Defense & Military
PTC Launches Aerospace Defense Startup Program to Boost Innovation
PTC offers free software and ecosystem support to aerospace and defense startups to accelerate innovation and compliance.
PTC’s Aerospace & Defense Startup Program: Accelerating Innovation in a Complex Industry
In July 2025, PTC Inc. unveiled a bold initiative aimed at reshaping the landscape of aerospace and defense (A&D) innovation. Announced at the Reindustrialize Summit in Detroit, the new Aerospace & Defense Startup Program is designed to provide early and growth-stage Startups with free access to a suite of PTC’s advanced engineering software tools. The program goes beyond software, offering participants a gateway into PTC’s global network of venture capitalists, incubators, and strategic partners.
This move comes at a time when the A&D sector is undergoing rapid transformation. With increasing geopolitical tensions and a growing need for high-performance, mission-critical systems, startups are uniquely positioned to bring agility and disruptive innovation to the table. However, they often face significant barriers, including high software costs, regulatory compliance hurdles, and limited access to industry networks. PTC’s program seeks to lower these barriers and enable startups to meet the demands of modern defense innovation across domains such as air, land, sea, space, and cyber.
By offering free access to its cloud-native tools and fostering a supportive ecosystem, PTC aims to accelerate product development, enhance compliance capabilities, and ultimately contribute to a more agile and innovative defense industrial base.
The Aerospace and Defense Industry in 2025: Challenges and Opportunities
The global aerospace and defense industry is poised for significant growth, driven by increased defense spending and a recovery in commercial aviation. Industry reports suggest that the market could reach over $875 billion by the end of 2025. However, this growth is not without its challenges. Companies face mounting pressure to deliver complex systems faster, integrate emerging technologies, and navigate an increasingly turbulent geopolitical environment.
One of the most pressing challenges is the need for speed. Modern defense systems must be developed and deployed rapidly to counter evolving threats such as hypersonic weapons and cyberattacks. This urgency has led to a 37% acceleration in system integration timelines, according to industry analyses. Startups, with their nimble structures and innovative approaches, are particularly well-suited to meet these demands, provided they have the right tools and support.
Compliance remains another major hurdle. Regulations such as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) impose strict controls on defense-related technologies. For startups, navigating these rules can significantly increase development costs and delay time-to-market. PTC’s program addresses this by offering software solutions that are built with compliance in mind, easing the burden on small teams.
Digital Transformation in A&D
Digital transformation is no longer optional in the A&D sector, it’s essential. Cloud-native platforms and digital thread technologies are enabling companies to reduce prototyping time, enhance collaboration, and maintain traceability across the product lifecycle. Reports from Siemens and other industry leaders highlight that cloud-based tools can reduce development cycles by up to 40% in early-stage design phases.
These technologies are particularly beneficial for startups that lack the infrastructure to support traditional on-premise software. By adopting cloud-native solutions, startups can scale their operations more efficiently, reduce IT overhead, and focus on innovation rather than system maintenance.
PTC’s initiative leverages this trend by offering cloud-based versions of its flagship products, including Creo+, Onshape Government, Codebeamer+, and Arena PLM. These tools are designed to support the entire product development lifecycle, from initial design to regulatory approval and manufacturing readiness.
“Digital transformation is enabling aerospace and defense startups to move faster without compromising on quality or compliance.” — Reindustrialize Summit 2025
Inside the PTC A&D Startup Program
The core of PTC’s program is access to four of its most advanced software platforms, each tailored to address specific challenges in the A&D sector. These tools are provided free of charge to eligible startups, with multi-year support options based on growth milestones.
Software Tools and Capabilities
Creo+ offers a SaaS-based CAD solution that supports complex assemblies and integrates real-time simulation tools powered by Ansys. It’s ideal for startups working on propulsion systems, airframes, and other high-performance hardware.
Onshape Government is a cloud-native CAD and PDM platform built with compliance in mind. It includes features like encrypted data handling and permission-based access, making it suitable for ITAR and EAR-regulated projects.
