Defense & Military
ATAC Secures 200 Million Contract for U.S. Navy Electronic Warfare Training
ATAC awarded $200 million contract to provide Stand-Off Jammer services to US Navy, enhancing electronic warfare readiness through 2030.
ATAC Secures $200 Million Contract to Enhance U.S. Navy Electronic Warfare Training
We are witnessing a significant development in the realm of naval defense training as the Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC), a subsidiary of Manufacturers, has been awarded a substantial contract by the United States Navy. This Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, valued at up to $200 million, tasks ATAC with providing Stand-Off Jammer (SOJ) services over the next five years. This agreement underscores the growing importance of electronic warfare (EW) in modern combat scenarios and the Navy’s commitment to preparing its fleets for high-tech adversarial environments.
The contract, which covers the period from 2025 to 2030, is designed to simulate realistic electronic attack scenarios. By utilizing private contractors for these specialized services, the Navy can preserve the flight hours of its own active-duty combat assets, such as the EA-18G Growler, for real-world operations. This “Train as You Fight” strategy ensures that naval crews are exposed to sophisticated threats during exercises without depleting the service’s operational readiness or budget on internal resources.
In our analysis of this procurement, it becomes clear that the scope of the mission extends beyond simple target practice. The objective is to test and evaluate shipboard and Military-Aircraft squadron weapon systems, operators, and aircrew against a backdrop of intense electronic interference. As the maritime domain becomes increasingly contested by peer adversaries with advanced EW capabilities, the ability to operate in a degraded electromagnetic environment is no longer optional, it is a critical survival skill.
Defining the Mission: Stand-Off Jamming Services
The core of this contract revolves around “Stand-Off Jamming,” a mission profile that differs significantly from traditional aerial dogfighting. In this context, the aircraft operates at a safe distance, or “stands off”, from the target area while projecting powerful electronic signals. These signals are designed to blind enemy radars, disrupt communications, and create a chaotic environment for the trainees. We understand that the primary goal is to force Navy operators to adapt when their sensors are compromised and their communication lines are jammed.
Under the terms of the agreement, ATAC will provide these services using highly modified Private-Jets equipped for electronic warfare. These aircraft will be stationed on both the East and West Coasts of the United States to support fleet exercises in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. The mission scope includes Electronic Attack (EA), where radar frequencies are jammed, and Communications Intrusion, where false or disruptive signals are interjected into friendly radio networks. This forces crews to practice strict radio discipline and verify the integrity of their command-and-control networks.
Furthermore, these operations often involve “Own Force Monitoring” (OFM). In this capacity, the contractor aircraft listens to friendly communications to critique security protocols. This feedback loop is vital for training crews to recognize when they are being monitored or when their communications are leaking sensitive information. By integrating these complex electronic layers into training exercises, the Navy ensures that its sailors and aviators are not only proficient in kinetic warfare but are also resilient against the invisible threats of the electromagnetic spectrum.
“The goal is to test and evaluate shipboard and aircraft squadron weapon systems, operators, and aircrew in countering potential enemy stand-off jamming.”
Distinguishing the Fleet: Business Jets vs. Fighter Jets
There is often confusion regarding the various air services ATAC provides, particularly given their extensive fleet of fighter aircraft. It is crucial to distinguish the hardware utilized for this Stand-Off Jammer (SOJ) contract from the aircraft used in the separate Fleet Fighter Jet Services (FJS) contract. While ATAC is renowned for operating fighter jets like the Hawker Hunter Mk-58, Mirage F1, and F-21 Kfir, those platforms are primarily tasked with aerial dogfighting, target towing, and missile simulation.
For the SOJ mission, the requirements are fundamentally different. Fighter jets generally lack the internal volume and fuel endurance required for long-duration jamming sessions. Consequently, this contract utilizes “Type VI” aircraft, specifically, modified business jets. These platforms offer the necessary loiter time to remain on station for extended periods, ensuring that training exercises are not interrupted by frequent refueling needs. Additionally, the larger cabin space of a business jet accommodates the heavy, sophisticated electronic jamming consoles and the specialized Electronic Warfare Officers (EWOs) required to operate them.
