Curated intelligence on venture capital, M&A, and funding activity in the defense sector
Last updated: March 23, 2026
Van-Am is investing approximately $1.5 million in new manufacturing machinery and equipment to expand into aerospace and defense markets, specifically supporting a new defense contract for the MK-41 weapon defense system used by the U.S. Navy. The company will add 16 new full-time positions within two years and spend an additional $150,000 on facility upgrades at its St. Joseph location.
Ondas acquires Indo Earth Moving as part of its strategy to build an integrated value chain in ground robotics and establish a complete autonomous system operating ahead of forces in the field. The acquisition follows Indo's win of a strategic military contract valued at approximately $140 million. The deal involves potential conflicts of interest as Ondas co-CEO Oshri Lugassy's consulting firm Target Solutions holds a 30% stake in Indo.
Ondas is expanding its defense portfolio through acquisition of Indo Earth Moving for heavy engineering equipment adaptation for combat zones, Rotron Aerospace for unmanned aerial vehicles and UK/NATO market access, a 50% stake in BIRD Aerosystems for aircraft protection systems against missiles, and Mistral for US defense market operations. These acquisitions will join the Ondas portfolio of robotics and autonomy companies alongside Roboteam and 4M Defense.
Leonardo acquires Iveco Group's defense business including the IDV and ASTRA for both mobility and payload systems.
GE Aerospace is expanding additive manufacturing capabilities, engine test cells, advanced machining equipment, and facility infrastructure across five European countries including Italy (€77M), Poland (€15M), UK (€10M), Czech Republic (€8M), and Romania (€3M). The investment supports commercial narrow- and widebody engine programs as well as military fighter jet and helicopter engines. Additionally, the company plans approximately €40M for MRO and component repair facilities across Europe.
AeroVironment acquires ESAero's AS9100-certified manufacturing facilities totaling 85,000 square feet for UAS and advanced air mobility platforms production.
Kraken Robotics acquires Covelya Group to expand its subsea technology capabilities, gaining navigation, communication, positioning, imaging, and monitoring systems for maritime uncrewed systems.
GE Aerospace is investing $65 million across three Indiana facilities in Indianapolis, Lafayette, and Terre Haute to upgrade equipment and expand production capacity for aircraft engine components. This Indiana investment is part of a broader $1 billion nationwide expansion of U.S. aerospace manufacturing capabilities.
GE Aerospace will invest $5 million in equipment and machinery at its Newark site to advance hypersonic flight technology development. The facility manufactures ceramic matrix composites used in commercial and defense aircraft and helicopter engines. The investment is part of GE's broader $1 billion investment across U.S. manufacturing sites.
RTX completed a 26,000 square foot expansion of its missile integration facility in Alabama, increasing production and delivery capacity by over 50%. The company secured multiple agreements with the U.S. Department of War to jointly accelerate munitions output across several RTX sites including Tucson and Andover facilities.
Lockheed Martin will expand its Pike County production facility over five years to meet rising demand for munitions production. The facility manufactures hardware for the THAAD weapon system, Javelin missile, HELLFIRE missile, Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), and Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM). The investment will create additional full-time positions at the 3,800-acre facility that currently employs over 800 workers.
Bharat Forge invests €15 million ($160 crore) in its German subsidiary Bharat Forge Global Holding GmbH to support overseas operations. The firm also opened a state-of-the-art landing gear components machining facility in Mundhwa, developed with Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS.
Advanced Air is a specialist manufacturer of landing gear overhaul bushings, sleeves, and fasteners for commercial and military aircraft.
GE Aerospace is upgrading equipment and expanding testing capabilities at its Lynn facility, which manufactures, tests, and assembles parts for military fighter jet, helicopter, and maritime engines. The investment will refresh machinery to increase parts production, expand test cell capacity and flexibility, and make building upgrades to meet military delivery requirements.
Anduril acquires ExoAnalytic Solutions to integrate its telescope network and missile defense tracking capabilities into Anduril's ground and satellite systems. The acquisition may enable Anduril to compete for contracts related to Trump's $175 billion Golden Dome missile defense system.
Lux Aeterna will develop its Delphi-1 reusable satellite designed to survive atmospheric reentry using a rigid heat shield structure.
GE Aerospace will modernize testing labs, add manufacturing equipment, and upgrade buildings across multiple Dayton-area facilities including the new Beavercreek plant, EPISCenter at University of Dayton, and Dayton Cores and Castings. The investment supports production of components for LEAP engine reverse bleed systems, narrowbody and widebody aircraft engines, and military fighter jet and helicopter engines.
JF Lehman & Company is raising its seventh fund targeting $2.75 billion to continue investments in aerospace and defense companies. The firm typically invests between $75M and $750M for controlling stakes in profitable, founder-owned companies.
PsiQuantum is constructing a quantum computing facility in Chicago to house fault-tolerant quantum computers designed to deliver approximately 1 million qubits of quantum computing power. The facility will support next-generation artificial intelligence supercomputers and advance the company's silicon photonics platform through partnerships with NVIDIA and Lockheed Martin for defense, aerospace and national security applications. Funds for this facility were sourced from venture capital, as well as significant public funds from DARPA, Cook County, and the state of Illinois.
