A&D Weekly News & Transactions - Week 20

Industry Headline News

Amazon's Massive Investment Fueling Job Growth on Florida's Space Coast
May 17, 2026 - Amazon has invested more than $400 million across Florida’s Space Coast since 2020, including warehouse facilities, satellite processing operations, and launch infrastructure projects tied to its Amazon Leo satellite internet initiative. The company’s developments have created more than 440 jobs so far, with over 1,000 additional positions planned at a new West Melbourne logistics facility. Amazon is also expanding operations at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral to support deployment of its satellite constellation, including investments in launch infrastructure and satellite processing capabilities. (AOL)

KNDS Considering Takeover of Mercedes, VW Plants, Spiegel Reports
May 14, 2026 - Franco-German defense manufacturer KNDS is reportedly in discussions to acquire manufacturing facilities from Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen in Germany. The talks involve potentially repurposing automotive plants for defense production as demand for military equipment continues to rise across Europe. One facility under consideration is Mercedes-Benz’s Ludwigsfelde plant near Berlin, while KNDS is also evaluating Volkswagen’s Osnabrück site. (Yahoo Finance)

Anduril, Department of War Sign Production Agreement for Surface-Launched Barracuda-500M
May 13, 2026 - Anduril Industries has signed a production agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense for its surface-launched Barracuda-500M autonomous air vehicle. The system is designed to provide low-cost, mass-producible strike capabilities and can be deployed in contested environments. The agreement supports expanded manufacturing and continued development of autonomous weapons systems as part of broader military modernization efforts. (Anduril)

Africa’s Largest Airline in Talks with Airbus Over Widebody Aircraft as Expansion Plans Accelerate
May 12, 2026 - Africa’s largest airline, Ethiopian Airlines, is reportedly in discussions with Airbus regarding a potential order for additional widebody aircraft. The talks are tied to the airline’s long-term expansion strategy as it continues to grow international routes and fleet capacity. A potential agreement would support rising passenger demand and strengthen the carrier’s position as a major global aviation hub operator. (Business Insider Africa)

Leidos Wins $2.7B Contract for Hypersonic Weapon Production
May 12, 2026 - Leidos has received a $2.7 billion contract from the U.S. Army to help transition hypersonic weapons programs from prototype development into full-scale production. The contract combines the company’s Thermal Protection Shield and Common Hypersonic Glide Body programs, which support protection and maneuverability for hypersonic missiles. The work will support both Army and Navy hypersonic weapon programs, including the “Dark Eagle” missile system. (Virginia Business)

Lufthansa Group Orders 20 New Airbus and Boeing Twin-Aisle Aircraft Worth $7.7B
May 12, 2026 - Lufthansa Group has ordered 20 additional long-haul aircraft, including 10 Airbus A350-900s and 10 Boeing 787-9s, in a deal valued at approximately $7.7 billion. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery between 2032 and 2034 and will primarily replace older widebody jets currently in service. The order is part of Lufthansa’s ongoing fleet modernization program focused on improving fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and lowering operating costs. The airline group has not yet announced which subsidiaries will receive the aircraft. (Aerospace Global News)

Satair Finalises Acquisition of Unical Aviation and ecube
May 12, 2026 - Satair, an Airbus company, has completed its acquisition of Unical Aviation and its subsidiary ecube. The deal combines Satair’s aviation aftermarket business with Unical’s aircraft parts distribution network and ecube’s aircraft storage and disassembly operations. The acquisition expands Satair’s capabilities in used serviceable materials and aircraft lifecycle services across North America and Europe. Company executives stated the integration is intended to improve parts availability and strengthen end-to-end aftermarket support services for aviation customers. (The Manila Times)

Weekly Transaction Review

No.	Parties Involved	Transaction Metrics			Location	Segment
	Target [Parent] Acquirer [Parent]	Price ($M)	Price/ Revenue	Price/ EBITDA	Target	Target
1	Evaporated Coatings HEF Photonics	-	-	-	Willow Grove, PA	Components & Subsystems
2	Aircraft Systems Sunvair [Greenbriar Equity]	-	-	-	Miami, FL	MRO & Logistics
3	Genaire Maverick Aviation [Carlyle]	-	-	-	Niagara, Canada	MRO & Logistics
4	TechnoLab NMi Group [Bridgepoint Group]	-	-	-	Berlin, Germany	Test & Measurement
5	A&B Aerospace PMGC Holdings	$4.5	0.9x	7.5x	Azusa, CA	Machined & Cast Parts
6	Goonhilly Earth Station Intuitive Machines	$49.3	-	-	Helston, United Kingdom	Satellite, Satellite Services & Space Systems
7	Aireon Iridium Communications	$601.1	-	-	McLean, VA	Controls & Systems
8	Corporate Air Infinity Aviation Services [Igneo Infrastructure]	-	-	-	Vero Beach, FL	MRO & Logistics
9	International Aerospace Coatings H.I.G. Capital	-	-	-	Irvine, CA	MRO & Logistics

No.	Target Descriptions
1	Evaporated Coatings manufactures precision optical thin-film coatings for aerospace, defense, life sciences, semiconductor, and industrial applications. The company provides ion beam sputtering, anti-reflective coatings, mirrors, beamsplitters, filters, and related optical coating solutions designed for stable performance in demanding environments.
2	Aircraft Systems is an FAA and EASA Part 145 repair station specializing in the repair and overhaul of hydraulic, electro-hydraulic, pneumatic, electro-mechanical, electronic, landing gear, and airframe components for commercial and cargo aircraft operators. The company supports global fleet sustainment through accessory Class I, II, and III repair capabilities, testing, and component overhaul services.
3	Genaire provides aerospace engineering, manufacturing, and aftermarket services supporting military and commercial aviation operators. The company specializes in aircraft fuel cell inspection, repair and overhaul, ground support equipment services, and the manufacturing and overhaul of cargo, medical, and seating pallets.
4	TechnoLab provides environmental simulation and mechanical testing services for defense, aerospace, rail, automotive, and advanced industrial applications. The company supports product qualification and certification through ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing capabilities focused on high-specification systems operating under extreme conditions.
5	A&B is a manufacturer of high-tolerance parts and assemblies for private sector and U.S. federal government aerospace markets. The company specializes in advanced CNC machining, honing, grinding, and precision deburring services.
6	Goonhilly is a provider of deep space communications solutions for private sector, international, and U.S. federal government markets. The company's platform enables Earth-to-space connectivity for spacecraft operating beyond geostationary orbit and delivers sovereign radio frequency Space Domain Awareness (SDA) data, assured satcom services, and bespoke antenna development.
7	Aireon provides a global air traffic surveillance system using a space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) network that meets the strict, real-time Air Traffic Service (ATS) surveillance requirements for separation services.
8	Corporate Air operates the fixed-base operator at Vero Beach Regional Airport and provides fueling, hangar, ground handling, and maintenance support services for business and general aviation operators. The company supports aircraft owners and flight crews through full-service FBO operations and technical aviation services.
9	IAC provides aircraft painting, coating, and exterior finishing services for commercial, military, and business aviation platforms. The company supports operators and OEMs with full aircraft repainting, livery application, surface preparation, and protective coating services.