Codebeamer+ provides application lifecycle management tools with end-to-end traceability, crucial for Software development in safety-critical applications such as avionics and control systems.
Arena PLM automates quality management workflows and simplifies compliance documentation, particularly for standards like AS9100 and ISO 9001. This helps startups prepare for manufacturing and regulatory audits more efficiently.
Eligibility and Ecosystem Benefits
To qualify, startups must have less than $1 million in annual revenue and under $2 million in total funding. Once accepted, they gain access not only to software but also to PTC’s broader ecosystem, including venture capital partners, technical support, and marketing opportunities.
Participants receive 24/7 technical support, access to PTC’s Learning Center, and opportunities to be featured in case studies and industry events. These benefits are designed to increase visibility and credibility within the A&D community, helping startups attract additional funding and strategic Partnerships.
The program’s structure also allows for annual renewal based on performance metrics such as funding milestones, product development progress, and market engagement.
Real-World Impact and Industry Response
Early participants in the program have already reported significant benefits. ARCA Dynamics, a company focused on electric propulsion, credited Creo+ with improving their production chain and accelerating delivery timelines. Similarly, Orbital Operations, a startup developing spacecraft, highlighted Onshape’s role in enabling secure, agile collaboration from day one.
Industry experts have also taken note. David Katzman, PTC’s General Manager for Arena and Onshape, emphasized that startups face some of the toughest engineering challenges in the world. PTC’s role, he said, is to provide the tools and support necessary to overcome those challenges without compromising on speed or security.
Investor interest in A&D startups has surged, with venture funding increasing by over 20% in the second quarter of 2025. Analysts suggest that programs like PTC’s are contributing to this growth by de-risking early-stage investments and providing a clearer path to commercialization.
“These startups tackle engineering challenges where failure isn’t an option. We’re equipping them to move fast without compromising security.” — David Katzman, PTC
Conclusion: Building the Future of Defense Innovation
PTC’s Aerospace & Defense Startup Program represents a strategic investment in the future of defense technology. By removing cost and compliance barriers, the program empowers startups to bring innovative solutions to market faster and more securely. It also fosters a collaborative ecosystem where small companies can thrive alongside established industry players.
Looking ahead, the program could serve as a model for other sectors facing similar challenges. As defense systems become more modular and software-driven, the ability to iterate quickly and maintain regulatory compliance will be critical. PTC’s initiative not only addresses today’s needs but also lays the groundwork for a more agile and resilient defense industrial base in the years to come.
FAQ
What is the PTC A&D Startup Program?
It is a multi-year program offering free access to PTC’s software tools and ecosystem support for eligible aerospace and defense startups.
Who is eligible to participate?
Startups with less than $1 million in annual revenue and under $2 million in funding can apply. Eligibility is reviewed annually based on growth milestones.
What software tools are included?
The program includes Creo+, Onshape Government, Codebeamer+, and Arena PLM, each tailored to different aspects of product development and compliance.
How does the program support compliance?
Tools like Onshape Government and Arena PLM are designed with compliance features for ITAR, EAR, and standards like AS9100, helping startups meet regulatory requirements more easily.
What are the long-term benefits?
In addition to software, startups gain access to PTC’s network of investors, partners, and events, increasing their visibility and potential for growth.
Sources
PR Newswire, Onshape, PTC Codebeamer, PTC Arena, PTC Creo, Siemens, Jama Software, Global Growth Insights
Photo Credit: PTC
Defense & Military
Gripen F Completes Inaugural Flight in Linköping Sweden
Saab and the Brazilian Air Force completed the first flight of the Gripen F two-seat fighter on August 28, 2026.
Saab and the Brazilian Air Force have successfully completed the inaugural flight of the Gripen F, the two-seat variant of the Gripen E fighter, initiating the airborne test campaign for the jointly developed aircraft.
The aircraft took off from Saab’s airfield in Linköping, Sweden, on August 28, 2026. In a press release issued today, the manufacturer confirmed the milestone advances a comprehensive technology transfer program designed to deliver both pilot training and full operational combat capabilities.