GE Aerospace is investing $275 million to upgrade defense component production sites, $200 million to expand LEAP engine high-pressure turbine durability kit manufacturing, and $115 million in its Cincinnati headquarters facility upgrades. The company is also allocating $100 million to support external suppliers with tooling and equipment, plus facility investments in Massachusetts ($40M), Durham, North Carolina ($20M), Madisonville, Kentucky ($10M), and Lafayette, Indiana ($7M).
GE Aerospace will purchase next-generation forging and precision machining equipment, additional inspection technology, and building upgrades at its Rutland facilities. The investment will expand manufacturing capacity for components used in narrow-body aircraft engines, wide-body aircraft engines, military helicopter engines, and fighter jet engines. This investment is part of GE Aerospace's broader $1 billion commitment to U.S. manufacturing sites and suppliers.
Mistral's capabilities include UAVs, robotics, and electronics.
FlightWave opens a 51,000-square-foot manufacturing facility for the Edge 130 unmanned aircraft system, relocating from Carson to expand production capacity. The company is developing new capabilities for the Edge 130 including radios, resilient GPS systems, expanded payload architecture, and deeper integration across Red Cat Holdings.
Powerus operates through three subsidiaries: Kaizen Aerospace develops heavy-lift UAS platforms with 500+ pound payloads, Tandem Defense builds tactical defense platforms, and Agile Autonomy specializes in maritime surveillance systems. The Korea Climate & Governance Improvement Fund committed $50 million and will provide access to allied-nation supply chain networks to reduce reliance on non-allied suppliers. The combined company will trade as Powerus Corporation under ticker PUSA following the summer 2026 deal close.
TAKKION will use Siris's investment to optimize operations, expand service capabilities into adjacent renewable sectors including solar, battery, and transmission, and pursue organic and inorganic growth opportunities. The company currently provides full lifecycle renewable energy services across operations, maintenance & repair, construction, transportation, and fixed site logistics, with particular strength in wind energy services.
Applied Aerospace & Defense acquires Vestigo Aerospace, known for its Spinnaker deorbit systems product line, which uses drag sails to deorbit satellites and launch vehicle components.
KP Aerospace will invest 18 billion won ($13.5M) from IPO proceeds to expand its Vietnam facility with machining and post-processing capabilities for aircraft parts production. The company established an aircraft parts assembly facility in Da Nang, Vietnam in 2024.
Hanwha Aerospace will establish a €100 million on a range of projects, including a 40mm ammunition production facility, a center for maintenance of Chunmoo rocket launchers and K9 artillery systems, and other strategic partnerships with Estonian companies.
DCS strengthens its aerospace and defense engineering capabilities by acquiring ARCTOS' 60-year heritage in propulsion and advanced manufacturing.
The funding enables Sierra Space to expand production capacity and develop its product suite including satellite navigation platforms, solar arrays for military applications, and commercial space habitats.
Aeromed provides inventory management and parts forecasting for aerospace and defense companies.
The Lee Company's new 27,500 square foot Innovation Center will focus on advancements in the company's miniature precision fluid control products for aerospace and defense applications.
The funds will be used to "modernize and expand the company's capacity in Montana to refine and produce antimony necessary for flame retardants, batteries, munitions, and other defense applications." Funds will also be used to "establish domestic antimony excavation and extraction in Alaska."
This VC funding round comes as the company scales production capacity for solid rocket motors and values the company at $60B.
The EIF is part of the European Investment Bank, a large public-private EU development bank. Through this fund, Join Capital plans to invest in 25 early-stage deeptech startups developing critical defense, dual-use, security and space technologies across Europe.
This funding enables Spain's first private rocket company to scale production of its reusable Miura 5 rocket and compete in Europe's launcher challenge.
AI for drone swarms to operate in comms-denied environments.
AeroVironment is significantly expanding domestic manufacturing capacity for directed energy laser systems, anti-drone systems, and laser communications. State and local resourcing include $5 million from the state of New Mexico and $1 million from the City of Albuquerque.
FSG's specialized capabilities in high-specification forged components for aerospace, defense, and space applications (especially jet engines) address persistent supply constraints.
AeroVironment's $30M expansion significantly strengthens the domestic defense industrial base by adding 450 manufacturing jobs for military laser systems and space technologies.
ATI is doubling forging output capacity to support Pratt & Whitney and address aerospace production constraints. The expansion focuses on nickel and titanium output for commercial aerospace, defense, and energy customers with long-term contracts to Boeing and Airbus.
General Atomics is modernizing its Mississippi facility with automated CNC machines to support production of next-generation precision-guided weapons including the Bullseye strike missile and Long-Range Maneuvering Projectile. The Mississippi Development Authority (an EDA) is providing support through it's Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive (MFLEX) program, with additional support from Lee County.
Funding will accelerate development of deep space communications network using recently acquired Lanteris Space Systems and Maxar capabilities. Company holds $4.8B NASA contract for lunar communications services and plans to build satellite network of at least five spacecraft for moon missions.
Firehawk is scaling munitions production capacity, targeting thousands of rockets per month versus current industry levels of thousands per year.
