What Happened
Private Equity Exits Reach Record High Amid Strong Demand
The total exit value of PE-backed companies in the aerospace and defense sector has already surpassed last year’s total, reaching $26.8 billion in the first half of 2026, according to PitchBook’s Q2 2026 Aerospace and Defense Report. The market was driven by five major public listings, including the $4.9 billion listing of DPC Holdings and the $3.4 billion listing of Global Medical Response. The demand for new planes and aftermarket services is driving the bulk of exit activity, with PE-backed commercial aerospace companies making up 40% of exit value. This was first reported by PitchBook.