A&D M&A / Financing / Capital Markets

Poland has signaled it is ready to acquire its first tanker aircraft following discussions with the Spanish government.

Elroy Air plans to become a publicly traded company through a merger with special purpose acquisition company Inflection Point Acquisition Corp. VII.

Flexjet Chair Kenn Ricci discusses the acquisition of London-based The Jet Business, as well as challenges and further growth.

Offshore rotorcraft operator Bristow has put its Norwegian operation up for sale in a bid to optimize its business.

Firefly Aerospace has acquired the company that provided the vision navigation software to land its Blue Ghost spacecraft on the Moon.

Onex Corp. leads investor group acquiring Canada's largest fractional jet operator AirSprint to support expansion.

FL Technics expands digital capabilities with Sensus Aero acquisition to develop MRO software for external market.

The Swiss government has resumed payments to the U.S. for the FMS buy of RTX Patriot air and missile defense systems to avoid a ripple effect on other deals.

Polymer material specialist Clayens took over Vision Systems in May and now intends to ramp up production and strengthen the acquired company’s product range.

Canada has formally signed an agreement to acquire Australia's over-the-horizon radar technology, marking Australia's largest-ever defense export program.

Austria has been approved to acquire 12 more Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawks, as the country expands its military and consolidates its helicopter fleets.

MDA Space says it has agreed to buy RTX’s smallsat-maker Blue Canyon in a deal that would give the Canadian buyer a satellite production foothold in the U.S.

The Pentagon and Congress appear ready to dissolve the Space Development Agency and the Space Rapid Capabilities Office’s specific authorities in 2027.

South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration has awarded type certification to the Korea Aerospace Industries KF-21 fighter.

OHB says it is looking to raise about €500 million with an eye on expansion and potential acquisitions amid strong demand in Europe for space systems.

Flexjet has acquired The Jet Business, a London-based aircraft brokerage and advisory firm.

Kongsberg completed the acquisition of a 90% stake of Zone 5 Technologies, a maker of low-cost cruise and interceptor missiles already in large-scale production.

A Ukrainian Gripen acquisition could unlock follow-on purchases from Sweden, and Brazil is considering additional buys, too.

FDH Aero, an inventory service provider, plans to accelerate its global growth by adding a second private equity investor.

The Pentagon’s strategy to acquire 340,000 drones by the end of next year requires industry to scale production up while driving prices down.

The U.S. Army’s new Amazon.com-like website for drone acquisition is challenging industry business models and supply chains.

The U.S. government has approved a possible foreign military sale to Vietnam covering sustainment support for the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules.

Sweden is exploring the potential acquisition of two-seat Gripen Fs the country’s defense minister has suggested.

Editors discuss SpaceX's pitch for what will be the biggest IPO ever and what it could mean for the company.

Aviation IT provider SITA has acquired Spanish firm Big Blue Analytics, the company behind flight disruption management platform OCCam.

The aviation aftermarket is hot—and this is what bankers, private equity and strategic MROs are buying and looking for.

As a Canadian review of fighter acquisition plans continues, a top Saab executive says the domestic defense industry could play a role in Ukraine’s plan to acquire an initial batch of up to 20 Saab Gripen E/F fighters.

Leonardo is planning to grow its UK headcount beyond 10,000 people as the company sees greater commitments from the government on defense and security spending.

Canada is fast-tracking the acquisition and testing process for multidomain and autonomous surveillance systems compatible with harsh arctic conditions.

Ukraine will receive 16 donated Saab Gripen fighters from Sweden once it finalizes the first stage of a deal to acquire new-build Gripen Es.

Canada plans to acquire the Saab GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft to upgrade the country’s air warfare capability and bolster Bombardier as the aircraft supplier.

Embraer partners with Hellenic Aerospace Industry to support Greece’s potential C-390 fleet acquisition and strengthen its presence in the country.

Canadian supplier Meloche expands into Europe with Rossi Aero acquisition to diversify aerospace supply chains.

Gurpartap Sandhoo has assumed permanent leadership of the U.S. Space Development Agency and the Space Force’s portfolio acquisition executive for missile warning and tracking.

York Space has agreed to buy space solar-cell technology provider Solestial.