This infrastructure investment addresses critical housing quality and readiness at Robins Air Force Base, supporting military family retention and base operational effectiveness. The systematic reinvestment approach demonstrates private military housing providers' commitment to maintaining defense infrastructure standards through targeted facility upgrades.
Greenbriar's $5.4B fund targets supply chain, logistics, and advanced manufacturing companies, with existing defense-related portfolio companies including Sunvair Aerospace Group, Applied Aerospace & Defense, and Pursuit Aerospace.
Kratos is raising significant capital to scale for recent contracts, support M&A (Nomad and Orbit) and strengthen the balance sheet for anticipated awards.
CesiumAstro's acquisition of Vidrovr accelerates AI integration into space telecommunications and ISR infrastructure.
StateSquare's acquisition positions AIM for aggressive international expansion across Europe and North America through a buy-and-build strategy, strengthening the independent EMS provider landscape for aerospace and defense customers. The deal leverages AIM's existing global footprint and flight-critical manufacturing capabilities to create a larger, more comprehensive defense electronics manufacturing platform.
DMG MORI's expansion establishes a 90,000 square foot research center for dual-use and defense applications, including high-precision optomechanical scanners and metal additive manufacturing components.
Airbus is undertaking a major modernization of its largest helicopter manufacturing site in the south of France, investing €450M in facility upgrades and production reconfiguration. The investment includes a NextGen factory for rotorcraft transmissions and components.
The investment adds a seventh isothermal forging press to boost production of critical engine components by 30%, supporting both commercial GTF engines and military F-35 programs. This builds on over $1 billion invested since 2008 and a $206 million expansion announced in 2023, demonstrating sustained capacity building for dual-use engine programs.
Establishes Ukraine's largest drone manufacturer's first UK production facility capable of producing 1,000 drones monthly for Ukrainian forces. Supported by a local economic development agency in East Anglia, England.
Velocity One expands its aerospace and defense platform by acquiring a specialized actuation and power solutions provider with established customer relationships and 80+ years of manufacturing heritage.
Kaney provides electromechanical actuation and advanced power solutions capabilities.
Leonardo DRS addresses critical submarine industrial base bottleneck by becoming second U.S. supplier of steam turbine generators, previously provided by single vendor. The facility supports Navy's goal to increase submarine production from current 1.3-1.5 per year to required 3-4 per year through expanded manufacturing and testing capabilities.
Chariot is developing a "software-defined power layer" to efficiently direct energy across mission systems and reduce gaps in energy availability.
Arcline gains access to mission-critical hydraulic and pneumatic systems essential for aircraft maintenance and flight operations across U.S. and allied defense forces.
Establishes major domestic production capability for solid rocket motors serving defense, missile systems, and commercial space sectors. Creates over 1,000 jobs in an 860,000 square foot facility, strengthening U.S. defense industrial base and reducing reliance on foreign propulsion systems.
RTX is expanding its aerospace manufacturing footprint in Puerto Rico, adding 525 high-skilled engineering and manufacturing jobs to reach nearly 2,100 local employees. The investment focuses on end-to-end electronics operations from design to manufacturing, enhancing automation and scalable production capabilities for aerospace and defense components including digital controllers, electrical systems, and communications equipment.
This acquisition strengthens Valore's global manufacturing footprint in automotive casting products, with operations spanning U.S., Europe, and Japan. The deal represents a carve-out from Proterial Ltd, creating an independent Tier 1 supplier serving major OEMs across multiple regions.
BBK Capital's SBIC Critical Technologies Fund I provides both debt and equity capital to lower middle-market companies in aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, and industrial technology. The fund operates with SBA and DoD Office of Strategic Capital credit enhancements and $175M in leverage capacity, specifically targeting sectors vital to national security and economic resilience.
This represents crossover between defense/aerospace manufacturing capabilities and commercial applications. The company demonstrates how precision engineering and quality standards from mission-critical defense systems can be applied to consumer products, maintaining aerospace-grade material selection, weld integrity, and performance standards.
Code Metal addresses critical defense need for verifiable AI-generated code translation in mission-critical environments where speed alone is insufficient. The company's neuro-symbolic approach provides mathematical proof of code correctness, enabling trusted deployment across U.S. Air Force programs and major defense contractors like L3Harris and RTX.
Boeing expands manufacturing capacity with a 9,000-square-foot electro-optical infrared sensor production line to fulfill its $12 billion Space Force Resilient Missile Warning and Tracking contract. The facility supports delivery of 12 satellites by 2027 and positions Boeing to more than double satellite production from 2025 levels to 26 spacecraft in 2026.
A facility leasing, shared-infrastructure arrangement for munitions production for critical weapons systems including Tomahawk, Javelin, and Stinger missiles. The campus aims to reduce manufacturing costs and accelerate production scaling through co-location of component manufacturers near existing defense facilities.
This investment establishes a manufacturing hub for scaling rocket systems and munitions production using 3D-printed propellant technology. The 636-acre facility represents a significant modernization of U.S. defense manufacturing infrastructure, moving critical production capabilities inland from traditional coastal concentrations. The investment is supported through regional tax incentives provided by the Mississippi Development Authority.