We see this differentiation as a strategic allocation of resources. By using business jets for jamming and fighter jets for kinetic simulation, ATAC creates a layered threat environment. In complex exercises, Navy pilots may find themselves fighting off “bandit” fighter jets while simultaneously dealing with the crippling effects of stand-off jamming from a distant business jet. This multi-axis threat simulation provides the most realistic approximation of modern warfare, where physical and electronic attacks occur simultaneously.
Strategic Context and Industry Implications
The awarding of this contract to ATAC, a Textron Systems subsidiary, highlights the reliance of the U.S. military on the commercial defense sector to bridge training gaps. Textron Systems leverages its deep aviation expertise, owning iconic brands like Cessna and Beechcraft, to support these specialized missions. While the specific model of the business jet for this new contract was not explicitly named in the release, such missions typically utilize robust platforms capable of carrying external pods and internal mission systems, similar to the Learjet or Gulfstream series often adapted for special missions.
From a geopolitical standpoint, this investment is driven by the rising capabilities of peer threats. Nations such as China and Russia have invested heavily in Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) strategies, which rely heavily on electronic warfare to deny U.S. forces the ability to navigate and communicate. By simulating these degraded environments now, the Navy is proactively addressing a vulnerability that could be decisive in a future conflict. The $200 million investment over five years signals that the Department of Defense views EW readiness as a high priority.
Looking ahead, we anticipate that the demand for Contracted Air Services (CAS) will continue to grow. As military aircraft become more expensive to operate per flight hour, the economic logic of outsourcing “Red Air” and electronic adversary roles becomes undeniable. This contract solidifies ATAC’s position as a key partner in naval readiness and sets the stage for further integration of private sector innovation into military training doctrines.
Conclusion
The $200 million contract awarded to ATAC for Stand-Off Jammer services represents a critical component of the U.S. Navy’s readiness strategy for the next half-decade. By securing these services through 2030, the Navy ensures that its fleets are consistently tested against the rigorous demands of electronic warfare. The use of modified business jets to simulate high-tech jamming provides a cost-effective, high-endurance solution that complements the kinetic training provided by other platforms.
As the global security landscape evolves, the ability to fight and win in the electromagnetic spectrum will likely determine the outcome of future engagements. This partnership between the Navy and Textron Systems reflects a broader trend of integrating commercial efficiency with military necessity, ensuring that when U.S. forces deploy, they are prepared for the invisible war as well as the visible one.
FAQ
Question: What is the value and duration of the new ATAC contract?
Answer: The contract is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) award valued at up to $200 million, covering a five-year period from 2025 to 2030.
Question: What type of aircraft will be used for this specific contract?
Answer: Unlike ATAC’s fighter jet contracts, this mission utilizes highly modified business jets (Type VI aircraft) equipped for electronic warfare, chosen for their endurance and capacity to carry jamming equipment.
Question: What is Stand-Off Jamming?
Answer: Stand-Off Jamming involves an aircraft flying at a safe distance from a target area while transmitting electronic signals to blind enemy Radar-Systems, disrupt communications, and confuse sensor systems.
Sources
Photo Credit: Textron
Defense & Military
SNC and Skyryse Partner to Retrofit Fleets With SkyOS Automation
SNC and Skyryse will integrate SkyOS fly-by-wire automation into existing defense and commercial aircraft fleets via FAA ODA certification.
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and aviation technology company Skyryse have formed a collaboration to integrate software-defined flight automation into existing military and commercial aircraft fleets.
Announced on October 27, 2026, the partnership aims to retrofit legacy airframes with Skyryse’s SkyOS system, enabling optionally piloted operations and reduced crew workload without the capital expenditure required to procure new aircraft. The initial focus of the collaboration will target defense platforms.