Inaugural flight and test campaign
The flight commenced at 09:40 local time and lasted 40 minutes. Saab Chief Test Pilot Jakob Högberg and Brazilian Air Force Test Pilot Lieutenant Colonel Aviator Abdon de Rezende Vasconcelos operated the aircraft.
Lars Tossman, Head of Business Area Aeronautics at Saab, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the milestone.
“This first flight represents an important step forward for both Saab and the Brazilian Air Force. Seeing Gripen F take to the skies is particularly significant for all the Swedish and Brazilian teams whose years of engineering work have helped turn this aircraft into a reality. It is designed to accelerate pilot training while and enhancing operational performance in advanced combat missions,” Tossman said.
The Gripen F test program will now transition into a progressive envelope expansion phase. Saab stated that upcoming flights will clear performance limits, including speed, altitude, G-load, and angle of attack, while evaluating the tactical systems of the independent rear cockpit.
Design specifications and Brazilian procurement
The Gripen F incorporates specific design modifications to accommodate a second crew member. According to Air Data News, the two-seat variant measures 15.9 meters in length, compared to the 15.2-meter single-seat Gripen E, and has a maximum takeoff weight of 16,500 kilograms. To make room for the rear cockpit, engineers omitted the internal 27 mm Mauser BK27 cannon found on the single-seat model. Despite this change, the aircraft retains full operational combat capability and utilizes the same General Electric F414G engine.
The development of the Gripen F is heavily tied to Brazilian defense procurement. Aviation Week reports that the Brazilian Air Force ordered eight Gripen F aircraft as part of a broader 36-aircraft contract signed in 2014. Saab officially presented the first Gripen F during a rollout ceremony in Linköping on June 2, 2026. The manufacturer noted that more than 350 Brazilian engineers, technicians, and pilots have participated in training and development activities for the program.
AirPro News analysis
We view the successful first flight of the Gripen F as a critical validation of the technology transfer agreement between Saab and its Brazilian partners, including Embraer. The integration of a fully combat-capable rear cockpit ensures the Brazilian Air Force can conduct advanced training while maintaining frontline fleet readiness. Delivering the two-seat variant on schedule strengthens Saab’s position in future export campaigns where dual-role trainer and combat aircraft are required.
Sources: Saab
Photo Credit: Saab
Defense & Military
Neura Defense Systems Rebrands as Volantyx Aerospace
Neura Defense Systems rebrands as Volantyx Aerospace to develop counter-UAS tech targeting RF-silent drone swarms.
Saint Petersburg, Florida-based Neura Defense Systems, Inc. announced on August 26, 2026, that it has rebranded as Volantyx Aerospace, Inc. to reflect its expansion from a single-product defense developer into a broader aerospace technology platform.
In a press release issued Wednesday, the company stated the original Neura Defense Systems name will be retained for its defense division and current operating business. The corporate restructuring aligns with the company’s focus on developing a distributed edge-intelligence architecture designed to counter autonomous, radio-frequency-silent drone swarms.
Addressing the RF-silent swarm-drone gap
Volantyx Aerospace is targeting a specific vulnerability in current counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) defense networks. Traditional detection and mitigation rely heavily on radio frequency (RF) signals, which are ineffective against pre-programmed or autonomous aircraft that do not emit such signals.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer Sam Talari explained the limitations of legacy systems in the company’s announcement, noting that the new architecture is built on the assumption that any single sensor can be degraded or absent.
An RF sensor cannot detect a signal that is not there, and a jammer cannot sever a control link that does not exist. We start from the aircraft’s physical signature instead — radar return, sound, heat, visual — and combine those into one track and one decision picture for the operator.
The company has filed 13 United States provisional patent applications covering multi-modal sensor fusion, distributed networking, cognitive command, and the detection of non-emitting aircraft. The resulting intelligence layer is designed to make decisions at the edge without cloud dependency while preserving a record of system observations.
