Edge AI at the tactical frontier: Our APFIT program commitment
At Latent AI, our core mission is to make artificial intelligence not just powerful, but accessible and adaptable—especially in the most demanding and critical environments. That’s why I’m incredibly proud to announce a transformative milestone for our team: Latent AI has been selected for the Department of Defense’s Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) program. This opportunity marks a significant leap forward in our efforts to bring cutting-edge AI solutions to the tactical edge, where split-second decisions can mean the difference between success and failure.
This achievement builds directly on the foundation laid by Project AMMO (Accelerated MLOps for Maritime Operations), a collaboration with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the U.S. Navy. In that initiative, we tackled a persistent challenge: the slow pace of updating AI models for naval mine countermeasures. Traditionally, this process took months, leaving warfighters with outdated tools in rapidly evolving situations. Using our Latent AI Efficient Inference Platform (LEIP), we slashed update times to mere days—an 18x improvement. This breakthrough empowered sailors to adapt AI models on-site, processing data in real time and making informed decisions without delay.
Retired Admiral Doug Small, former Project AMMO leader and now a Strategic Advisor to Latent AI, captured its impact perfectly: “Project AMMO was a game-changer, proving that optimized edge AI can deliver reliable, rapid solutions in the toughest conditions. Latent AI’s ability to compress and deploy AI models where resources are scarce is transforming how we approach battlefield innovation. That success wasn’t just a technical win, it was a proof point for the future of defense technology.”
Now, with APFIT, we’re taking that vision to the next level. This program, the first of its kind to prioritize software capabilities, reflects the DoD’s bold commitment to integrating innovative technologies through agile, forward-thinking processes. We’re thrilled to join forces with Domino Data Labs, Weights and Biases, Fiddler, and Arize in this pioneering effort.
A spokesperson from Domino Data Labs, the prime contractor, highlighted the synergy: “Partnering with Latent AI and this exceptional cohort accelerates our collective ability to bring cutting-edge AI solutions to the DoD. Their edge AI expertise complements our mission to streamline and scale advanced analytics for defense applications. Together, we’re not just building tools—we’re redefining how AI can strengthen national security in contested, connectivity-limited environments.”
The APFIT program will fast-track our ability to scale these capabilities, moving optimized edge AI from concept to production and into the hands of Navy tactical units, particularly in the INDOPACOM region and fleet operations.
Neal Byrd, Federal Vice President at Latent AI, underscored the stakes: “APFIT isn’t just about technology—it’s about giving warfighters the edge they need to act decisively. Building on Project AMMO’s success, we’re now positioned to deliver AI that adapts in real time, ensuring our forces stay ahead in contested environments. This initiative also advances our pursuit of IL6 clearance through our cleared facility, a critical step that will open new doors for handling sensitive government data and expanding our impact across the DoD.”
Our journey with the APFIT program is deeply personal for us at Latent AI. It’s about more than just technological innovation—it’s about empowering those who serve, equipping them with tools to navigate complexity and succeed under pressure. In a world where battlefield dynamics shift in an instant, optimized edge AI isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. We’re honored to lead this charge, delivering solutions that are efficient, adaptable, and trusted. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see where this transformation takes us—and the warfighters we serve—next.
Dive deeper into Latent AI’s edge AI breakthroughs:
Recent Blogs