Certification and integration strategy
The collaboration pairs Skyryse’s flight control technology with SNC’s established aircraft modification and certification infrastructure. A key component of the partnership involves 3S Engineering and Certification, a wholly owned SNC subsidiary based in Wichita, Kansas.
The subsidiary holds a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Organization Designation Authorization (ODA). This status grants the company the authority to issue Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) and certify equipment installations, providing a direct regulatory pathway for integrating SkyOS into operational fleets.
SNC Executive Vice President Jon Piatt noted the practical advantages of the approach. “Modernizing a fleet doesn’t always mean buying new aircraft,” Piatt said in a press release.
Skyryse Founder and CEO Mark Groden emphasized the speed of retrofitting compared to clean-sheet aircraft development.
“The fastest way to modernize a fleet is to upgrade the aircraft already in it, and we’ve shown on the Black Hawk that SkyOS can do that in months, not years. SNC’s certification and integration expertise gives us the path to bring a new level of automation and capability to existing fleets at scale,” Groden said.
The UH-60 Black Hawk proof of concept
The foundation for the SNC partnership stems from a late 2025 technology demonstration. On December 22, 2025, Skyryse achieved the first flight of a UH-60 Black Hawk equipped with the SkyOS system.
The integration process for the Black Hawk was completed in 91 days. During the demonstration, the system executed automated pickup, hover, and setdown maneuvers, validating the aircraft-agnostic design of the software.
SkyOS replaces traditional mechanical flight control linkages with a triply redundant fly-by-wire system. The interface utilizes a four-axis joystick and touchscreen displays, designed to simplify pilot inputs and manage complex flight envelopes automatically.
“SNC has spent more than 60 years modifying and sustaining aircraft for demanding missions,” Piatt said. “Pairing that experience with SkyOS gives us a way to explore new levels of automation that can reduce operator workload, support more consistent decision-making and help crews focus on the mission.”
Expanding partnerships in the automation sector
The SNC agreement follows a series of strategic moves by Skyryse to position its technology across both commercial and defense markets. Founded in 2016 and based in El Segundo, California, the company initially focused on the civil sector, developing the Skyryse One, a proprietary aircraft based on the Robinson R66 platform.
In recent weeks, Skyryse has rapidly expanded its defense and unmanned applications. On September 23, 2026, the company announced a partnership with BAE Systems Australia to evaluate integrating SkyOS with BAE’s Vehicle Management System (VMS) for autonomous flight applications.
The following day, on September 24, 2026, Skyryse formalized an agreement with Robinson Helicopter Company to develop a Group 4 unmanned aircraft system (UAV) for defense applications, utilizing the R66 airframe powered by SkyOS.
SNC, founded in 1963 and operating as a privately owned mid-tier aerospace and defense contractor, brings the scale required to transition these technologies from prototypes to fielded military assets. The defense and commercial aviation sectors are increasingly looking toward optionally piloted and autonomous flight systems to extend the operational life of legacy airframes.
AirPro News analysis
The defense aviation sector is currently navigating a tension between the desire for advanced autonomous capabilities and the reality of constrained procurement budgets. By focusing on retrofitting existing platforms like the UH-60 Black Hawk, SNC and Skyryse are targeting a lucrative middle ground. This approach extends the operational relevance of legacy airframes while introducing optionally piloted capabilities that modern combat doctrines increasingly demand.
The most critical element of this collaboration is SNC’s ODA status through its 3S Engineering subsidiary. In aviation technology, the bottleneck is rarely the software itself; it is the certification pathway. By pairing a nimble aviation startup with an established defense contractor that holds STC authority, the partnership bypasses the traditional regulatory friction that often delays the fielding of novel flight control systems.
Photo Credit: Skyryse
Defense & Military
Volatus Aerospace Completes AISPECO Acquisition for $10.5M
Volatus Aerospace finalizes its $10.5M acquisition of Lithuanian sensor developer AISPECO UAB, gaining an EU and NATO manufacturing base.
