This article is based on an official press release from Leonardo.

Leonardo Secures Performance-Based Support Contract for Italian C-27J Fleet

Leonardo has officially signed a multi-year contracts with the Italian National Armaments Directorate (ARMAEREO) to provide comprehensive logistics support for the Italian Air-Forces’s fleet of C-27J “Spartan” aircraft. The agreement, announced on December 5, 2025, covers a three-year period spanning 2026 through 2028.

According to the company’s announcement, the contract encompasses the entire Italian fleet of 12 aircraft, which are currently stationed at the 46th Air Brigade in Pisa and the 14th Wing at Pratica di Mare. In addition to fleet maintenance, the agreement includes the management of the Full Motion Simulator located at the International Training Centre (ITC) in Pisa, a critical facility for training crews from Italy and international export partners.

This deal represents a continuation of Leonardo’s strategic shift toward “servitization,” a core component of its 2024–2028 Industrial Plan. By securing long-term support contracts, the manufacturer aims to stabilize revenue streams while enhancing the operational readiness of its primary defense customers.

Shift to Performance-Based Logistics (PBL)

A key feature of this new agreement is the adoption of a Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) model. Unlike traditional “time and material” contracts, where a customer pays for specific repairs or spare parts as needed, a PBL model ties compensation to specific output metrics, primarily fleet availability.

Under this structure, Leonardo assumes greater responsibility for ensuring the aircraft are ready to fly. The model incentivizes the manufacturer to improve component reliability and supply chain efficiency, as their remuneration is directly linked to meeting guaranteed uptime targets. This approach aligns with broader NATO and Western defense trends, where air forces are increasingly purchasing “readiness” rather than just hardware.

The contract covers the technical and administrative management of the training center and the maintenance of the Full Motion Simulator, ensuring high-fidelity training for complex tactical scenarios.

— Summary of contract scope based on Leonardo data

Operational Context and Capabilities

The C-27J Spartan remains a vital asset for the Italian Air Force, filling a niche that larger transport aircraft cannot. Often described as a “Mini-Hercules,” the C-27J shares engines and avionics with the Lockheed Martin C-130J but offers superior agility and Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) capabilities. This allows it to operate from unprepared runways including grass, dirt, and snow.

Recent operational data highlights the continued relevance of the fleet. According to flight tracking data reported by ItaMilRadar in September 2025, Italian C-27Js have been active in logistics missions to Rzeszów, Poland, a primary hub for military aid destined for Ukraine. These missions underscore the aircraft’s role in current geopolitical logistics, bridging the “last mile” where larger strategic airlifters may be less suitable.

The fleet is also undergoing a modernization process. As noted in previous reporting by Flight Global and Defense News, the Italian Air Force initiated an avionics upgrade program in 2023 to bring the aircraft to a “Next Generation” standard, featuring new mission computers and glass cockpits.

AirPro News Analysis

The Strategic Value of the Pisa Hub
The inclusion of the International Training Centre (ITC) in this contract is significant. The Pisa facility does not just serve Italy; it acts as a global knowledge hub for C-27J operators, including the U.S. Coast Guard and Australia. By locking in the maintenance and management of the Full Motion Simulator, Leonardo protects a key touchpoint with its export customers. The simulator’s ability to replicate high-threat scenarios, such as missile evasion, adds value that cannot be safely replicated in live flight training.

Market Positioning vs. Airbus
This contract also serves as a defensive play against Leonardo’s primary competitor in the light/medium transport sector, the Airbus C295. While the C295 is often cited for its fuel efficiency in routine cargo roles, the C-27J markets itself on survivability and power. By proving the efficacy of a PBL model with its domestic air force, Leonardo creates a “proof of concept” to offer similar comprehensive support packages to international buyers, potentially lowering the total cost of ownership, a metric where the C295 has historically competed aggressively.

Sources

• Leonardo Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Northrop Grumman.

Northrop Grumman and IHI Aerospace Forge New Pact on Solid Rocket Motor Technology

Northrop Grumman Corporation and Japan’s IHI Aerospace Co., Ltd. have formally agreed to collaborate on the development of advanced Propulsion technologies. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on December 2, 2025, signaling a deepening industrial tie between the United States and Japan in the sectors of space and national security.