Norway's missile export ban forces Malaysia to reassess defense procurement strategies amid regional tensions.

Elliott Aviation President and CEO Michael Parrish discusses his key focus, market demand, first-time buyers, and mergers and acquisitions.

York Space pursues acquisitions, faces classified program cost increases and manages supply-chain delays.

A major electronic warfare (EW) upgrade for the Royal Saudi Air Force fleet of Boeing F-15SA fighters has entered the early stages of the acquisition process within the U.S. Foreign Military Sales system.

Iridium has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Aileron space-based air traffic surveillance system that it hosts on its satellite network.

Intuitive Machines acquires Goonhilly Earth Station to expand its space-to-ground network and support lunar and deep space missions with resilient communications.

The Pentagon’s Drone Dominance program is expanding to include the acquisition of recoverable “bomber” types of uncrewed aircraft systems.

Pentagon plans to buy 10,000 low-cost cruise missiles and 500 hypersonic missiles annually, expanding its industrial base and accelerating procurement timelines.

The U.S. Air Force has announced plans to soon move forward on the acquisition of ground-launched prototypes for a low-cost, supersonic counter-air missile.

Boeing plans to invest $1 billion over the next three years in its recently reacquired Wichita site, its top executive announced May 11.

VSE completed acquisition of PRECISION AVIATION GROUP, GA (MRO services/distribution/supply chain solutions) from GenNx360 Capital Partners for $2.025b cash/equity, increasing its revenue by ~50% on a pro forma 2025 basis.

Kongsberg is hoping to get word from the U.S. government in the coming weeks about its proposed acquisition of low-cost missile developer Zone 5 Technologies.

Hanwha Group has increased its stake in Korea Aerospace Industries to 5.09%.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has hinted that the long-awaited, much-delayed Defense Investment Plan could emerge “in the coming weeks.”

York Space Systems is acquiring All.Space, a UK-based satcom terminal provider, to expand connectivity solutions for the U.S. military and others customers.

U.S. Space and defense officials say an acquisition coordination office is being established, focused on cislunar operations.

Autonomous flight system developer Merlin has raised $80 million in new funding through the sale of shares to an existing institution investor.

Australia approved a follow-on acquisition of Lockheed Martin Himars and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM), expanding land-based long-range strike capability.

African airlines are hoping that Comac C919 will break the Airbus and Boeing duopoly and associated high acquisition costs and long waiting periods for new aircraft

News In Brief

Testek’s Senior Vice President, Todd Meredith talks to Aviation Week TV about the evolution of ADAS systems (Automatic Data Acquisition Systems).

One of the U.S. Space Force’s main acquisition offices could soon undergo a significant revamp.

Growing end markets, ample funds and government encouragement are all helping drive mergers and acquisitions to new levels.

Israel's El Al will exercise its options for six 787-9s and expand its agreement with Boeing to include additional options to acquire up to six more 787s.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is proceeding with the acquisition of Leonardo AW119 single-engine helicopters for the country’s military.

Amazon has agreed to acquire Globalstar following rival SpaceX’s purchase of EchoStar spectrum in the intensifying battle to offer LEO broadband services.

Donecle has raised €10 million in capital investment to support expansion in the U.S. and Europe, as well as AI development.

Safran Aircraft Engines is upgrading its forging capabilities by investing $176 million in the acquisition of a hydraulic press at a facility in Gennevilliers.

The U.S. Space Force’s senior acquisition official is telling industry to prepare for significant satellite production contracts should the fiscal 2027 budget request.

The undefeatable ballistic missile in the future will be hypersonic, cheap, and long-range, the U.S. Army’s acquisition chief for artillery says.

TESTEK SOLUTIONS, MI launched ADAS 2.0 data acquisition platform for testing hydraulic aircraft components.

Japanese investors have continued their expansion into the aviation aftermarket following Marubeni’s full acquisition of DASI.

HASC Chairman Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) is ready to take the White House’s opening fiscal 2027 defense spending bid as the new minimum funding level.

Elliott Aviation President and CEO Michael Parrish describes key focus, market demand, first-time buyers and M&A.

MTU Aero Engines expands into drone propulsion with AeroDesignWorks acquisition, boosting European systems and missile power tech.

