A&D Weekly News & Transactions - Week 13

Industry Headline News

Europe Can’t Rely on US for Air-Defense Missiles, Top EU Official Says
Mar. 26, 2026 - A top European Union official warned that Europe cannot rely on the United States for sufficient supplies of air-defense missiles and must expand its own production capabilities. European Commission defense chief Andrius Kubilius called for increased investment in domestic manufacturing and closer coordination with industry to address shortages and support Ukraine. The push comes as demand for interceptors continues to rise across Europe, highlighting concerns over supply constraints and the need for greater strategic autonomy in missile defense. (Defense News)

Pentagon Announces Major Surge in Missile Production
Mar. 25, 2026 - The Pentagon has signed multiple framework agreements with major defense contractors including Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, and Honeywell to significantly increase missile and munitions production. The initiative aims to accelerate delivery of key systems such as air defense interceptors and precision strike weapons, while expanding manufacturing capacity across the defense industrial base. The agreements are designed to address growing global demand and replenish stockpiles amid ongoing conflicts, reflecting a broader push to strengthen long-term production scalability and readiness. (Defense News)

China Eastern Airlines to buy 101 Airbus aircraft for around $15.8B
Mar. 25, 2026 - China Eastern Airlines has agreed to purchase 101 aircraft from Airbus in a deal valued at approximately $15.8 billion. The order includes a mix of narrowbody and widebody jets to support fleet expansion and modernization. The agreement reflects continued recovery in air travel demand in China and strengthens Airbus’ position in one of the world’s largest aviation markets. (Reuters)

Netherlands plans $1.1B rush order for extra Patriot system
Mar. 24, 2026 - The Netherlands is preparing a roughly $1.1 billion rapid procurement of additional Patriot air and missile defense systems to strengthen its national and NATO defenses. The move comes amid heightened security concerns in Europe and is expected to significantly expand the country’s ability to counter ballistic and cruise missile threats. The investment underscores broader regional efforts to accelerate air defense modernization and improve readiness against evolving threats. (Defense News)

SpaceX Said to Target as Much as $75B in Blockbuster IPO
Mar. 24, 2026 - SpaceX is reportedly seeking a valuation of up to $75 billion in a new share sale, reflecting strong investor demand for its launch and satellite businesses. The offering would provide liquidity for employees while reinforcing SpaceX’s position as one of the most valuable private companies globally. Growth in its Starlink satellite network and continued launch cadence are driving investor interest in the company’s long-term expansion. (Yahoo Finance)

Co-founder of Defense Tech Firm Anduril Says US Legislative Failures are Giving China a Strategic Edge
Mar. 24, 2026 - A co-founder of Anduril Industries warned that U.S. legislative shortcomings in defense procurement and industrial policy are giving China a strategic advantage. The comments highlight concerns over slow acquisition processes and insufficient support for emerging defense technologies. The critique reflects growing pressure from defense tech leaders for reforms to accelerate innovation and maintain U.S. competitiveness in critical security domains. (Reuters)

Anduril, Palantir Developing Golden Dome Missile Shield's Software, Source Says
Mar. 24, 2026 - Anduril Industries and Palantir Technologies are reportedly collaborating to develop software for the U.S. “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative. The effort focuses on integrating sensor data, tracking threats, and enabling real-time decision-making across a complex defense network. The partnership highlights the growing role of software and data platforms in next-generation missile defense systems. (Reuters)

CT Defense Contractor to Hire 8,000 Workers in 2026. It’s Spending About $100M a Year on Training
Mar. 23, 2026 - General Dynamics Electric Boat plans to hire 8,000 workers in 2026 while investing about $1 billion annually in workforce training. The expansion supports increased submarine production tied to U.S. Navy demand and programs such as next-generation ballistic missile submarines. The hiring push reflects broader labor shortages across the defense industrial base as production requirements ramp up. (Hartford Courant)

Look Inside Anduril’s New Factory as Collaborative Combat Aircraft Production Begins
Mar. 23, 2026 - Anduril Industries unveiled details of its new manufacturing facility designed to rapidly scale production of autonomous collaborative combat aircraft (CCA), or drone “wingmen.” The factory emphasizes high-rate, software-driven production and is expected to significantly reduce deployment timelines. The initiative supports growing demand for autonomous systems that can operate alongside crewed aircraft in future combat scenarios. (Air & Space Forces Magazine)

UK’s Ultra Cyber to be Bought by Aerospace Giant Airbus
Mar. 23, 2026 - Airbus has acquired UK-based cybersecurity firm Ultra Cyber to strengthen its capabilities in secure communications and defense systems. The deal enhances Airbus’ portfolio in cyber resilience and digital defense, areas of increasing importance as military and aerospace platforms become more interconnected. The acquisition reflects continued investment in cybersecurity as a core component of modern defense infrastructure. (Richmond & Twickenham Times)

