbour has been proud to support Raft and looks forward to continuing to work together to ensure our military and warfighters have the capabilities necessary to win.”
Together, Raft and N3bula Systems will drive the development of an AI-enabled, interoperable defense ecosystem that empowers faster, smarter, and more coordinated responses across domains and allied forces—ensuring strategic dominance at the speed of the modern fight.
