AI flight software maker Merlin set to go public
The transaction is set to complete in early 2026.
Leonardo purchases Italian ground vehicle maker Iveco Defense for almost $2B
The deal, which is expected to close by first quarter 2026, consolidates some of Italy’s defense sector, at a time when European defense spending is on the rise.
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Honeywell to divide business into three parts, separating aerospace unit
“Unprecedented demand” in both commercial and defense aerospace sectors led to the company’s decision to break off that division as a standalone, public company, Honeywell CEO Vimal Kapur said in a statement.
Applied Intuition takes flight, sets sail in acquiring EpiSci
“We’re not letting anybody go, we’re not doing any redundancies,” Applied Intuition co-founder Qasar Younis told Breaking Defense. Instead his firm, long focused on unmanned ground vehicles, is eager to add EpiSci’s expertise in aerial drones and unmanned watercraft.
Anduril acquires Numerica’s radar and C2 business
The deal is the latest in a series of acquisitions by the California-based defense tech firm, which has purchased startups specializing in aerial drones, solid rocket motors and autonomous submarines in recent years.
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AeroVironment purchases BlueHalo to ‘redefine the next era’ of defense technology
"The structure of the global defense sector is changing, and this transaction underscores that transformation," said analyst Byron Callan of the merger.
Lockheed completes acquisition of smallsat maker Terran Orbital
The smallsat maker — now known as Terran Orbital, a Lockheed Martin Company — will report to Lockheed’s space unit and serve as a merchant supplier to other major space primes, Lockheed said.
Rolls-Royce selling naval propulsion business to Fairbanks Morse Defense
“When you look at the 150-year history of Fairbanks Morse Defense, you will find a handful of distinctive moments that completely transformed this company. We believe [this] will become one of those moments,” George Whittier, CEO of Fairbanks Morse Defense, said in a statement.
Lockheed to acquire smallsat maker Terran Orbital in $450M deal
The deal marks the first time Lockheed has sought to acquire a company from its Lockheed Martin ventures portfolio.
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Rheinmetall preparing to acquire Loc Performance by year’s end
The German-based company has sought to carve out a share of the US market, in part, by competing for the Army's ongoing Bradley replacement program and emerging artillery ones.
Leonardo exec: ‘Consolidation is the only way’ for healthier European defense industry
Space, cyber and shipbuilding are three areas Leonardo exec Lorenzo Mariani told Breaking Defense he sees as ripe for consolidation.
Bell to remove Spirit AeroSystems as FLRAA fuselage maker due to proposed Boeing acquisition
“Spirit has had a successful ten-year partnership with Bell on this program and we will continue to work with them to deliver on our joint commitments,” Spirit AeroSystems spokesman Joe Buccino said.
Boeing to become supplier on B-21, V-280 after $8.3 billion acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems
If approved by US regulators, the agreement would reunite Boeing with the Wichita-based production facilities it spun off in 2005 in a bid to lower costs.