# The Future of Defense Technology with Zac Staples

An episode of [AI Chat: AI News on Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, Perplexity](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1669990482), 15 Sep 2025, 26 min.

Audio: https://content.rss.com/episodes/365073/2440817/ai-chat-podcast/2026_01_08_18_58_56_9271403c-2fcd-4f34-a298-1b4a6866d97d.mp3

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! In this episode, Jaeden Schafer interviews Zac Staples, founder and CEO of Fathom 5, a defense technology company focused on industrial AI systems for maritime and national security. Zac discusses his transition from a Navy commander to tech entrepreneur, the significance of AI in naval operations, and the development of the Tempest operating system. He emphasizes the importance of predictive maintenance, robotic systems, and ethical considerations in AI, while also addressing the need for speed and safety in technology integration. The podcast highlights the strategic advantages of AI in deterring conflict, particularly in relation to China. • Try AI Box: https://aibox.ai • AI Chat YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JaedenSchafer • Join my AI Hustle Community: https://www.skool.com/aihustle • Visit Fathom5: https://www.fathom5.com/ • Find Fathom5 on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fathom5 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Zac Staples and Fathom 5 01:01 Transition from Navy to Entrepreneurship 02:56 Deployment of AI in Navy Warships 06:06 AI's Role in National Security Against China 09:20 Predictive Maintenance and AI Technology 11:07 The Future of Robotics in Defense 12:56 US Technology Supremacy and Defense Innovations 15:27 Ethical Considerations of AI in Defense 19:30 Balancing Speed and Safety in AI Development 21:28 Excitement and Concerns about AI in Defense 24:05 Future Impact of AI on National Security See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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