Volatus Aerospace Inc. (TSX: FLT) has finalized its acquisition of Lithuanian sensor and software developer AISPECO UAB, securing a direct manufacturing foothold in the European Union and NATO.
The transaction, announced in a press release on October 28, 2026, vertically integrates AISPECO’s proprietary airborne sensor platforms and mission software into Volatus’ existing uncrewed and piloted aircraft operations. The deal carries a base transaction value of $10.5 million, with an additional $2.5 million in contingent earnouts tied to three-year performance milestones.
Financial structure and milestone targets
The completion of the acquisition follows an initial agreement announced on October 14, 2026. The $10.5 million base consideration consists of $3.0 million in cash, the issuance of 17,434,193 Volatus common shares at a deemed price of C$0.5813 per share, and the granting of 1,859,804 Restricted Share Units (RSUs).
An additional $2.5 million in contingent consideration may be paid to AISPECO between October 2026 and October 2029. These earnouts are payable in cash or shares and depend on the achievement of specified financial, commercial, and product-development milestones over the three-year period. While some financial aggregators have characterized the transaction as a $13 million deal, official breakdowns confirm this higher figure is only reached if all future performance targets are met.
The acquisition also marks a successful exit for venture firm Superhero Capital. The backer had previously invested EUR 2.5 million in AISPECO across funding rounds in 2022 and 2024.
Integrating sensor technology with aircraft operations
AISPECO develops and manufactures advanced geospatial systems designed for both fixed-wing aircraft and Helicopters. The company’s product portfolio includes HELIUX modular sensor pods, the FOCUS AI-guided gimbal, CORE electronics, and ROBINCOP flight-management software. The platform is designed to support multiple sensor types and currently holds certification for installation on more than 20 different aircraft types, with two European patent applications pending.
Prior to the acquisition, AISPECO had sold approximately 50 complete systems to customers across North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. These technologies are primarily utilized for the inspection of power grids, gas pipelines, and transport infrastructure, alongside applications in forest inventory, urban mapping, defence, and border surveillance.
Volatus Aerospace CEO Glen Lynch stated that the acquisition brings the company closer to delivering a complete, end-to-end aerial intelligence ecosystem.
“By integrating AISPECO’s proprietary sensors and software with our aircraft platforms and operational capabilities, we can accelerate innovation, strengthen our technology base and deliver more comprehensive solutions to defence, industrial and commercial customers worldwide,” Lynch said.
Expanding European defence and commercial footprint
Headquartered in Mirabel, Québec, Volatus Aerospace operates an Operations Control Centre (OCC) for remote and autonomous flights and manufactures Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), including the Condor XL heavy-lift cargo drone. The company has historically focused on delivering intelligence and cargo solutions through both piloted and remotely piloted aircraft systems.
Founded in 2020 and based in Vilnius, Lithuania, AISPECO brings rapid financial growth to the combined entity. The Lithuanian firm generated C$5.72 million in fiscal 2025 revenue, a figure that more than doubled its fiscal 2024 revenue.
The integration of AISPECO provides Volatus with a direct engineering and manufacturing base in a NATO and European Union member country. This European presence complements the company’s existing Canadian manufacturing operations and is intended to support broader opportunities in government and allied defence markets.
AirPro News analysis
We view the acquisition of AISPECO as a structural shift for Volatus Aerospace, transitioning the company from an operator and distributor of aircraft systems into a vertically integrated technology provider. By bringing sensor payload and mission software development in-house, Volatus captures a larger share of the value chain in the aerial intelligence market. Securing a manufacturing base in Lithuania also provides a distinct strategic advantage for European defence procurement, where domestic sourcing requirements within NATO and the European Union increasingly dictate contract awards.
Photo Credit: Volatus Aerospace
Defense & Military
Bombardier and BAE Systems Sign MOU for Combat Air Programs
Bombardier and BAE Systems signed an MOU on Oct 28, 2026, to explore next-generation combat air collaboration.
Bombardier and BAE Systems have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore joint development of industrial and technology capabilities for next-generation combat air programs.
