A&D Weekly News & Transactions - Week 19

Industry Headline News

Brazil's Embraer names Bharat Forge as supplier for forged raw materials
May 11, 2026 - Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has selected India’s Bharat Forge to supply forged raw materials for its aerospace programs. The agreement covers critical components used in commercial and defense aircraft, supporting Embraer’s production and supply chain needs. The partnership highlights growing international collaboration in the aerospace sector and emphasizes Bharat Forge’s expanding role in global aircraft manufacturing. (The Economic Times)

US Air Force to Purchase 150 Collaborative Combat Aircraft by 2031 to Support F-35 and F-47 Operations
May 10, 2026 - The U.S. Air Force plans to acquire 150 Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) by 2031 to operate alongside F-35 and F-47 fighters. The CCAs, often described as “loyal wingmen” drones, are designed to provide autonomous support in combat, including reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and strike capabilities. The program aims to enhance combat flexibility, reduce risk to pilots, and integrate advanced unmanned systems into future air operations. The purchases are part of broader modernization efforts to expand the Air Force’s networked and multi-domain capabilities. (Army Recognition)

500 Jets? Boeing’s Biggest Comeback Deal Comes Into View As CEO Joins Trump On China Trip
May 8, 2026 - Boeing is reportedly in discussions that could lead to a major aircraft order from Chinese airlines totaling as many as 500 jets. The potential agreement comes as Boeing’s CEO participated in a trip to China alongside former President Donald Trump, where trade and commercial relations were key topics. A deal of this size would help Boeing strengthen its presence in one of the world’s largest aviation markets following years of trade tensions and delivery disruptions. The order would also support long-term fleet growth plans among Chinese carriers as air travel demand continues to recover. (Simple Flying)

Progress: 1st Boeing 777-9 Production Aircraft Takes Flight Ahead Of Lufthansa Delivery
May 8, 2026 - The first production Boeing 777-9 aircraft has completed its initial flight test ahead of planned delivery to Lufthansa. The flight marks an important milestone in the certification and production process for Boeing’s delayed next-generation widebody aircraft. Lufthansa is expected to become the launch customer for the 777-9 once deliveries begin. (Simple Flying)

Rocket Lab and Raytheon Selected To Demonstrate Advanced Capabilities For U.S. Space Force’s Space Based Interceptor Program
May 7, 2026 - Rocket Lab and Raytheon have been selected to participate in demonstrations for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Based Interceptor initiative. The program is focused on evaluating technologies capable of detecting, tracking, and responding to threats in space. Rocket Lab will contribute launch and spacecraft expertise, while Raytheon will support defense and interceptor-related capabilities. (Yahoo Finance)

Airbus Set for Historic A220 Announcement as Large AirAsia Order Nears
May 5, 2026 - Airbus is reportedly nearing a major agreement with AirAsia for a large order of A220 aircraft. If completed, the deal could become one of the largest A220 orders announced to date and would support AirAsia’s plans to modernize and expand its fleet. The aircraft is expected to help improve fuel efficiency and operating economics across regional routes. The potential order would also strengthen Airbus’ position in the narrowbody and regional aircraft market. (AeroTime)

Space Systems Command to Modify Andromeda IDIQ, Raise Ceiling to $6.24B
May 5, 2026 - The U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command plans to increase the maximum value of its Andromeda contract vehicle to $6.24 billion. The indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract supports procurement and development work for a range of space-related technologies and mission systems. Raising the ceiling is intended to provide additional flexibility for future awards and expanding program requirements. (GovConWire)

UAE to Get 10 C-390 Aircraft, up to 10 More in the Future
May 4, 2026 - The United Arab Emirates has agreed to acquire 10 Embraer C-390 military transport aircraft, with options for up to 10 additional planes in the future. The aircraft will be used for missions including cargo transport, troop movement, aerial refueling, and humanitarian operations. The agreement expands Embraer’s footprint in the Middle East defense market and adds to the growing list of international operators of the C-390 platform. (Breaking Defense)

Bizjet Maintenance Market Forecast To Hit $10.4B by 2032
May 4, 2026 - A new industry forecast projects that the global business jet maintenance market will reach $10.4 billion by 2032. Growth is expected to be driven by increased flight activity, aging aircraft fleets, and rising demand for maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. Operators are continuing to invest in aftermarket support to maintain aircraft reliability and regulatory compliance. (AIN Media Group)

