A&D Weekly News & Transactions - Week 47

Industry Headline News

Why Lockheed Left the Airliner Business
Nov. 22, 2025 - Lockheed's decision to exit the airliner business is rooted in a combination of economic challenges and market dynamics that hindered the company’s aircraft programs. Despite early success with the Constellation and JetStar, Lockheed faced stiff competition from Boeing and Douglas in the commercial aviation sector, and struggled with the financial risks of large-scale airliner production. The company’s strategic shift towards military aircraft marked the end of its airliner endeavors, culminating in the cancellation of its L-1011 TriStar program in the 1980s. (Airways Magazine)

R2S Receives $1.25 Billion Tamir Production Contract for Facility in Camden, Arkansas
Nov. 21, 2025 - R2S, a subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies, has secured a $1.25 billion contract to establish a Tamir missile production facility in Camden, Arkansas. This contract is part of a larger partnership with the U.S. government to support the U.S. military’s missile defense capabilities. The new facility will focus on manufacturing the Tamir interceptors, integral to the Iron Dome system, and is expected to create hundreds of jobs in the region. (Raytheon Technologies)

RTX JV Secures $1.25 Billion Iron Dome Missile Deal with Israel
Nov. 21, 2025 - A joint venture between Raytheon Technologies (RTX) and Israeli defense contractor Rafael has secured a $1.25 billion deal to enhance Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system. The agreement includes the production of advanced Tamir interceptor missiles, which are crucial for defending against short-range threats. This deal strengthens U.S.-Israel defense cooperation and supports both countries’ long-term security needs. (Reuters)

Air Astana Orders 50 Airbus A320neo Aircraft for Fleet Renewal
Nov. 21, 2025 - Kazakhstan's Air Astana has placed an order for 50 Airbus A320neo aircraft as part of its fleet renewal strategy to modernize and expand its operations. The deal includes both A320neo and A321neo variants, aimed at improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. This move strengthens Air Astana’s position in the competitive regional market while enhancing its sustainability efforts. (Aerotime)

Lockheed and Germany's Diehl Team Up to Combine Maritime Air Defense Tech
Nov. 21, 2025 - Lockheed Martin and Germany’s Diehl Defense have announced a strategic partnership to integrate their technologies for advanced maritime air defense systems. The collaboration aims to combine Lockheed’s Aegis combat system with Diehl’s IRIS-T missile to enhance naval defense capabilities, particularly in countering modern threats. This partnership marks a significant step toward strengthening NATO's naval defense infrastructure and global security. (Breaking Defense)

Pratt & Whitney Secures $1.2 Billion F100 Engine Sustainment Contract
Nov. 19, 2025 - Pratt & Whitney has been awarded a $1.2 billion contract to sustain and maintain the F100 engine, which powers the U.S. Air Force’s F-15 and F-16 fighter jets. The contract will fund continued support and upgrades to ensure the engine’s operational readiness and longevity. This deal underscores the importance of reliable engine performance for key U.S. Air Force fighter platforms. (Air & Space Forces Magazine)

Airbus Wins 150-Jet Order from Flydubai
Nov. 18, 2025 - Flydubai has finalized a deal with Airbus for the purchase of 150 A320neo-family aircraft, marking one of the largest aircraft orders in the region. The deal, valued at billions of dollars, will significantly expand the low-cost airline’s fleet, improving fuel efficiency and sustainability. This partnership reinforces Airbus’s position in the Middle Eastern market, with Flydubai expecting the new jets to support its rapid growth and regional expansion. (Reuters)

L3Harris to Invest $400 Million to Expand Solid Rocket Motor Production in Arkansas
Nov. 18, 2025 - L3Harris Technologies has announced a $400 million investment to expand its solid rocket motor production facility in Camden, Arkansas. The expansion aims to support increased demand for high-performance rocket motors, particularly for defense and space applications. This move is expected to enhance L3Harris's capacity to deliver critical aerospace and defense technologies, creating new jobs and strengthening U.S. defense capabilities. (Reuters)

Satellite Provider York Space Systems Files for U.S. IPO
Nov. 17, 2025 - York Space Systems, a U.S.-based satellite manufacturer, has filed for an initial public offering (IPO) as it seeks to expand its operations in the growing commercial space sector. The company, known for its standardized satellite platform solutions, plans to raise funds to accelerate its product development and increase production capacity. York’s move to go public comes as the demand for satellite-based services, including communications and Earth observation, continues to rise globally. (Reuters)