Parts traders are adapting USM strategies to stay ahead in a crowded market.

Pilatus Aircraft has acquired Air Alliance, a Germany-based authorized Pilatus Sales and Service Center since 2014.

Rocket Lab says it has received regulatory approval from the German government to acquire optical communications provider Mynaric.

Aftermarket companies are increasingly adopting new scaling and M&A strategies to address supply chain disruptions.

The Indian Air Force can proceed with plans to buy a host of defense equipment.

Nigeria’s Air Force is looking to acquire Airbus C295 transport aircraft as part of an ongoing modernization of the service’s fleet.

Airbus is looking to expand its cyber capabilities in the UK with the purchase of Maidenhead, England-based Ultra Cyber Ltd.

The U.S. Army within a few days in mid-March ordered thousands of reconnaissance drones.

The UK Defense Ministry is exploring a rapid acquisition of uncrewed aircraft system radars for naval applications, aimed at detecting cruie missiles and other aircraft.

Gama Aviation is acquiring Hunt & Palmer, expanding the scale and scope of its aircraft charter brokerage firm.

The U.S. Space Force has laid out how it plans to divide most of its mission areas under the Pentagon’s new portfolio acquisition executive (PAE) system.

SpaceX has bought Maryland-based Hexagon Masterworks Inc.

AeroVironment said March 16 that it had acquired Empirical Systems Aerospace Inc. in a $200 million cash and stock transaction.

Airbus Helicopters is discussing possible industrialization options with Romania over the potential sale of the H225M.

Safran Corporate Ventures’ collaboration with Metavonics may help streamline the avionics architecture of a more-electric single-aisle aircraft.

Croatia’s prime minister says he has raised concerns with NATO about Serbia’s apparent acquisition of Chinese air-launched, long-range missiles.

The U.S. Air Force’s Boeing T-7A trainer program is seeing testing delays mount ahead of an imminent production decision, following a change in the acquisition approach to try to speed up fielding.

Bain Capital has closed its acquisition of FBO APP Jet Center from Ridgewood Infrastructure for an undisclosed price, the companies announced March 11.

The DOD is crafting a supplemental spending request to both replenish existing weapons used in the conflict in Iran and buy new, improved systems.

The U.S. Air Force has awarded two new deals worth $2.43 billion to Boeing to continue developing two E-7A prototypes as directed by Congress.

Anduril is expanding its space domain awareness portfolio with plans to acquire commercial provider ExoAnalytic Solutions.

The Indonesian Defense Ministry says it has “entered an agreement with India” to acquire the BrahMos supersonic missile system.

The U.S. Air Force’s opposition to buying additional Boeing E-7A Wedgetails has not changed despite a solicitation released on March 10.

West Star Aviation has acquired DCJet, a provider of field maintenance and AOG (Aircraft On Ground) services.

A federal research agency in Canada will acquire a Bombardier Global 6500 to develop defense-related technologies.

Bohai Leasing has completed the acquisition of 10 Boeing 787-8s and a pair of GE Aerospace GEnx-1B70 spare engines from China Southern Airlines through its subsidiary Avolon.

Hensoldt says it is acquiring Dutch electro-optical sensor provider Nedinsco, with the deal set to close by midyear.

The Pentagon is looking to build on the momentum of recent deals to invest in key munitions, with a specific focus on Lockheed Martin F-35 spare parts.

Romania wants to acquire 12 Airbus H225M multi-role utility helicopters using loans provided by the European Union.

Ametek MRO is adding new capabilities, digital technologies and investment in environmental controls.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions said late Feb. 26 that it plans to raise $1 billion gross via a share sale of its common stock.

Andorra Aviation Academy, located in Andorra la Vella in the Pyrenees, is launching flight operations with the acquisition of an Elixir aircraft with delivery set for mid-2026.

Airbus Helicopters is planning to acquire 15 helicopters this year to disassemble for parts and harvest for spares as the airframer continues to fix supply chain issues.

Setna iO is acquiring a majority stake in J&C Aero, which adds Part 21 design and production capabilities to its portfolio.

In February, South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration said it restarted the selection process for the Korean Next Generation Destroyer program.

The Southern California-based Advanced Manufacturing Company of America (Amca) has purchased Payne Magnetics for an undisclosed sum.