Development timeline and market positioning
The rebranding occurs as federal investment in counter-UAS technologies accelerates. Volantyx Aerospace remains in the development stage, with its core capabilities currently undergoing hardware integration and field evaluation following initial tests in a controlled environment.
The company clarified in its release that it does not yet claim a fielded deployment, operational performance metrics, or a contract award. Volantyx Aerospace plans to begin manufacturing or supplying effectors in early 2027. The corporate name change is a structural adjustment for the Delaware corporation and does not alter existing agreements, obligations, or ownership.
AirPro News analysis
The transition from Neura Defense Systems to Volantyx Aerospace signals a strategic pivot to capture dual-use commercial and defense markets. As autonomous UAS capabilities proliferate, the reliance on RF jamming and detection is becoming a recognized vulnerability in airspace security. By focusing on multi-modal physical signatures, we view Volantyx’s approach as a necessary evolution in counter-UAS architecture. The company’s explicit acknowledgment that it lacks fielded deployments or contract awards underscores the significant gap between conceptual architecture and operational validation. The early 2027 target for effector manufacturing will be a critical milestone to monitor as the company attempts to transition from a development-stage startup to an active aerospace supplier.
Photo Credit: Neura Defense Systems, Inc.
Defense & Military
Lockheed Martin Offers Peru $1.8B F-16 Block 70 Offset Package
Lockheed Martin proposes a $1.8B industrial package for Peru’s F-16 Block 70 program, including UAS assembly and MRO expansion.
Lockheed Martin has outlined a $1.8 billion industrial and social collaboration package for Peru, designed to integrate local firms into the global aerospace supply chain as part of the country’s F-16 Block 70 procurement program.
Announced in a press release on August 26, 2026, the offset proposal follows the Peruvian government’s April 2026 decision to acquire an initial batch of 12 F-16 Block 70 aircraft. The comprehensive package aims to position Peru as a regional hub for advanced unmanned systems and aerospace services.
Expanding Peru’s aerospace industrial base
The proposed industrial agreement focuses heavily on technology transfer and domestic manufacturing. Key components include the domestic assembly of an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) tailored for the Latin American market, the establishment of joint research hubs, and the creation of a UAS Technical Institute. The package also outlines plans to expand Peru’s high-tech maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) footprint.
“As we collaborate with the local industry, we aim to deliver tangible, high-value opportunities that build a skilled workforce, enable knowledge transfer and create lasting economic impact on both sides of the partnership,” said Tara Lause, Vice President of Business Development for the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin.
Lause added that the procurement creates enduring alliances and industrial collaboration opportunities with the United States and other partner nations.
Fleet modernization and electronic warfare capabilities
Peru is currently working to replace its aging fleet of Soviet-era MiG-29s and French Mirage 2000s. The F-16 Block 70 was selected over competing bids from Saab and Dassault. To equip the new fleet, the government of Peru selected L3Harris Technologies to provide its AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield all-digital electronic warfare suite, a decision announced on August 17, 2026. The Viper Shield system provides advanced radar warning and jamming capabilities.
Lockheed Martin noted that the F-16 is currently operated by 29 countries, with a global fleet of 2,800 aircraft. Mike Shoemaker, Vice President of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin, stated that the selection highlights the aircraft’s operational performance and ability to meet pressing defense requirements.
AirPro News analysis
The announcement of a $1.8 billion industrial offset package is a strategic move by Lockheed Martin to solidify the F-16 Block 70 sale amid a complex political environment in Lima. While the Peruvian government selected the aircraft in April 2026, regional defense reporting indicates that the procurement process has encountered delays linked to ministerial resignations and defense budget debates. By offering substantial domestic manufacturing opportunities, including UAS assembly and MRO expansion, Lockheed Martin is providing Peruvian leadership with a strong economic justification to finalize the state-to-state contract. We view this comprehensive technology transfer as a critical lever in moving the procurement from selection to a finalized, funded agreement.
Sources: Lockheed Martin
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
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