Embraer Drops Proposal for Saudi C-390 Final Assembly, Shifts to UAE
Nov. 17, 2025 - Embraer has abandoned its proposal to establish a final assembly line for its C-390 military transport aircraft in Saudi Arabia, instead shifting its focus to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the facility. The move follows shifting geopolitical dynamics and a re-evaluation of the project’s strategic alignment with Embraer’s goals. The UAE is expected to play a central role in the assembly and future production of the C-390, marking a significant step in its defense capabilities and regional partnerships. (Breaking Defense)

Weekly Transaction Review

No.	Parties Involved	Transaction Metrics			Location	Segment
	Target [Parent] Acquirer [Parent]	Price ($M)	Price/ Revenue	Price/ EBITDA	Target	Target
1	Skybloom Global IonQ	-	-	-	Broomfield, CO	Satellite, Satellite Services & Space Systems
2	GuideTech [The Crucis Companies] Palladyne Defense [Palladyne AI]	-	-	-	Kanab, UT	Unmanned Vehicles
3	Warnke [The Crucis Companies] Palladyne Defense [Palladyne AI]	-	-	-	Oxford, MI	Machined & Cast Parts
4	Mkr. Fabricators [The Crucis Companies] Palladyne Defense [Palladyne AI]	-	-	-	Saginaw, MI	Machined & Cast Parts
5	Trutron Compass Precision [Main Street Capital]	-	-	-	Troy, MI	Machined & Cast Parts
6	JBA TekSynap	-	-	-	Springfield, VA	Government Services, IT Services and Software
7	ShorePoint CM Equity	-	-	-	Herndon, VA	Cybersecurity, Intelligence Services and Homeland Defense
8	NEO Technology Solutions Arkview Capital	-	-	-	Chatsworth, CA	Electronics Manufacturing (EMS) & Harnessing
9	Estes Energetics Voyager Technologies	-	-	-	Penrose, CO	Specialty Defense Systems and Services

No.	Target Descriptions
1	Skyloom is a provider of Optical Communications Terminals (OCTs) for both satellite-to-satellite and satellite-to-ground laser communications in private sector and U.S. federal government markets. The company offers planetary-scale data transport services which increase bandwidth, availability and resiliency, while lowering latency and the overall cost of operations.
2	GuideTech specializes in rapid development of high-performance autonomous systems including unmanned aircraft, missiles, satellites, and launch vehicles. The company provides advanced flight software, simulation, and avionics integration services to streamline system design, hardware integration, flight testing, and production readiness.
3	Warnke Precision Machining is a precision CNC machining provider specializing in custom parts, small to large-scale production, and turnkey solutions for aerospace, defense, automotive, medical, and industrial sectors. The company delivers machining, fabrication, finishing, and assembly services with quality systems aligned for high-reliability applications.
4	Mkr. Fabricators is a full-service fabrication and machining company offering heavy plate fabrication, CNC machining, welding, and custom rolling for large structural components. The company serves industries including chemical processing, energy, mining, and industrial equipment with comprehensive capabilities in roller forming, AWS-certified welding, and machining of parts up to 50 tons in lifting capacity.
5	Trutron is a manufacturer of extreme precision, complex geometry parts for private sector and U.S. federal government aerospace markets. The company specializes in close tolerance precision machining, fluid power pump components, production tooling, and directional drilling components. The company has seven 5-axis capable machining centers.
6	JBA is a provider of specialized IT services for private sector and U.S. federal government law enforcement markets. The company's core capabilities include software and hardware engineering, computer network operations, network engineering, and IT service management.
7	ShorePoint is a provider of cybersecurity and technical solutions to private sector and U.S. federal government education, energy, and financial markets. The company is certified to CMMI ML3, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 27001, and ISO/IEC 17021 standards.
8	NEO Technology Solutions is a provider of full product lifecycle engineering services, manufacturing and testing of microelectronics, cable & harness interconnect products, PCBA, full box build assemblies and aftermarket repair and fulfillment services.
9	Estes Energetics is a developer of energetics, propulsion materials, and critical chemical compounds for private sector and U.S. federal government missile defense and tactical munitions markets. Estes provides responsive and cost-effective manufacturing of solid rocket propellants, chemicals, and energetic materials while also seeking commercial opportunities in the space launch, fine chemicals, and pyrotechnics industries.