How are autonomous systems reshaping modern warfare, and what does the future of defense technology look like?

In this NYSE Live interview from the AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition, Murali Krishnan, Chief Growth Officer at AEVEX Aerospace, discusses the growing role of autonomous systems in military operations, innovation in defense technology, and how operational feedback is accelerating the evolution of next-generation battlefield solutions.

JD Durkin spoke with Krishnan about autonomous platforms, defense modernization, military innovation, manufacturing scale, maritime systems, battlefield adaptability, and the future of multi-domain operations.

A major theme throughout the conversation is the growing importance of autonomous systems in modern warfare. According to Krishnan, autonomous technologies have evolved from specialized capabilities into mission-critical tools that are increasingly required across today's operational environments.

The interview also explores how defense technology must move beyond research and development. Krishnan emphasizes that successful defense innovation requires not only advanced concepts but also the ability to manufacture, deploy, and sustain systems at operational scale.

Another key topic is the importance of adaptability. As battlefield conditions and threats evolve rapidly, military organizations require technologies that can be updated, modified, and improved based on real-world operational feedback.

The conversation further examines AEVEX's approach to innovation. The company has spent years developing autonomous systems designed for deployment in active operational environments, enabling continuous refinement through lessons learned from field use.

A significant focus of the discussion is Spectre, AEVEX's latest autonomous platform introduced at AUSA. The system was developed to address evolving operational requirements while emphasizing flexibility, range, affordability, and payload integration.

The interview also highlights the importance of speed in defense innovation. Krishnan explains that maintaining a rapid feedback loop between operators, engineers, and production facilities helps ensure that evolving battlefield needs are translated quickly into deployable capabilities.

Another major theme is manufacturing scale. Beyond technological performance, defense organizations increasingly require systems that can be produced and delivered in significant quantities to support operational requirements.

The discussion also explores affordability as a strategic advantage. Cost-effective autonomous platforms can help military forces field larger numbers of systems while maintaining operational flexibility in contested environments.

Additionally, Krishnan discusses AEVEX's acquisition of BlackSea Technologies, which expanded the company's presence beyond airborne autonomous systems and into autonomous maritime capabilities.

The interview further examines the growing importance of multi-domain operations. By integrating airborne and maritime systems, defense organizations can leverage greater interoperability, coordination, and mission flexibility across operational theaters.

Another key topic is platform interoperability. AEVEX aims to create systems capable of sharing information, coordinating missions, and operating together across multiple domains and mission types.

The conversation also highlights how operational experience drives product development. Lessons learned from deployments and real-world missions continue informing future technology investments, manufacturing decisions, and capability enhancements.

Looking ahead, Krishnan expects demand for autonomous systems, scalable production capabilities, multi-domain operations, and rapid technology adaptation to continue growing as defense organizations modernize for future conflicts.

Throughout the discussion, Krishnan shares insights on autonomous systems, defense innovation, military technology, battlefield modernization, unmanned systems, manufacturing scale, maritime autonomy, aerospace technology, multi-domain operations, and national security.

Disclaimer: Informational content only. NYSE does not endorse or recommend investments, strategies, companies, products, or services discussed.

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