Finnair Picks Embraer Over Airbus for its Narrow-Body Fleet Renewal
Mar. 23, 2026 - Finnair has chosen Embraer aircraft over Airbus for its narrowbody fleet renewal program. The decision marks a shift in supplier strategy as the airline looks to optimize efficiency and operating costs. The move highlights increasing competition in the regional and narrowbody aircraft market as airlines reassess fleet composition post-pandemic. (WKZO)

US OKs $1B AUKUS Submarine Systems, Tech Support Sale to UK
Mar. 23, 2026 - The AUKUS partners — the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia — are advancing plans to streamline foreign military sales processes for nuclear-powered submarines. The initiative aims to accelerate delivery timelines and improve coordination across the three nations as part of a long-term effort to bolster Indo-Pacific security. The agreement underscores deepening defense integration among the allies in response to regional strategic challenges. (The Defense Post)

Weekly Transaction Review

No.	Parties Involved	Transaction Metrics			Location	Segment
	Target [Parent] Acquirer [Parent]	Price ($M)	Price/ Revenue	Price/ EBITDA	Target	Target
1	World View Enterprises Ondas Holdings	$150.0	-	-	Tuscan, AZ	Sensors & C4ISR
2	Ultra Cyber [Advent International] Airbus	-	-	-	Maidenhead, United Kingdom	Cybersecurity, Intelligence Services and Homeland Defense
3	Eptec Defense Arlington Capital	$104.6	-	-	Sydney, Australia	Navy/Maritime
4	Erodex Graphite Solutions Rubicon Partners	-	-	-	Halesowen, United Kingdom	Machined & Cast Parts
5	Falls Filtration Technologies Velocity One [Charlesbank Capital]	-	-	-	Stow, OH	Components & Subsystems
6	Miraex SEALSQ	-	-	-	Lausanne, Switzerland	Defense Electronics
7	UEC Electronics [Albion River] Chimney Rock Equity	-	-	-	Hanahan, SC	Defense Electronics
8	Aechelon Technology [Sagewind Capital] Shield AI	-	-	-	San Francisco, CA	Simulation & Training Systems
9	TrackVia Bow River Capital	-	-	-	Denver, CO	Government Services, IT Services and Software
10	PHI Hydraulics Unison	-	-	-	City of Industry, CA	Machined & Cast Parts
11	Sophia High Tech Genenta	-	-	-	Somma Vesuviana, Italy	Machined & Cast Parts

No.	Target Descriptions
1	World View is a developer of high-altitude balloon intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and stratospheric remote sensing solutions for private sector and U.S. federal government aerospace and defense markets. The company operates via two primary business segments: Stratollite uncrewed flight systems and Voyager human spaceflight systems.
2	Ultra Cyber provides cybersecurity and information assurance solutions supporting defense and national security missions. The company focuses on secure communications, network protection, and cyber resilience technologies designed for high-threat and mission-critical environments.
3	Eptec is a provider of remediation and new build preservation services for Australian naval defense vessels. The company's services include corrosion protection, linings and waterproofing, insulation, fiber-reinforced plastics, concrete rehabilitation, and disinfection & sanitation.
4	Erodex Graphite Solutions machines precision graphite components and tooling used in aerospace, defense, and industrial manufacturing applications. The company supports complex EDM electrodes, high-temperature tooling, and specialty graphite parts requiring tight tolerances and controlled material performance.
5	Falls Filtration designs and manufactures air and liquid filtration products for private sector and U.S. federal government aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. The company specializes in air, fuel, oil separation, and hydraulic filters for aircraft, ground vehicles, heavy equipment, marine, power generation, and rail applications.
6	Miraex develops quantum sensing and precision measurement technologies based on superconducting and optomechanical systems for aerospace, defense, and scientific applications. The company focuses on ultrasensitive detection and timing solutions supporting navigation, communications, and advanced sensing missions.
7	UEC is a provider of product design and development, rapid prototyping, and comprehensive manufacturing services to military, aerospace, and industrial customers. UEC specializes in electronic/electro-mechanical systems, subsystems, and component-level requirements to include circuit card assemblies (CCA's) and wire and cable assemblies.
8	Aechelon is a provider of visual simulation image generators, associated geospecific visual and sensor databases, realistic 3D models, and integration services for private sector and U.S. federal government aerospace and defense markets. Aechelon leverages hardware, software technologies, AI/ML, and computer vision to build advanced visual solutions.
9	TrackVia is an enterprise software platform focused on delivering compliance lifecycle management systems for the federal government, public sector, and across all commercial verticals.
10	PHI Hydraulics designs and manufactures hydraulic presses, tube fabrication equipment, and precision metal forming machinery for aerospace and industrial applications. The company provides tube and pipe bending solutions, including manual and programmable multi-axis bending machines, along with end-finishing equipment for high-accuracy tubing fabrication.
11	Sòphia High Tech designs and manufactures precision mechanical components and assemblies for space and defense applications using advanced machining and metal additive manufacturing. The company supports propulsion, satellite, and launcher programs through design, simulation, prototyping, testing, and qualification of high-performance metal structures and subsystems.