Facility focused on large UAVs. This facility is expected to start with R&D, and transition to high-rate production. The facility will employ potentially hundreds of people and establishes a partnership with University of Arkansas for student internships and hiring, strengthening the regional defense industrial base.
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The target companies provide components for the aerospace industry.
This merger positions XTEND to scale US manufacturing capabilities and access public markets as drone demand surges at the Pentagon.
This facility strengthens US domestic production of critical minerals needed for lithium-ion batteries used in defense and aerospace systems. The partnership between ExxonMobil and ACP Technology creates a supply chain for battery-grade graphite materials, reducing dependence on foreign sources for critical defense technologies.
This massive fundraise positions Veritas to continue consolidating defense and government technology companies during a challenging fundraising environment. Recent acquisitions include GHX (healthcare supply chain) and MetroStar (AI-enabled digital transformation for defense agencies), while portfolio company Peraton secured multi-billion dollar FAA modernization contracts.
This acquisition strengthens Safran's position in resilient PNT (Position, Navigation, Timing) capabilities, adding critical anti-jamming and spoofing technologies essential for flight safety and infrastructure protection. The deal expands Safran's portfolio with controlled reception pattern antennas (CRPAs) and software-defined radio capabilities, building on their 2023 Orolia acquisition to create a comprehensive GNSS resilience offering.
Fundraise to assist startup scale for recent Space Force contract.
GE Aerospace is investing in expanded manufacturing capacity with new facilities in Michigan, creating 160 jobs and adding 36,000 square feet of production space.
The facility will manufacture critical landing gear systems for the Airbus A320 family of aircraft.
This family of PE funds will focus on dual-use space technology, including a position in SpaceX.
RENK Group's $170 million investment ($70M capex, $100M R&D) in Michigan facilities by 2030 will create 300 jobs and strengthen existing operations in Muskegon, Sterling Heights, and Roseville. This expansion reinforces Michigan's position as a key defense manufacturing hub and deepens the strategic partnership between German defense companies and U.S. industrial base.
This record funding demonstrates China's strategic push to develop indigenous reusable launch capabilities to compete with SpaceX and support national megaconstellation projects like Guowang and Qianfan. The hybrid government-private funding structure reflects China's classification of commercial space as a strategic emerging industry critical for high-tech development and space sovereignty.
This facility expansion significantly increases Chapco's capacity to produce larger-format assemblies and high-volume sheet metal fabrication for defense primes. The consolidation enables the company to serve as a more integrated single-source manufacturing partner, helping defense contractors reduce supply chain risk during geopolitically unstable times.
Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) will have an area of approximately 181,000 square meters to support the life cycle of land systems – from development and production, to maintenance. H-ACE will begin with K9 self-propelled howitzers and the K10 ammunition refueling vehicles. This represents Hanwha's first European manufacturing facility, establishing a strategic foothold in the EU defense market.
This investment addresses critical battery limitations in defense drone operations by enabling custom-shaped power systems that maximize payload and endurance. The technology could significantly enhance military UAV performance by reducing weight penalties and space constraints that limit current drone capabilities.
Curtiss-Wright is increasing both R&D and capital investments in 2026 while achieving record financial performance, indicating strong reinvestment in core defense and aerospace capabilities. The company's record $4.1B in new orders and 18% backlog growth demonstrates robust demand across A&D markets, particularly in ground/naval defense and commercial aerospace. Leadership aims to increase both CapEx and R&D in the coming year.
Echodyne is significantly expanding manufacturing capacity with an 86,350-square-foot facility capable of producing 30,000+ radars annually to meet accelerating global demand for counter-UAS, force protection, and border security applications. The investment strengthens America's defense industrial base and positions the company to serve growing demand from U.S. and Allied countries for high-fidelity radar surveillance capabilities.
This acquisition expands By Light's modeling, simulation and training capabilities centered on architecture-driven development, enhancing their synthetic training ecosystem and multi-echelon simulation support across the defense enterprise. The deal strengthens By Light's portfolio in cyber training, virtual cyber effects, and live, virtual and constructive training environments.
This investment addresses critical coordination challenges in defense programs where mainstream collaboration tools cannot meet security requirements for classified environments. The company has already proven viability with a $25 million U.S. Space Force contract, demonstrating government validation of secure, multi-organization project management solutions.
This investment addresses critical vulnerabilities in defense systems dependent on wireless connectivity, particularly against jamming and spoofing attacks. Tenna's hardware-free approach allows rapid deployment across existing military assets including aircraft, drones, satellites, and ships, providing real-time spectrum intelligence without costly infrastructure investments. The company is already engaged with U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and allied forces, indicating strong government validation of their battlefield-proven technology.
This investment positions NUBURU's non-kinetic directed-energy technologies alongside H&K's globally deployed kinetic platforms within modern multi-domain defense architectures. The deal reflects a strategic move to integrate complementary capabilities as defense theaters increasingly require layered systems combining kinetic force projection, electronic warfare, and directed-energy capabilities.
Represents Europe's first privately-funded hypersonic missile development, addressing critical capability gap against Russian hypersonic threats. Company claims 80% cost reduction and development timeline compression from years to months compared to traditional government programs.
