Meet the
team.

Mark Kahanding is the Founder & CEO of Cobalt Academy, a defense technology and education company specializing in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), counter-unmanned aircraft systems (CUAS), and emerging battlefield technologies. A California Army National Guard officer, FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot, published author, and defense consultant, Mark made history as one of the first commissioned officers in the California Army National Guard to participate in the successful defeat of a hostile unmanned aircraft in combat. Today, he works with allied partners, defense organizations, first responders, and industry leaders across the world to advance drone capability, defense innovation, and modern warfare education.

Over more than twelve years of military service, Mark enlisted as a 68W Combat Medic before serving with the 1-160th Infantry Battalion, 1-144th Field Artillery Battalion, and 1-185th Infantry Battalion. He later commissioned as a Field Artillery officer, graduating from the Field Artillery Basic Officer Leader Course (FABOLC) on August 7, 2024, before deploying the very next day in support of Air Defense Artillery operations during Operation Inherent Resolve. Serving as an Engagement Operations Center (EOC) Battle Captain and Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System (LPWS/C-RAM) Battle Captain, he led crews responsible for protecting coalition personnel and critical infrastructure across Syria, Jordan, Iraq, and Kuwait while supporting some of the U.S. military's most demanding Counter-UAS missions.

Within his first ten days in theater, Mark helped coordinate the successful engagement of a hostile one-way attack drone targeting a coalition installation, contributing to the protection of more than 100 U.S. and partner-force personnel. His combat service earned him the Combat Action Badge and the Army Commendation Medal with "C" Device for exceptionally meritorious service. Originally recommended for the Bronze Star Medal, his award recognized his leadership in combat operations, intelligence analysis, and the development of more than forty operational intelligence products on hostile drone threats supporting U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). His intelligence products, training materials, and operational guidance were distributed across multiple task forces, improving force protection, mission planning, and Counter-UAS operations throughout theater.

Drawing on these operational experiences, Mark founded Eyes in the Skies, a publication focused on drone warfare, defense technology, and national security that has grown to more than 2,500 subscribers worldwide. The publication is read by senior military leaders, policymakers, defense professionals, industry executives, and researchers, including retired four-star General David Petraeus. Through his writing, consulting, speaking engagements, and Cobalt Academy, Mark has collaborated with allied military organizations, universities, defense companies, and international partners across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia to advance understanding of modern drone warfare and Counter-UAS operations.

Beyond his operational experience, Mark serves on the Board of the Los Angeles World Affairs Council Young Professionals, where he helps connect emerging leaders with policymakers, military professionals, diplomats, and national security experts. He holds a Master of Arts in Government from Johns Hopkins University, where his graduate thesis is permanently archived in the Johns Hopkins University Library, and a B.S. in Business Administration from California State University, Los Angeles.

Today, Mark leads Cobalt Academy's mission to bridge the gap between battlefield experience and emerging technology by providing practical education, consulting, research, and capability development for military organizations, first responders, industry partners, and allied nations. Whether advising on Counter-UAS strategy, training the next generation of UAS operators, or developing innovative solutions for an evolving battlefield, his work is guided by a simple philosophy.