WindBorne Systems has secured a contract with the U.S. Air Force valued at up to $49 million for data collected by its autonomous weather balloons. The Redwood City-based startup currently operates about 700 balloons globally, gathering atmospheric sensor data that feeds into its AI-powered weather forecasting model. The Air Force has so far ordered $1.7 million worth of data under the agreement, which was announced on October 12, 2026, according to techcrunch.com.
Founded in 2015, WindBorne has collaborated extensively with U.S. government agencies including the National Weather Service and the U.S. Navy. The new contract, awarded without competitive bidding, represents the largest single deal the company has received. Co-founder and CTO Andrey Sushko explained that the contract supports the expansion of WindBorne’s balloon constellation and funds research and development to enhance balloon hardware and performance. The Air Force can place orders for data from specific regions and times as needed.
The deal highlights the growing role of AI-driven weather data in defense and government operations. WindBorne is among the first to integrate empirical balloon data directly into deep-learning weather models, differentiating it from traditional forecasting methods. This contract surpasses previous government collaborations and reflects increasing demand for precise, real-time atmospheric data. Comparable government contracts in the weather data sector typically involve satellite or ground-based sensors, but WindBorne’s balloon network offers unique global coverage.
WindBorne’s fleet of 700 balloons continues to collect data worldwide, with the Air Force expected to increase its orders beyond the initial $1.7 million. The contract’s flexible structure allows the military to request data tailored to operational needs, supporting ongoing growth and innovation in WindBorne’s technology, as confirmed by the company’s CTO.