Raft and Chainguard Collaboration Fuels National Security Innovations
In a groundbreaking move for the defense sector, Raft, a leading defense technology firm, has announced its strategic integration with Chainguard to develop secure, autonomous warfare solutions. This collaboration aims to align with the stringent requirements set forth by the Department of Defense (DoD), paving the way for enhanced speed and security in mission-critical operations.
The partnership was officially announced on July 8, 2025, in McLean, Virginia, where Raft's CTO, Bhaarat Sharma, highlighted the vital need for fast and secure technological advancements in national security. The integration of Chainguard’s hardened, zero-CVE container images into Raft's advanced systems—namely the [R] AI Mission System, [R] Data Platform, and [R] Application Platform—marks a significant shift in the defense landscape. This integration promises to eliminate the traditional trade-off between speed and security, enabling the DoD to achieve unprecedented operational velocity without compromising compliance.
Chainguard Containers, designed to meet rigorous federal standards, will now act as the secure backbone for Raft’s expanding suite of edge-native defense technologies. This development allows Raft to significantly reduce the time traditionally associated with compliance engineering, taking what used to be months of preparation and condensing it into mere minutes. With this efficiency, vital processes like Interim Authority to Test (IATT) and Authority to Operate (ATO) can be expedited, allowing engineering teams to focus on providing revolutionary capabilities to warfighters.
"National security demands technology that is fast, secure, and mission-aligned. Chainguard helps us deliver all three at once," Sharma commented. The partnership not only enhances the speed of innovation but also reinforces the secure and robust foundation that warfighters depend on. This collaborative effort ensures that Raft's AI and data products are developed at the 'pace of relevance,' a term coined to describe the rapid adaptation required in modern military conflicts.
Matt Moore, co-founder and CTO of Chainguard, echoed this sentiment, stating, "Raft is changing what's possible for the Department of Defense by delivering agentic AI and data solutions at mission speed." He emphasized Chainguard’s role in providing a secure software foundation that allows Raft to move quickly while steadfastly protecting their security and compliance requirements.
As Raft continues its expansion and influence in joint warfighting initiatives, the importance of reliable and resilient technology grows. The integration of Chainguard ensures that each line of code produced is resilient, verifiable, and ready for immediate deployment. Together, Raft and Chainguard are not just enhancing existing capabilities but are redefining the very fabric of defense technology, marrying security by design with operational compliance to meet the demands of modern warfare.
About Raft
Raft stands at the forefront of autonomous data fusion and agentic AI, offering cutting-edge solutions to the Department of Defense and other national security agencies. Trusted by over 25 federal agencies, Raft enhances current mission systems and accelerates modernization efforts with AI-driven solutions. Their technology allows for smarter, faster decision-making across all levels, from tactical operations to high-level headquarters functions. Raft delivers significant mission impact while minimizing costs and operational disruptions traditionally associated with complete system overhauls.
For more insights on Raft and their innovative technologies, visit
www.teamraft.com.
About Chainguard
Chainguard functions as a secure foundation for software development and deployment. By offering guarded open-source software with Chainguard Containers, VMs, and Libraries, they assist in eliminating threats from software supply chains. Their client portfolio extends to Fortune 500 corporations and industry leaders, ensuring robust security in software deployment. Chainguard operates with backing from notable investors and continues to champion high-security standards in technology development.
To discover more about Chainguard, navigate to
www.chainguard.dev.