Research

The forces shaping what comes next.

The same questions that inform our investment decisions shape the research we share. We study the market, policy, and technological shifts reshaping critical and emerging technologies to understand where demand is heading, what changes matter, and what they mean for founders and investors. We don't publish to react to the market — we publish to understand it.

Research

CET Ventures Research

In-depth analysis of the forces reshaping U.S.–Israel defense technology and what they mean for founders and investors.

Vol. 1, No. 2 · May 2026

The Fiber-Optic Drone Problem: Solving the Unjammable Threat

By Barry Mannis and Azi Jacobson

Low-cost fiber-optic FPV drones bypass every existing counter-UAS system — an unjammable, no-warning threat. We document The CET Sandbox's response (Operation Northern Shield), apply the Iron Dome playbook, and explain why “inexpensive, simple, scalable, sufficient” is replacing “exquisite” as the primary U.S. procurement driver.

Key conclusions
  • Low-cost fiber-optic FPVs bypass all existing counter-UAS systems — a lethal, no-warning threat immune to jamming, GPS spoofing, and the entire electronic warfare solution set.
  • The CET Sandbox launched Operation Northern Shield: TRL 5+ startups, defense officials, and frontline IDF operators convened in Tel Aviv with a 30-day field deployment goal.
  • The Iron Dome playbook applies: Israeli ingenuity proves the concept, U.S. scales the manufacturing — integrate fast and accept imperfection.
  • “Inexpensive, simple, scalable, sufficient” is replacing “exquisite”; cost-effectiveness now rivals technological edge as the primary U.S. procurement driver.
  • With the U.S.–Israel MOU expiring, the moment calls for a standing joint Defense Innovation Lab, not ad-hoc responses to each new threat.
Vol. 1, No. 1 · March 2026

One Plus One Is Eleven: U.S.–Israel Combat Integration and What It Means for Defense Tech Investors

By Barry Mannis

Our inaugural report examines the most consequential development in the U.S.–Israel relationship in decades: the shift from coordination to genuine combat integration, and what it means for founders and investors in Israeli defense tech. We argue the outlook is bullish, with a clear premium on “U.S.-ready,” plug-and-play companies.

Key conclusions
  • Decades of growing U.S.–Israel defense ties made joint combat instantly effective.
  • Complementary strengths have ignited powerful synergies and seamless operation.
  • Trust and admiration for Israel in the U.S. Defense Industrial Base has risen sharply.
  • History suggests that shared combat produces deeper integration of innovation.
  • The war's outcome and shifting U.S. political dynamics remain key risks to integration.
  • The outlook is bullish for venture investors in Israeli defense tech.
  • We place a premium on U.S.-ready companies with plug-and-play technologies.
  • Segment to watch: AI-driven tech to secure communications for autonomous systems.