MASNA Ventures represents Saudi Arabia's first dedicated defense VC fund, directly supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goal of localizing 50% of defense procurement. The fund is strategically positioned to capitalize on the deepening U.S.-Saudi defense relationship under the Trump administration's Strategic Defense Agreement and Saudi Arabia's designation as a major non-NATO ally.
This acquisition enhances Novaria's capabilities in plasma technologies and material sciences for mission-critical electronics protection. It expands Novaria's advanced surface protection technologies portfolio, strengthening their position in the aerospace and defense market where their products are found on almost every Boeing and Airbus commercial aircraft.
The acquisition raises national security concerns as it could provide Chinese-linked entities access to sensitive military infrastructure and systems through NHV's helicopter maintenance contracts. Belgium's recent order of 20 Airbus H145M helicopters for army and police has heightened concerns about potential Chinese involvement in military aircraft maintenance operations.
This funding enables Machina Labs to build a 200,000-square-foot Intelligent Factory with 50 RoboCraftsman cells, addressing critical manufacturing speed constraints in defense production. The company has secured contracts with US Air Force Research Laboratory and is working on missile and hypersonics manufacturing, positioning it as a Tier 1 defense manufacturing partner.
This acquisition strengthens Orion's marine construction capabilities and adds Jones Act-compliant marine assets, expanding its capacity to serve defense contracts. The deal provides access to a $1.4 billion pipeline of opportunities and established relationships with DoD and Army Corps of Engineers, positioning Orion as a premier marine construction contractor in defense-related markets.
This acquisition enables Magnet Defense to scale from prototype development to industrial-scale production of autonomous maritime platforms for the U.S. Golden Fleet initiative. The deal addresses critical gaps in U.S. shipbuilding capacity while combining AI-enabled autonomous systems with established manufacturing capabilities and workforce.
Expanding Karman's advanced materials to support missions in varied environments across air, land, sea and space The acquisition provides access to multi-decade, high-priority funded U.S. Navy programs.
This facility expansion represents a critical enhancement to U.S. domestic artillery ammunition production capacity, more than doubling monthly output from 30,000 to 80,000 MACS containers. The investment directly supports battlefield readiness by addressing a key bottleneck in ammunition packaging that has limited industry's ability to deliver 155mm artillery rounds at scale. This marks the 12th facility ribbon cutting in support of the Army's munitions production modernization campaign, signaling an aggressive push to strengthen the domestic defense industrial base amid global pressures. The multi-year contract approach reflects acquisition reform priorities focused on procurement speed and production stability.
This investment establishes a dedicated defense manufacturing center of excellence at an educational institution, indicating efforts to build domestic defense manufacturing capacity and workforce development. The center represents infrastructure investment to support defense industrial base capabilities at the regional level.
This capital raise positions nLIGHT to scale manufacturing of high-energy laser systems for defense applications, including 10kW, 30kW, and 70kW-class directed-energy weapons. The funding supports expanded production capacity at Colorado facilities as defense interest in laser weapon systems increases across multiple domains.
This acquisition positions RAVE Aerospace to capitalize on the growing connected aircraft market as high-bandwidth satellite constellations enable more sophisticated inflight digital services. The deal strengthens competition in the aerospace IFE sector against established players like Panasonic Avionics and Thales.
The investment reflects continued institutional confidence in Kratos' defense technology portfolio, with multiple major investors (Franklin Resources, ARK, Invesco) increasing positions.
This funding positions CesiumAstro as a key supplier for U.S. defense space architecture, particularly the SDA's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. The company's transition from commercial satellite communications to defense-focused AI-enabled systems represents critical infrastructure for national security space capabilities.
This facility establishment strengthens North American aerospace and defense manufacturing capabilities by bringing precision component production and advanced automation systems closer to key defense contractors. The facility's focus on systems integration and high-performance materials positions it to support critical defense supply chains.
This expansion establishes Sodern's first U.S. operations, bringing European space technology capabilities to Colorado's aerospace cluster. The focus on optronic systems for national security missions strengthens domestic space surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
Hadrian's $200M automated factory represents a significant expansion of domestic defense manufacturing capacity, creating 350 jobs while establishing a key production node for precision aerospace and defense components. The facility addresses critical supply chain needs for missiles, rockets, and military aircraft through advanced automation.
This investment highlights India's emergence as a critical manufacturing hub for global aerospace supply chains, particularly as Western legacy vendors struggle to meet unprecedented demand from aircraft manufacturers. The deal reinforces the strategic shift toward outsourcing precision aerospace components to Indian manufacturers with proven capabilities and established relationships with major OEMs like Boeing, Collins Aerospace, and Safran.
The Munitions Acceleration Center represents Lockheed Martin's expansion of domestic THAAD and Patriot missile production capacity at its existing Camden facility, which already produces HIMARS systems. This facility enhancement likely aims to meet increased defense demand and strengthen the U.S. munitions industrial base.
This expansion demonstrates continued growth in precision manufacturing capabilities for defense and aerospace applications. The investment in larger facilities positions Edson to scale production of critical fasteners and components used across multiple defense-adjacent industries including firearms and aerospace systems.
