From Blockchain to Battlefields: Web3 in the Military Sector

In today’s world, almost every sector — from everyday services to high-tech industries — can be somehow connected to the Web3 industry. This field encompasses a wide range of tools and solutions, including decentralized networks, blockchain, DAOs, tokenization, and more. All these technologies have the potential to change familiar processes — making them more transparent, secure, and autonomous. This is why Web3 is increasingly moving beyond just finance or IT projects and starting to penetrate the most unexpected and profound areas.

In this news article, Coinmooner decided to focus on one of the most technologically and strategically essential sectors — the defense and military industry. This area has traditionally been considered closed and conservative, but even here Web3 is finding its place. From AI-powered drones to decentralized control systems, we are already seeing examples of innovative solutions being implemented, which could potentially change the rules of the game in terms of security, logistics, and communication.

We have prepared an overview of three projects that either currently utilize Web3 technologies for defense or are at the forefront of their development. These initiatives are a shining example of how future technologies are becoming part of the present. Let’s take a closer look at them and explore how they are influencing the military industry today, as well as what they may offer in the future.

SHIELD AI

The first project is Shield AI — an American startup founded in 2015 by former U.S. Navy officer Brandon Tseng and his brother Ryan Tseng. The goal of the project is to develop autonomous combat systems that can operate independently of constant human control.

The company is well known for developing the AI-powered drone Nova, which can carry out surveillance and combat missions even in areas without GPS or communication signals. Shield AI is ranked among Forbes’ top startups working at the intersection of technology and the defense industry.

Shield AI has a direct and strong connection to the military sector. Their technologies are already being used in real combat situations by the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps. The company works closely with the Pentagon and other defense contractors. Their platform, called Hivemind, serves as an autonomous "brain" for drones and robots, enabling them to make battlefield decisions independently, even in highly complex conditions.

As for Web3, Shield AI does not currently integrate blockchain or similar technologies (as of 2024). However, there are conceptual overlaps. For example, autonomous AI agents and drone swarms are potential areas where decentralized computing and control — core ideas of Web3 — could be applied. In the future, such technologies may utilize DAO-like systems to coordinate drone actions or secure blockchain-based communication and logistics channels. In this way, Shield AI represents a leading example of defense-focused AI that’s gaining attention within the Web3 space.

SPACE CHAIN

The next project Coinmooner wants to talk about is SpaceChain — a Singapore-based startup founded in 2017 by Zheng Zuo and Jeff Garzik, one of the early developers of Bitcoin. The project aims to create a decentralized satellite infrastructure by integrating blockchain with space technologies. SpaceChain has developed an operating system called SpaceChain OS, based on the Qtum blockchain and Sylix OS, which allows smart contracts and applications to run directly on satellites. The company has successfully launched blockchain nodes into orbit, including those for Qtum and Velas, utilizing SpaceX rockets and Spire Global satellites.

SpaceChain’s connection to the military industry is indirect. Although the company does not directly develop military technologies, its solutions could be utilized in the defense sector. For example, a decentralized satellite network can provide secure communication and data transfer in situations where traditional channels are unavailable or unreliable. Collaboration with organizations such as the European Space Agency (ESA) and participation in international projects may lead to the application of SpaceChain's technologies in various areas, including defense.

In the context of Web3, SpaceChain plays a vital role by providing infrastructure for decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts in space. Hosting blockchain nodes in orbit provides an additional layer of security and resistance to censorship, aligning with the core principles of Web3. Additionally, the use of multi-signature systems and the absence of constant internet access make these solutions attractive to developers seeking maximum decentralization and autonomy for their applications.

The last project Coinmooner would like to discuss is Braintrust — a decentralized talent hiring platform founded in 2018 by Adam Jackson, Brian Flynn, and Gabriel Luna-Ostaseski. The project is run by Freelance Labs, Inc., a company registered in San Jose, California, USA. Braintrust connects freelancers with companies, including notable clients such as Nike, Intel, Goldman Sachs, and NASA. The platform uses the BTRST token on the Ethereum network, which helps govern the platform and encourages the community to support its growth.

Braintrust’s connection to the military industry is indirect. While the company does not build military technology, its solutions can be applied in the defense sector. For example, a decentralized talent network can give access to highly skilled professionals for projects related to security and defense. Also, partnerships with organizations like NASA may help Braintrust’s technology reach into other industries, including defense.

In the Web3 space, Braintrust plays a crucial role by providing infrastructure for decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts, with a focus on hiring. The platform is managed by a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO), where BTRST token holders can vote on key decisions that shape the project. Additionally, the use of multi-signature security and the ability to operate without a constant internet connection make Braintrust attractive to developers seeking full decentralization and autonomy in their applications.

Ultimately, globalization will become the dominant process, and all industries, not just Web3, will intersect and integrate. We live in an era where technology is developing at an incredible rate, and the connections between various aspects of life are becoming increasingly closer. Whether it's finance, technology, education, or even defense — all of these will begin to interact with each other, creating more complex and interconnected ecosystems. Web3, with its decentralized solutions, plays a crucial role in this process, serving as the foundation for new approaches to organizing various sectors, where security, autonomy, and openness will be of primary importance.

Coinmooner also emphasizes the importance of utilizing the most advanced and reliable protection methods within the Web3 industry. As we increasingly rely on digital technologies and store more information in the virtual space, data protection becomes critically important. Remember, as the Web3 world becomes more open and accessible, the importance of precautions to ensure the safety of your finances and personal data in the digital space will also increase.