The Asymmetric Strategic Option for a Volatile World

Tampa, Florida, once again transformed into the epicenter of global special operations from May 5–8, 2025, as SOF Week returned with its signature blend of grit, innovation, and unfiltered collaboration. This year’s theme,The Asymmetric Strategic Option for a Volatile World,was more just a catchy slogan—it served as a call to arms for the world’s most elite warriors and the tech titans who arm them. 

Despite some turbulence from U.S. government travel restrictions, the event maintained its momentum, drawing thousands of attendees from over 60 countries. The Tampa Convention Center buzzed with activity as operators, defense contractors, and international delegations converged to forge the future of warfare. 

Anduril Industries: The Vanguard of Modern Warfare

Among the myriad exhibitors, Anduril Industries stood out, not just for its sleek booth but for the groundbreaking tech it unveiled. Their new Pulsar-L EW system, no larger than a 3kW portable generator, promises to revolutionize counter-drone operations. This software-defined electromagnetic warfare system can detect, identify, track, and neutralize threats in a single, deployable package. Available in both airborne and expeditionary configurations, Pulsar-L integrates seamlessly with Anduril’s Lattice AI platform, ensuring operators have real-time situational awareness. 

PulsarL
The unassuming yet mighty Pulsar L by Anduril. Photo by the author.

But Anduril didn’t stop there. Their Seabed Sentry system, a rapidly deployable undersea surveillance network, leverages modular sensor nodes to monitor maritime domains. This system, developed in partnership with Ultra Maritime, offers a new layer of security beneath the waves. 

Adding to their arsenal, Anduril introduced the Copperhead, an unmanned undersea vehicle designed for launch from larger drones. This torpedo-launching drone expands the reach and lethality of underwater operations. 

And let’s not forget the YFQ-44Fury,Anduril’s entry into the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. This unmanned combat aerial vehicle is designed to operate alongside manned fighters, bringing AI-driven capabilities to the aerial battlefield.

Anduril Fury
The Anduril YFQ-44 Fury. Designed to augment crewed aircraft and fly missions with them. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Synergy in Action: The Power of Collaboration

SOF Week 2025 wasn’t just about showcasing new toys; it highlighted the power of collaboration. The event’s theme underscored the importance of joint efforts in addressing modern threats. From panel discussions to impromptu hallway meetings, the emphasis was on breaking down silos and fostering partnerships across disciplines. This was evident this year in a way it was not in years past. Gone are the days when each megacorporation is “keeping it all in-house”. Today it is all about working together to achieve the greater good. 

As Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth highlighted in his keynote, the strength of special operations lies in its adaptability and the seamless integration of diverse capabilities.