This 80,000 square foot expansion reinforces Oklahoma City's position as a commercial aviation maintenance hub and demonstrates sustained demand in aerospace MRO services. The addition of 200 jobs and modernized digital maintenance systems strengthens regional aerospace capabilities.
This partnership represents a modernization of the U.S. military's munitions production capacity through public-private collaboration. The enhanced use lease model allows the Army to leverage private investment to rebuild critical manufacturing capabilities while creating domestic production jobs.
This acquisition strengthens AxioAero's aerospace aftermarket platform by adding certified MRO capabilities for critical aircraft systems including hydraulics, pneumatics, and flight controls. The deal expands service coverage across commercial and defense aviation markets, supporting both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft platforms including Boeing 707 military variants.
This acquisition strengthens IonQ's quantum networking capabilities by adding proven optical communications expertise critical for distributed quantum entanglement and ultra-secure connectivity. The deal expands IonQ's access to government, aerospace, and defense customers while completing their full-stack quantum-secure communications platform following other strategic acquisitions.
Hong Kong's sovereign wealth fund is positioning to capitalize on geopolitical shifts and China's tech self-reliance drive by targeting aerospace and AI investments. This represents a strategic move to leverage current market valuations and geopolitical tensions to build long-term technological capabilities in critical sectors.
RTX's record $268 billion backlog and strong defense orders, particularly for Patriot and Tamir missile systems, demonstrate robust international defense demand driven by NATO allies' increased budgets and heightened tensions in Asia Pacific and Middle East. The company's $10+ billion capital expenditure and R&D investment in 2025 reflects significant capacity expansion to meet growing defense production requirements.
This joint venture addresses critical supply chain vulnerabilities by establishing domestic aluminum production capacity for defense applications. The facility will reduce U.S. dependence on aluminum imports (currently 85% of needs) and provide high-purity aluminum crucial for specialized defense systems and aerospace manufacturing.
This investment represents part of the Army's $5.5B Defense Industrial Base modernization campaign since 2022, marking the 11th new facility established to increase munitions production capacity. The facility produces the M918E2 training cartridge that eliminates unexploded ordnance hazards, enabling more realistic training scenarios while improving safety and operational readiness.
Northwood is working with the Space Force to modernize critical satellite control infrastructure, replacing legacy single-satellite dishes with multi-beam systems supporting 8-12 simultaneous links. This addresses growing demand for telemetry, tracking and command capacity as the military deploys proliferated LEO constellations.
This facility directly supports the Navy's top priority Columbia-class submarine program, which faces a critical 17-month delay and urgent need for industrial capacity expansion. The investment addresses DoD calls to strengthen the defense industrial base at a time when aging Ohio-class submarines require immediate replacement.
This expansion reinforces California's position as a leading aerospace and defense hub, creating 5,500 direct jobs and establishing critical manufacturing capacity for next-generation defense technologies. The facility will include lab space, prototype manufacturing, and engineering capabilities, positioning Anduril to scale production of autonomous defense systems.
This represents a significant manufacturing capacity expansion for a defense contractor, potentially strengthening domestic production capabilities. The facility would create approximately 650 jobs and establish a major aerospace/defense manufacturing presence in Montana, similar to existing Boeing operations in the region.
This investment addresses critical DoD technology priorities including Contested Logistics, Applied AI, and Scalable Autonomous Systems. Grid Aero's low-cost, autonomous aircraft platform offers scalable logistics capabilities in degraded environments where traditional systems cannot operate effectively.
The USA would receive about 8% of the equity of USA Rare Earth via the Department of Commerce CHIPS Program Office. This investment addresses critical national security vulnerabilities by establishing domestic rare earth mining and processing capabilities independent of China's dominance in these materials.
This investment strengthens European space logistics capabilities and supports D-Orbit's strategy to consolidate the European space services market while ensuring alignment with ESA frameworks and EU member state security requirements. The funding enables strategic acquisitions and expansion of orbital infrastructure critical for addressing the growing congestion in orbital environments.
The 290,000-square-foot Factory 3 (F3) facility cost approximately $200 million. This expansion addresses critical gaps in U.S. defense industrial base capacity by industrializing additive manufacturing for production-scale defense programs rather than just prototyping. The integration into Hadrian's existing AI-powered factory platform enables end-to-end manufacturing for mission-critical systems with qualification standards required for defense applications.
This funding enables D-Orbit to pursue acquisitions focused on dual-use space technologies serving government, defense, and commercial markets. The company's expansion into in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) capabilities positions it to address growing defense needs for space debris removal and beyond-Earth orbit operations.
The 1,000-acre facility will be used to produce hypersonic weapons.
This funding supports U.S. domestic processing capacity for critical minerals essential to defense applications, including rare earth elements and specialized metals required for advanced weapons systems and electronics. The investment strengthens U.S. supply chain resilience by enabling domestic production of materials typically sourced from adversarial nations.
Noveon is currently the only operational American manufacturer of sintered NdFeB magnets.
Dominion aims to create an "Arctic autonomy" software tech stack, focusing on low-cost, software-defined systems that can be risked in combat.