According to the official announcement, the partnership will focus primarily on Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) technology. By leveraging their respective Manufacturing and engineering strengths, the companies aim to address the evolving defense requirements of both nations. This agreement builds upon a growing history of cooperation between the U.S. defense prime and the Japanese aerospace leader.

Strategic Focus on Propulsion Innovation

The MOU outlines a framework for the two companies to explore joint opportunities in propulsion solutions. While specific programs were not detailed in the initial press release, the collaboration is explicitly targeted at enhancing capabilities for space launch and defense systems.

Lisa Brown, Country Executive for Japan at Northrop Grumman, emphasized the importance of cross-border innovation in the company’s statement:

“Collaborating with IHI AEROSPACE to explore the future of propulsion technology allows us to drive innovation by combining our unique capabilities. This MOU highlights our dedication to fostering international partnerships that push the boundaries of solid rocket motor technology.”

IHI Aerospace, a subsidiary of IHI Corporation, brings decades of experience in solid propulsion, having developed systems for Japan’s Epsilon launch vehicle and the H3 rocket’s boosters. Fumiharu Namiki, President of IHI Aerospace, expressed optimism about the long-term potential of the alliance:

“This Partnerships with Northrop Grumman marks the first step in what we believe will be a highly productive collaboration… We are confident that this partnership will further promote international cooperation between the United States and Japan.”

Context: The Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) Connection

While the December 2 announcement focuses on general propulsion technology, industry observers note that this collaboration aligns closely with the requirements of the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) program. The GPI is a major bilateral initiative between the U.S. and Japan designed to defeat hypersonic threats.

According to defense reporting from May 2024, Japan has been tasked with leading the development of rocket motors and propulsion components for the GPI. As Northrop Grumman is a primary competitor designing the GPI system for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA), this MOU likely serves as the industrial mechanism to execute that shared development workload.

Technical Synergies

The collaboration appears to marry distinct technical strengths. Northrop Grumman has recently focused on rapid digital engineering, evidenced by its “Solid Motor Annual Rocket Technology” (SMART) demonstrator, which proved the company could develop new solid rocket motors in under a year. Conversely, IHI Aerospace holds specialized expertise in reaction control systems (RCS) and divert attitude control systems (DACS), technologies critical for the precise maneuvering required by missile interceptors.

AirPro News Analysis

Supply Chain Resilience and Integrated Deterrence

This agreement represents more than just a technical exchange; it is a strategic move to fortify the defense industrial base of the Pacific Rim. The global demand for solid rocket motors has surged due to ongoing conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, straining U.S. domestic capacity.

By formally partnering with IHI Aerospace, Northrop Grumman effectively expands its Supply-Chain capacity into Japan. This supports the broader U.S.-Japan Strategy of “integrated deterrence,” ensuring that critical munitions and interceptors can be produced at scale and with greater redundancy. Furthermore, this moves the relationship beyond the satellite bus collaboration established in March 2023, indicating a shift toward more complex, lethal, and high-performance subsystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of the MOU?
The Memorandum of Understanding aims to facilitate collaboration on solid rocket motor (SRM) technology for space and national security applications.

Who are the companies involved?
The agreement is between Northrop Grumman, a U.S. aerospace and defense prime, and IHI Aerospace, a leading Japanese Manufacturers of rocket propulsion systems.

Does this relate to missile defense?
Yes. While the press release cites “national security,” the partnership aligns with the U.S.-Japan Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) program, where Japan is responsible for propulsion development.

Sources

• Northrop Grumman Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Antares Industries and verified external market data.

Antares Industries Secures $96 Million Series B to Accelerate Microreactor Deployment

Antares Industries, a defense-first nuclear engineering company, announced on December 2, 2025, that it has raised $96 million in Series B funding. The round was led by Shine Capital, with participation from Alt Capital, Caffeinated Capital, FiftyThree Stations, and Industrious. This latest injection of capital brings the company’s total funding to over $130 million, following a $30 million Series A raised in late 2024.

According to the company’s official statement, the funding consists of $71 million in equity and $25 million in debt. The capital is specifically earmarked to transition the company from design to physical production, with a focus on deploying the R1 microreactor. Antares aims to deliver resilient, portable power for defense and space applications, positioning itself as the “engineering prime of strategic energy.”