Announced in a press release on October 28, 2026, the bilateral agreement positions the Canadian aerospace manufacturer to integrate its engineering and manufacturing footprint into allied military aviation requirements. The partnership aligns with Canada’s broader defense strategy, coming three months after the country formally engaged with international sixth-generation fighter development efforts.
Strategic framework and capability exploration
The MOU establishes an exploratory framework to identify practical areas of cooperation aligned with future capability requirements and government priorities. Rather than a commitment to a specific aircraft program, the agreement serves to connect Bombardier’s specialized supplier ecosystems with BAE Systems’ combat air expertise.
Stephen McCullough, Executive Vice President of Engineering, Product Development and Bombardier Defense, stated that the company is positioned to develop the talent required for programs carrying a generational impact on the defense industry.
“This MOU with BAE Systems provides a clear framework to explore how these capabilities can support next-generation defence programs, while strengthening industrial capacity, high-value jobs and long-term aerospace leadership,” McCullough said.
Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director of BAE Systems Air, noted the opportunity to support the strategic aims of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy through the collaboration.
“BAE Systems brings decades of combat air experience spanning aircraft design, systems integration, manufacturing and support. This agreement marks an important step in our ambition to strengthen international partnerships that support the future of combat air,” Barnes said.
Canada’s evolving role in next-generation air combat
The partnership materializes as Canada deepens its involvement in international air combat initiatives. On July 21, 2026, the Department of National Defence announced that Canada had joined the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as its first observer nation.
GCAP is a multinational initiative led by the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet. Observer status allows the Canadian government to assess potential future participation and gain insight into the program’s governance and industrial framework. Crucially, the designation enables the identification of opportunities for domestic companies without requiring an immediate financial commitment from the state.
The bilateral agreement positions Bombardier to capture future procurement cycles as Canada evaluates its long-term role in next-generation air combat initiatives.
Industrial positioning and defense adaptation
Bombardier primarily designs, builds, and maintains the Global and Challenger families of business jets. The company reports a global operating fleet of over 5,300 aircraft, supported by 10 service facilities across six countries.
The manufacturer’s specialized division, Bombardier Defense, focuses on adapting these civilian airframes for military and government missions. The unit emphasizes reliability, performance, and adaptability for specialized operations. By partnering with BAE Systems, Bombardier seeks to expand its defense footprint beyond modified business jets and into the broader combat air supply chain.
BAE Systems operates as one of the primary industrial partners in GCAP, working alongside Italy’s Leonardo and Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The British aerospace and defense company brings extensive experience in systems integration and military aircraft manufacturing to the exploratory partnership with Bombardier.
AirPro News analysis
We view this MOU as a calculated positioning move by Bombardier to secure high-value engineering work within the lucrative sixth-generation fighter ecosystem. While Bombardier is not a traditional combat aircraft prime contractor, modern air combat programs rely heavily on distributed systems, advanced materials, and specialized sensor integration. By partnering with a Tier 1 prime like BAE Systems, Bombardier can leverage its existing aerospace engineering workforce and supply chain to capture defense revenue streams without the prohibitive cost of developing clean-sheet military airframes.
This industrial alignment also provides the Canadian government with tangible domestic economic benefits as it evaluates deeper participation in GCAP. Securing a role for a major domestic aerospace employer like Bombardier makes the political case for future Canadian financial investment in GCAP significantly stronger.
Photo Credit: BAE Systems
-
Business Aviation6 days agoDTA Aircraft JP1 eVTOL Targets April 2027 US Flight Testing
-
Regulations & Safety5 days agoFAA Launches MedGuide Medication Database for Aviators
-
Business Aviation7 days agoCivil Air Patrol Orders 21 Cessna Aircraft From Textron Aviation
-
Technology & Innovation4 days agoSkyfly Technologies Raises $10M to Certify Axe eVTOL
-
Space & Satellites6 days agoBAE Systems Acquires Colorado Facility for Space Hardware