This represents a significant shift toward software-defined, attritable defense systems for Arctic operations, addressing NATO's strategic vulnerability in contested northern territories. The company's focus on interoperability and rapid deployment capabilities aligns with modern military needs for distributed, networked warfare capabilities.
This funding enables StirlingX to scale Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations for critical infrastructure monitoring, including defense applications. The company's focus on defense-grade resilience and sovereign data intelligence positions it to protect national infrastructure assets.
The investment highlights growing interest in dual-use satellite imagery capabilities, as evidenced by IronGate Capital's focus on companies serving both commercial and defense markets. SkyFi's analytics capabilities could provide critical intelligence and surveillance support for defense applications while maintaining commercial viability. The oversubscribed round signals strong investor confidence in satellite imagery and analytics platforms that can serve dual-use markets.
This acquisition strengthens Nukkleus's position across the UAV/UAS value chain and addresses critical Tier-2/Tier-3 supplier bottlenecks that cause production delays in defense manufacturing. The deal consolidates complementary technologies in unmanned platforms, AI, motion control, and command systems within a single ecosystem.
**Why It Matters:** Represents a shift toward domestically built African defense systems designed for local threat profiles rather than reliance on imported military hardware. The company aims to become 'Africa's first defense prime,' positioning defense technology as economic infrastructure supporting industrial continuity and state authority. **Market Implications:** Signals that Africa is increasingly viewed as a market for security and defense infrastructure development rather than just a recipient of aid or imported systems. Defense-focused capital is positioning for long-term institutional contracts rather than rapid tech exits.
**Why It Matters:** This partnership positions Dassault Aviation to integrate AI capabilities into next-generation Rafale fighters and drones while maintaining European technological sovereignty. The deal represents a strategic shift from disrupting defense primes to partnering with them, validating the startup's technology for NATO forces. **Market Implications:** Reflects growing defense tech investment driven by lessons from Ukraine conflict, particularly in AI-powered autonomous systems. Demonstrates European efforts to compete with U.S. defense tech leaders like Anduril while maintaining strategic autonomy.
**Why It Matters:** This acquisition significantly expands Aurex's cybersecurity and encryption capabilities for space-based national security systems at a time of increasing geopolitical tensions and contested space domain. The deal positions Aurex to deliver integrated, end-to-end solutions across secure communications and space-based defense systems for the most sensitive government missions. **Market Implications:** The transaction signals growing demand for specialized cryptographic and cybersecurity solutions in the space defense sector. It reflects the increasing recognition that space systems require sophisticated encryption capabilities as space becomes a more contested and critical domain for national security.
This expansion represents continued build-out of U.S. defense industrial base capacity, supporting critical technologies including hypersonic systems (Zeus/Oriole rocket motors), high-altitude ISR imaging (HORUS), and advanced composite inspection capabilities.
This deal validates the holding company model for defense tech, enabling rapid development of multiple defense products simultaneously rather than focusing on single solutions. Valinor has already launched five product companies spanning medical systems, optics, unmanned systems, and data ingestion, with government contracts already secured across defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies. Signals a shift toward diversified defense tech portfolios that can address both high-profile and niche defense problems through operational efficiency. The involvement of former Palantir leadership suggests institutional knowledge transfer from successful defense unicorns to this new operational model.
This massive fundraise positions Andreessen Horowitz as a major capital source for defense tech at a critical time when the U.S. is prioritizing technological competition with adversaries. The firm's existing portfolio includes key defense contractors like Anduril, SpaceX, and Hadrian, indicating continued consolidation of venture capital behind American defense innovation. The allocation of $1.2B specifically to aerospace and defense signals strong VC confidence in the sector.
This funding enables Cambium to scale a distributed, secure manufacturing network across the US, UK, and Europe, creating a Western advanced-materials platform for defense and industrial applications. The investment addresses critical supply chain resilience needs for defense contractors requiring ultra-high-temperature polymers and carbon-carbon thermal protection systems. The significant investment reflects growing demand for AI-accelerated materials development and secure Western manufacturing capabilities in defense applications. Lockheed Martin Ventures' participation signals major defense primes' recognition of advanced materials as a critical technology area.
This acquisition strengthens Arxis's capabilities in precision elastomeric and metal components critical for defense and aerospace systems. The deal consolidates specialized manufacturing capacity for components that likely support mission-critical applications requiring high reliability and performance standards. Indicates continued consolidation in the defense supply chain as larger entities acquire specialized component manufacturers to secure critical capabilities and capacity.
This contract will apply 3D printing to address critical manufacturing bottlenecks limiting production, in collaboration with DIU and the Department of Navy. The initiative aims to prototype and qualify additively manufactured components to enable higher production rates and resolve persistent constraints in the defense industrial base.
This acquisition strengthens McNally Capital's aerospace portfolio and represents their first investment from Fund III. The deal consolidates critical aftermarket support capabilities for PT6A engines, which are widely used across military and civilian aircraft fleets, positioning ATS to scale operations amid increasing fleet utilization and supply chain pressures. Signals continued private equity consolidation in aerospace MRO services, particularly targeting specialized engine maintenance capabilities that serve both defense and commercial aviation markets.