Weekly Transaction Review

No.	Parties Involved	Transaction Metrics			Location	Segment
	Target [Parent] Acquirer [Parent]	Price ($M)	Price/ Revenue	Price/ EBITDA	Target	Target
1	Merio [RPL Development] Theon	-	-	-	Saint-Paul-Trios-Chateaux, France	Specialty Defense Systems and Services
2	LyteWorx Automation Systems Edgesource	-	-	-	Alexandria, VA	Government Services, IT Services and Software
3	Accu-Tool [ZP Enterprises] Compass Precision [Main Street Capital]	-	-	-	Apex, NC	Machined & Cast Parts
4	Mecaer Aviation PAI Partners	-	-	-	Novara, Italy	Components & Subsystems
5	InTech Aerospace CCE Group [Hivest Capital]	-	-	-	Houston, TX	Aircraft Interiors
6	UScontracting Nextpoint Group [Godspeed Capital]	-	-	-	Odenton, MD	Government Services, IT Services and Software
7	Precision Manufacturing Company Corterra Group [Second Flight Capital]	-	-	-	Dayton, OH	Electronics Manufacturing (EMS) & Harnessing
8	NorthStar Technologies VSE Aviation	-	-	-	Bridgeport, WV	MRO & Logistics
9	Aztalan Engineering BTX Precision [L Squared Capital]	-	-	-	Lake Mills, WI	Machined & Cast Parts
10	Halo Privacy Cycurion	-	-	-	Morrisville, NC	Cybersecurity, Intelligence Services and Homeland Defense
11	Motiv Space Systems Rocket Lab	$60.0	-	-	Pasadena, CA	Satellite, Satellite Services & Space Systems
12	Unified Turbines StandardAero	-	-	-	Milton, VT	MRO & Logistics

No.	Target Descriptions
1	Merio is a developer of compact, high- performance gyrostabilized gimbal and turret systems for aerial, ground, infrastructure protection, and maritime applications in private sector and international government aerospace and defense markets.
2	LyteWorx is a provider of secure systems engineering, data analytics, and software development solutions for private sector and U.S. federal government aerospace, defense, and intelligence markets.
3	Accu-Tool is a manufacturer of complex precision components for private sector and U.S. federal government aerospace, industrial, medical, and semiconductor markets. The company's capabilities include 3, 3+2, and 4-axis CNC milling and turning, Wire and EDM, bead blasting and grinding, and full part inspection and documentation.
4	Mecaer Aviation designs and manufactures landing systems, actuation systems, and cabin interior components for fixed wing and rotary aircraft platforms. The company supports commercial and defense aviation programs with integrated engineering, certification, and aftermarket support capabilities.
5	InTech Aerospace provides aircraft interior maintenance, repair, overhaul, and refurbishment services for commercial, regional, corporate, and government aviation platforms. The company specializes in seats, monuments, sidewalls, floor panels, galleys, lavatories, soft goods, composites, and plastic interior components supported by FAA Part 145 repair station capabilities.
6	UScontracting is a developer of cybersecurity, signals intelligence (SIGINT), and data analysis software for private sector and U.S. federal government markets. The company specializes in front-end high-volume digital packet processing; scalability, performance, searching, and frameworks; and real-time, critical processing solutions for wide variety of signal and protocol processing problems.
7	Precision Manufacturing Company manufactures electrical assemblies, cable harnesses, and related interconnect products for aerospace and defense applications. The company supports high-reliability programs through wire harness fabrication, electromechanical assembly, testing, and quality-controlled production aligned with customer specifications.
8	NorthStar Technologies provides aviation maintenance, repair, and technical support services focused on avionics and aircraft systems integration. The company supports commercial and government aviation operators through engineering, modification, and aftermarket service capabilities.
9	Aztalan is a manufacturer of tight-tolerance machined components and assemblies for private sector and U.S. federal government energy, medical, and robotics markets. The company's capabilities include CNC milling, turning, Swiss machining, assembly, and ultrasonic cleaning.
10	Halo Privacy is a developer of secure communications, privacy infrastructure, and cyber defense solutions for private sector and U.S. federal government markets. The company specializes in encrypted collaboration platforms, hardened mobile and network security, and digital privacy solutions for government, enterprise, executive protection, and high-net-worth operations.
11	Motiv is a developer of space robotics, motion control systems, and precision mechanisms for spacecraft in private sector and U.S. federal government markets. Motiv is the developer behind the COLDArm (Cold Operable Lunar Deployable Arm), a vital component of the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program and used onboard the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover.
12	Unified Turbines provides hot section component repair and overhaul services for a range of Pratt & Whitney and Honeywell engines that power a variety of turboprop aircraft, such as King Air, Cessna Caravan, Pilatus PC-12, ATR 42 and 72, and De Havilland DASH 7 and 8 regional aircraft, among several other platforms.