Former CISA nominee Sean Plankey named US CEO of defense startup

Sean Plankey, a former nominee to lead the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), has been appointed chief executive officer of the U.S. arm of defense technology startup UFORCE, marking a major leadership move in the rapidly expanding autonomous defense sector.

The London-based company confirmed the appointment on Monday, just weeks after Plankey withdrew his nomination to head CISA following a stalled confirmation process in the U.S. Senate.

From National Cybersecurity Candidate to Defense Industry Leader

Plankey, a cybersecurity veteran who previously served in the Trump administration and held senior advisory roles at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), retired from the U.S. Coast Guard earlier this year after years of public service in national security and cyber operations.

His nomination to lead CISA had been delayed amid political opposition in the Senate, ultimately leading to his withdrawal last month. The agency continues to operate without a permanent director.

UFORCE Expands US Operations and Drone Manufacturing Push

UFORCE, which was founded by a group of Ukrainian-origin firms and is headquartered in London, develops autonomous combat systems for air, land, and maritime use. The company is now positioning itself to expand manufacturing in the United States.

According to its leadership, UFORCE plans to begin producing U.S.-made unmanned surface vessels as early as this summer, marking a significant step in its transatlantic growth strategy.

The startup has reportedly reached a valuation of around $1 billion, reflecting growing investor interest in defense-focused autonomous systems amid heightened global security concerns.

Focus on Autonomous Military Technology

UFORCE specializes in drone technologies designed for combat and surveillance applications across multiple domains. The company has emphasized that its systems are already being tested and deployed in real-world operational environments.

Plankey said his decision to join the company reflects increasing demand for defense partners capable of rapid innovation and scalable production.

He noted that UFORCE is positioned to deliver advanced systems “already proven across theaters of combat” and highlighted plans to strengthen U.S.-based manufacturing capacity.

Strategic Shift in Defense Innovation

Company leadership stated that Plankey’s appointment underscores broader industry trends in autonomous warfare and the growing role of private defense technology firms.

Executives at UFORCE emphasized that future military capabilities will depend on companies capable of combining battlefield-tested systems with scalable Western production infrastructure.

CISA Leadership Vacancy Continues

Plankey’s departure from the nomination process adds to ongoing uncertainty at CISA, which has been without a Senate-confirmed director for the duration of the current administration.

Despite his withdrawal, no new nominee has yet been announced, leaving the agency under interim leadership as it continues to manage national cybersecurity priorities.

Conclusion

Plankey’s move from public-sector cybersecurity leadership to a high-profile defense technology company reflects the increasingly blurred line between government cyber expertise and private-sector military innovation. As UFORCE expands its U.S. operations, the appointment signals growing momentum in autonomous defense systems and their role in future security strategy.