This represents Carlyle's strategic exit from a portfolio company through sale to Howard Hughes Holdings, providing permanent capital to strengthen Vantage's credit profile and underwriting flexibility. The deal allows Vantage to maintain operational independence while gaining financial backing from HHH. The transaction signals continued consolidation in the specialty insurance sector and demonstrates active portfolio rotation by private equity firms. The 1.5x book value multiple suggests healthy valuations for well-performing specialty insurance platforms.
This acquisition positions Nukkleus to capture share of the military UAV/UAS market projected at ~$23 billion by 2030. The deal adds established defense contractor relationships through B. Rimon Agencies and provides exposure to Iron Dome defense systems amid increased U.S. military aid packages. Signals continued consolidation in the defense UAV/UAS sector as companies build integrated platforms combining unmanned systems, AI, and motion control capabilities. Reflects growing investor focus on military drone technology given global security demands.
This acquisition strengthens Aretum's position across key federal markets by combining complementary capabilities in cloud delivery, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. The deal enhances service delivery to critical defense and civilian agencies, particularly expanding healthcare technology capabilities for veterans' services. Signals continued consolidation in the federal IT services sector, with private equity-backed firms pursuing strategic acquisitions to build comprehensive platforms serving defense, intelligence, and civilian government markets.
This acquisition consolidates a leading aviation security provider that serves 47 of the world's top 50 airports and maintains strong positions across defense and critical infrastructure sectors. The deal represents significant private equity investment in security technologies amid growing global emphasis on threat detection and resilience capabilities. Signals continued private capital consolidation in the defense technology sector, particularly in dual-use security screening technologies that serve both commercial and government markets.
This investment enhances Electrosoft's ability to scale cybersecurity and digital transformation services for federal defense customers by integrating AI capabilities from DigitalNet.ai. The partnership ensures service continuity for existing federal clients while expanding operational capacity in critical defense technology areas. The deal reflects growing convergence of AI and cybersecurity solutions in the defense sector. It signals increased private investment in firms serving federal defense markets, particularly those combining traditional cybersecurity with emerging AI capabilities.
Merger of two companies in Greenbriar Holdings
This acquisition enhances Synergy ECP's capacity to deliver end-to-end technology solutions to intelligence and defense sectors by integrating NetServices' nearly 30 years of federal IT experience. The deal expands Synergy's access to critical national security programs through NetServices' established customer relationships and technical depth in emerging technologies like AI/ML and zero trust architectures. The acquisition reflects continued consolidation in the defense IT services market as companies seek to build comprehensive capabilities spanning traditional IT modernization and emerging technologies. Private equity backing indicates sustained investor confidence in federal technology services, particularly those serving national security missions.
This expansion nearly doubles Hanwha's production capacity and establishes South Korea's largest defense industry cleanroom, positioning the company to meet growing global demand for advanced radar and combat systems. The facility enables production scaling for major export contracts worth over $2.6 billion across Middle East and Southeast Asian markets. Demonstrates South Korea's aggressive push to become a major defense exporter, leveraging advanced manufacturing capabilities and proven combat systems to compete globally. Reflects growing international demand for non-Western defense technologies, particularly in radar and naval combat systems.
Creates a vertically integrated defense platform combining embodied AI, autonomous systems design, and U.S.-based precision manufacturing to support DoD reshoring priorities. The acquisitions are expected to more than triple Palladyne's 2024 revenue of $7.8M and bring an 18-month backlog exceeding $10M with existing relationships to major primes like Lockheed Martin and Boeing. Signals trend toward vertical integration in defense tech, with mid-tier companies combining AI capabilities with domestic manufacturing to compete against traditional large primes. Reflects growing emphasis on reshoring critical defense production capabilities within the United States.
This facility expansion represents Kratos' commitment to establishing sovereign manufacturing capabilities in Israel, a key strategic ally, while positioning near Hebrew University for talent acquisition. The 60,000 sq ft facility with advanced clean rooms enables accelerated development and production of critical microwave/RF components for missiles, radars, satellites, and electronic warfare systems. Indicates growing demand for high-volume RF and microwave assemblies in international defense markets. Reflects the strategic importance of establishing distributed manufacturing capabilities in allied nations for supply chain resilience.
Phoenix Tailings addresses critical U.S. defense supply chain vulnerability by establishing domestic rare earth production capability, reducing dependence on China which controls 90% of global supply and has threatened export restrictions. The company's 200-1,000 ton annual production capacity could supply Pentagon contractors with materials essential for critical defense systems. This signals growing urgency to reshore critical materials supply chains amid U.S.-China trade tensions. The defense industry's push for domestic rare earth sources reflects broader efforts to secure supply chains for strategic materials vital to advanced military technologies.
Stark is aiming to field hardware and software to support autonomous loitering UAV missions.
Saronic plans to build Port Alpha, a next-generation shipyard designed to mass-produce autonomous surface vessels for the U.S. Navy's hybrid fleet concept.
HII's investment in additive manufacturing capabilities directly supports accelerated production of aircraft carriers and submarines for the U.S. Navy.