British defense startup Rotron Aerospace is being bought by U.S. autonomous systems maker Ondas.

Armenia has selected Shield AI’s V-BAT vertical takeoff and landing uncrewed aircraft system for its military.

The U.S. Air Force is interested in low-risk options for space-based air moving target indicator satellites to inform a future acquisition strategy.

Hutchinson, a Paris-based supplier of multi-material components, has completed its acquisition of U.S.-based anti-icing specialist Cox & Company.

Singapore has selected the Saab Giraffe 1X radar to replace its Portable Search and Target Acquisition Radar for low-level air defense missions.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force’s newly acquired Elbit Systems Hermes 900 uncrewed aerial system is making its public debut at this year's Singapore Airshow.

Consolidation in the U.S. aftermarket continues apace following VSE Corporation’s agreement to buy Atlanta-based MRO provider Precision Aviation Group.

For Japan, 2026 marks the penultimate year of its five-year Defense Buildup Plan, initiated in 2022 in response to a perceived deterioration in the regional security environment.

Capza of Paris is investing in cabin component supplier UUDS Group, following on the heels of its purchase of cabin/seat specialist Echeverria.

Why are high-profile aerospace and defense companies and investors shelling out billions of dollars for humble aircraft parts makers? Commercial aerospace parts

The U.S. Commerce Department will invest $1.6 billion in Oklahoma-based USA Rare Earth and take a 10% stake in the firm.

Bain Capital-backed interiors supplier Jamco Corp. has announced its second acquisition in as many months, agreeing to buy German lavatory specialist Schueschke

The Philippines signed a contract for six anti-submarine-warfare helicopters, according to a report detailing the Defense Department's approved acquisitions.

TransDigm Group will buy proprietary aftermarket part providers Jet Parts Engineering and Victor Sierra Aviation from private equity owner Vance Street Capital.

Mitsubishi Corp. has increased its investment in the Starlab Space commercial space station joint venture.

Parsons Corporation, a provider of technology solutions to the defense sector, has acquired Altamira Technologies from venture capital firm ClearSky.

Launch Technical Workforce Solutions has acquired JMC Aviation to boost recruiting capabilities and global footprint.

The U.S. military is opening a second acquisition track for affordable and mass-producible missiles.

The U.S. military plans to spend $1 billion to take an ownership stake in a future L3Harris Technologies spin-off focused on solid rocket motor production for tactical missiles.

Sweden is planning to invest a further $1.6 billion in air defense capability focused on protecting cities and civilian infrastructure.

Wichita-based Lee Air, a family-owned engineering and manufacturing firm, has acquired the assets of Advent Aircraft Systems in Tulsa.

Private equity-led deals made up almost a fifth of M&A activity in the MRO sector in the first half of 2025, research done for Inside MRO by Accenture says.

In a banner year for defense technology venture funding, C-UAS came into its own, growing faster in 2025 than any other major industry segment.

The U.S. Air Force is reshaping its acquisition program leadership under direction from top Pentagon leadership.

Cambium Biomaterials, a California-based startup that manufactures advanced materials for aerospace and defense, raised $100 million in a funding round.

AE Industrial Partners will buy a majority stake in the RL-10 upper-stage rocket and space nuclear propulsion businesses from L3Harris for $507 million.

CRANE closed acquisition of PRECISION SENSORS & INSTRUMENTATION (PSI), Armenia from Baker Hughes for $1.06b.

TransDigm has signed a definitive agreement with private equity firm Arlington Capital Partners for Stellant Systems for around $960 million in cash.

The Indian government has given the green light to buy a range of homegrown and imported missile, drone and counter-drone systems.

FlyHouse has completed its acquisition of Sun Air Jets, bringing with it the aircraft manager and charter operator’s assets, operations and personnel.

In Q4 2025, Wheels Up acquired or entered into agreements for Challenger and Phenom business jets, with plans to continue to expand those fleets.

Howmet Aerospace said Dec. 22 it is buying the Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing fastener and fittings business from Stanley Black and Decker.

The French Defense Innovation Fund and MBDA have taken a stake in NanoXplore, a company specializing in reprogrammable special-purposes semiconductors.