The R1 Microreactor: Technology and Design

The core of the Antares value proposition is the R1, a compact microreactor designed to operate autonomously for over three years without refueling. Unlike traditional gigawatt-scale nuclear plants intended for civilian power grids, the R1 is engineered for mobility and resilience in hostile environments.

Based on technical specifications released by the company, the R1 features a power output ranging from 100 kilowatts (kWe) to 1 megawatt (MWe). The system utilizes TRISO (Tristructural Isotropic) particle fuel, which is widely regarded in the industry for its robustness and resistance to meltdowns. The fuel consists of uranium kernels encased in layers of carbon and ceramics, providing a high degree of passive safety.

For cooling, the R1 employs sodium heat pipes. This “solid-state” cooling method eliminates the need for moving pumps, relying instead on passive physics to transfer heat. The system uses a Closed Brayton Cycle, where heated nitrogen gas spins a turbine to generate electricity. This design allows the reactor to be transported via standard logistics networks, including trucks and cargo aircraft, without requiring a water source for cooling.

Strategic Timeline and Regulatory Pathway

Antares Industries has outlined an aggressive timeline for hardware validation, leveraging recent shifts in U.S. energy policy. The company plans to conduct a “Mark-0” low-power demonstration at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in 2026. This test is intended to validate reactor physics and control systems.

Following the Mark-0 demo, Antares aims to construct and test the “Mark-1” prototype, a full-power, electricity-producing unit, at the same INL facility in 2027. Commercial deployment of production units is targeted for 2028.

Leveraging Executive Order 14301

A critical component of this accelerated timeline is the company’s utilization of Executive Order 14301, “Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy,” issued in May 2025. This order allows companies to bypass the lengthy traditional Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing process for initial testing phases, opting instead for expedited Department of Energy (DOE) authorization.

In a statement regarding the company’s operational philosophy, Antares CEO Jordan Bramble emphasized the necessity of speed in the current geopolitical climate.

“This capital allows us to move with the speed and discipline required to deliver something America hasn’t done in a very long time: design, build, and test nuclear reactors within a few years, not decades.”

, Jordan Bramble, CEO of Antares Industries

Defense-First Market Strategy

Antares has adopted a strategy focused on securing government contracts to validate its technology before entering broader commercial markets. The company views the U.S. military as the “first moving customer” for advanced nuclear capabilities due to the strategic risks posed by energy scarcity in conflict zones.

The company is currently competing for the U.S. Army’s Project JANUS, a program designed to deploy microreactors to army bases to ensure energy resilience. Additionally, Antares has secured contracts with the Air Force, Space Force, and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to power mission-critical assets such as radar systems and directed energy weapons.

Beyond terrestrial defense, Antares is aligning its technology with NASA’s Fission Surface Power goals, which aim to land a 100-kWe reactor on the Moon by 2030 to support long-term lunar operations.

AirPro News Analysis

The successful Series B raise by Antares Industries highlights a significant pivot in the nuclear sector: the move from “paper reactors” to hardware-rich development cycles. For decades, the nuclear industry has been stifled by high regulatory hurdles that forced companies to spend years on modeling before breaking ground. The utilization of Executive Order 14301 suggests that the U.S. government is actively clearing these hurdles to treat energy independence as a national security imperative.

Furthermore, the involvement of Shine Capital and other venture firms signals a growing investor appetite for “deep tech” hardware that serves dual-use purposes (defense and commercial). By targeting the Department of Defense as an anchor customer, Antares mitigates the market risk typically associated with advanced energy startups, securing revenue streams while the commercial regulatory landscape catches up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary fuel used in the Antares R1 reactor?

The R1 uses TRISO (Tristructural Isotropic) particle fuel, which is composed of uranium kernels coated in carbon and ceramic layers to prevent meltdowns and contain radioactive materials.

When does Antares expect to deploy its first commercial unit?

According to the company’s roadmap, the first production units are scheduled for deployment to customers in 2028, following testing at the Idaho National Laboratory in 2026 and 2027.

Who are the key investors in this funding round?

The Series B round was led by Shine Capital, with participation from Alt Capital, Caffeinated Capital, FiftyThree Stations, and Industrious.

Sources

• Antares Industries CEO Letter
• U.S. Department of Energy