Unical Aviation has entered a transformative era following its 2024 acquisition of ecube Solutions, a global leader in aircraft storage, disassembly, and transition services. Under CEO Sharon Green's leadership, the merger has strengthened Unical's position as a premier Used Serviceable Material (USM) supplier, now serving over 90 countries with 90 million available parts.
TransDigm Group has agreed to acquire Jet Parts Engineering and Victor Sierra Aviation Holdings for approximately $2.2 billion in cash. The transaction was disclosed on January 16, 2026, and is subject to regulatory approval.
The Exploration Company is in talks to acquire Orbex, a U.K.-based developer of small launch vehicles. According to SpaceNews, Orbex has faced financial difficulties.
The US Space Force is working to rebuild its contracting workforce following significant civilian reductions and Pentagon reforms. This effort may be driven by the need for a more robust acquisition arm to support the Space Force's expansion plans, according to Breaking Defense reports.
Senior Space Force acquisition officials are worried about the impact of losing SBIR grants on their programs. Maj.
The Space Force is pushing to accelerate its acquisition cycles, but needs to figure out how to define acceptable risks. Maj.
Breaking Defense reports that senior Space Force officers are optimistic about a large budget increase starting in fiscal 2027. Gen.
According to Breaking Defense, Maj. Gen.
CVC Capital Partners has agreed to acquire Smiths Detection for $2.2 billion, marking a major portfolio restructuring for UK-based Smiths Group. The deal positions Smiths Detection—a global leader in airport security screening technology serving 47 of the world's 50 busiest airports—under private equity ownership while enabling Smiths Group to refocus on industrial engineering.
The US Pentagon is overhauling its acquisition, production and procurement processes to rebuild the industrial base. This comes after COVID revealed weaknesses in the supply chain and highlighted the need for greater capacity and resilience.
The US military is focusing on technology development driven by higher-tech threats overseas, with Undersecretary for Research and Engineering Emil Michael identifying China as a pacing threat. Despite priorities in the Americas, Michael emphasized the need for adaptation to emerging technologies like drones, hypersonics, directed energy, and artificial intelligence.
The Pentagon's top acquisition official, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey, recently announced plans to create several new Director for Major Weapons Program posts. The initiative aims to streamline the process and reduce bureaucracy, with program czars reporting directly to Deputy Defense Secretary Steven Feinberg.
Turkish low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines has announced a $179 million takeover of Czech carrier Smartwings and its parent company Czech Airlines, subject to regulatory approval. The acquisition marks a significant milestone in Pegasus's international expansion strategy, combining the Turkish carrier's 127-aircraft fleet with Smartwings' 47 aircraft.
Pakistan International Airlines has been sold to a consortium of investors led by Arif Habib Limited, with the Pakistani government receiving 10 billion Pakistani Rupees in cash. The new owners will take full control from April 2026, retaining all employees for at least 12 months.
The NDAA gives the Pentagon's counter-drone task force extraordinary authority over acquisition programs across the armed forces. The task force can set technical standards, run field tests, and block acquisitions if a system doesn't meet its requirements.
Polish flag carrier LOT is said to be nearing the acquisition of Smartwings, the largest airline in the Czech Republic. According to Polish media, LOT's CEO Michał Fijoł was in Prague to negotiate the terms of the acquisition.
ITP Aero has signed a binding agreement to acquire Aero Norway, a Norway-based engine maintenance provider specializing in CFM56 engines. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Howmet Aerospace has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing (CAM), the aerospace division of Stanley Black & Decker, for approximately $1.8 billion. CAM provides critical fasteners, fittings, and other engineered components for the aerospace and defense industries.
Germany has exercised an option to acquire 20 more Airbus H145M light combat helicopters, bringing the total number of aircraft ordered under its framework agreement with Airbus Helicopters to 82 units. The decision follows a contract signed in December 2023 and deliveries began in November 2024.
Firefly Aerospace has completed the acquisition of SciTec National Security Technology Company, a leading provider of advanced national security technologies. The deal brings together over four decades of experience in supporting high-stakes national security missions with Firefly's launch, lunar, and in-space vehicles.
Firefly Aerospace has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire SciTec, Inc., a leader in advanced national security technologies, for approximately $855 million. The acquisition expands Firefly's capabilities in responsive launch, land, and orbit mission services, and enhances its ability to support defense missions.
Breaking Defense is releasing an eBook featuring a curated roundup of its most consequential stories from 2025, plus a reporting-driven outlook on what's next for global defense in 2026. The publication explores key issues such as acquisition reform and drone warfare, which will shape the direction of the US military.
The Federal Trade Commission has ordered Boeing to divest significant Spirit AeroSystems assets to address antitrust concerns surrounding its $8.3 billion acquisition. Boeing must sell Spirit's Malaysia-based aerostructures operations and maintain supply agreements with competitors including Airbus.
Boeing has completed its $4.7 billion acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, reabsorbing a critical supplier of airplane structures for commercial jets as well as defense aircraft such as the KC-46 and B-21. The acquisition allows Boeing to acquire all of Spirit's Boeing-related operations, including fuselage construction for the 737 and other commercial jets that are the basis for military planes like the P-8A Poseidon maritime aircraft.
Boeing and Airbus have finalized major acquisitions of Spirit AeroSystems assets, marking a significant shift in aerospace manufacturing structure. Boeing secured Spirit's commercial operations and MRO services, adding approximately 15,000 employees, while Airbus completed its USD 439 million acquisition of sites across four countries, bringing over 4,000 employees into its operations.
The US Army is set to release a new software directive aimed at bringing flexibility to acquisition and streamlining the application of modern software. Undersecretary Michael Obadal emphasized the need for flexible funding, citing the challenges of rigid funding authorities in acquiring modern, agile software.
The US Army is implementing a comprehensive overhaul of its acquisition structure, aiming to streamline processes and reduce costs. Breaking Defense reports that the reorganization will see significant changes, including consolidating general officers and reducing the number of Program Executive Offices (PEOs).
Allegiant Air has announced the acquisition of Sun Country Airlines for $1.5 billion in cash and stock, with the deal expected to be completed by the end of 2026 if approved by competition authorities. The combined entity will operate under the Allegiant brand and carry around 22 million passengers per year.
The Department of the Air Force has introduced five new acquisition portfolios, led by a mix of military and civilian officials. The Space Force has also established two portfolios of its own.