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace of Norway plans to acquire Zone 5 Technologies, a U.S. maker of low-cost cruise missiles.

Readers write about icing conditions for vertical-takeoff-and-landing vehicles, emergency evacuation procedures, and U.S. military acquisition history.

Malaysia is looking to fast-track its multirole combat aircraft program after plans to acquire ex-Kuwaiti Boeing F/A-18 Hornets are expected to face delays.

AAR’s acquisition of Aircraft Reconfig Technologies should boost its engineering and certification capabilities.

Spanish defense company Indra says it has agreed to acquire uncrewed air system provider Wake Engineering as part of a push to grab market share in Spain.

ITP Aero has signed a binding agreement to acquire CFM56 engine repair specialist Aero Norway.

The Canadian Defense Investment Agency awarded the Montreal-based aircraft manufacturer a roughly $400 million contract to supply six Global 6500s.

The U.S. Space Force will lead the acquisition and development of a new surveillance satellite constellation.

Starfighters Space is planning an initial public offering of shares to try to raise $40 million gross.

With another increased spending plan expected, the Defense Department is pressing for more flexibility from Congress.

Charter Operator BellAir has rebranded as Jet Excellence after acquiring Red Wing Aeroplane from Vista Global.

MROs must invest in localized supply chains and digital technologies to navigate volatile cost environments.

Canada’s Defense Investment Agency will manage acquisitions of AEW aircraft, ground-based surveillance radars and air transport fleet upgrades.

The author of the 1997 U.S. defense acquisition reform plan critiques Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s new strategy.

Germany has taken delivery of its first Arrow 3 ballistic missile defense system as the government also disclosed additional Kongsberg JSM procurement plans.

Jamco Corporation plans to buy Iacobucci HF Aerospace S.p.A., a specialist in galley inserts such as espresso and beverage makers, trash compactors and ovens.

Saab signed an MOU with trade organization AED Cluster Portugal as part of its drive to sell its Gripen E fighter to to replace Portugal's aging F-16s.

Austria has finalized contracts to acquire Leonardo’s M-346 advanced jet trainer to replace the Saab 105s that were retired five years ago.

The U.S. Space Force says its ability to outpace threats in orbit hinges on whether it can revamp how it organizes, buys and fields capabilities.

Magma Aviation, the air cargo solutions company which has a base in Dubai, has added a new Boeing B747F to its growing fleet.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) has finalized a six-year lease-to-buy agreement with Air Lease Corp. for two Airbus A321XLRs.

NATO seeks alternative airborne early warning platforms after the U.S. withdrawal from the E-7 Support Partnership collapsed the alliance’s E-7 acquisition.

Voyager Technologies is continuing its acquisition spree with a U.S. propulsion focus, announcing Nov. 20 it is buying Estes Energetics.

The Helicopter Company is expanding its global presence via acquisition and planning to branch out into Advanced Air Mobility operations.

Airpower strength is tipping toward Saudi Arabia in the Gulf region after President Trump said he would approve the sale of Lockheed F-35As to the Kingdom.

Germany is set to provide funding for a Eurofighter Typhoon upgrade plus additional helicopters and air defense missiles after approval from its parliament.

The U.S. Army is the first service to unveil an overhaul of its acquisition structure following a Pentagon-level reorganization of how it plans to buy weapons.

Beta Technologies has listed on the New York Stock Exchange after an oversubscribed initial public offering.

The 43-day government shutdown and Pentagon acquisition reforms may slow the U.S. Navy’s accelerated push to field a new jet trainer.

Defense leaders have outlined an approach to prioritize speed above all else, cutting acquisition oversight.

Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) has outlined design and development priorities for a new modular surface-to-surface missile.

XTI Aerospace, a developer of vertical flight technologies and VTOL aircraft, has paid $40 million to acquire Drone Nerds.

The Bhopal part-out and MRO facility would face competition from urban MROs.

Arcline Investment Management has agreed to buy aerospace parts and processes provider Novaria from private equity firm KKR for $2.2 billion.

Archer announced a pact to acquire Hawthorne Airport in Central Los Angeles, expected to form the operations hub of its planned air taxi network in the city.

In a major speech Nov. 7, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth outlined reforms meant to streamline acquisitions and get new technology to troops quicker.