Leonardo DRS, the US-listed subsidiary of Italian aerospace and defense group Leonardo S.p.A., has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Virginia-based defense software firm Raft LLC in an all-cash transaction valued at $450 million.

Announced on July 28, 2026, the acquisition targets the growing defense sector demand for AI and multi-domain data fusion. The integration is designed to improve real-time situational awareness and operational decision-making for national security customers by combining disparate data streams into a common operating picture.

Strategic expansion in defense software

Raft, headquartered in McLean, Virginia, specializes in open-architecture mission software. The company was founded in 2018 by Shubhi Mishra and has built a portfolio focused on data integration and AI-enabled solutions for military applications.

Lorenzo Mariani, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Leonardo S.p.A., stated in a press release that the acquisition aligns with the broader corporate strategy of expanding technological capabilities in the United States.

The acquisition is aligned with Leonardo and Leonardo DRS’s strategy and enhances Leonardo DRS’s ability to deliver integrated, mission-focused technologies that help customers operate with greater speed, clarity and confidence in complex operational environments. Raft’s open-architecture software, AI and data integration capabilities are highly complementary and additive to Leonardo DRS’s existing technology portfolio.

John Baylouny, President and Chief Executive Officer of Leonardo DRS, noted that defense customers increasingly require integrated hardware, software, data, and autonomy to support mission outcomes. He added that Raft brings proven software talent that complements the company’s existing sensing and computing capabilities.

Financial terms and transaction details

The $450 million all-cash transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Leonardo DRS anticipates the deal will generate a tax benefit with an estimated present value of $50 million over the next 15 years.

Leonardo S.p.A. currently holds a 71.38% stake in Leonardo DRS. The parent company views the acquisition as a key step in expanding its footprint in the US defense market. Raft has previously received financial backing from investment firm Washington Harbour Partners.

Mishra described the acquisition as a natural progression for the software firm and its development teams.

Joining DRS is a natural next step for our team and our mission. Our open-architecture platform was built to integrate across systems, not lock customers in, and pairing it with DRS’s sensing and computing franchises will accelerate our ability to deliver mission capability at a global scale.

Leonardo DRS is scheduled to discuss the acquisition further during its second-quarter 2026 earnings conference call on July 30, 2026.

AirPro News analysis

We view the acquisition of Raft as a direct execution of the strategic priorities outlined by John Baylouny when he assumed the role of CEO at Leonardo DRS on January 1, 2026. Baylouny succeeded Bill Lynn with a stated mandate to expand the company’s capabilities in advanced sensing, network computing, and AI-enabled mission solutions.

By acquiring a specialized software firm rather than attempting to build these capabilities entirely in-house, Leonardo DRS accelerates its ability to compete for complex, multi-domain defense contracts. The emphasis on open-architecture systems is particularly notable. Defense departments globally are actively moving away from proprietary, vendor-locked platforms in favor of interoperable data environments, making firms like Raft highly attractive acquisition targets for traditional hardware primes.

Sources: Leonardo S.p.A.

Porter Airlines (PD) has secured a financing commitment from the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) to support the delivery of up to 19 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft through December 2030. The agreement, announced on July 29, 2026, provides the capital required for the majority of the Canadian carrier’s remaining firm orders for the narrowbody jet.

In a press release issued by Porter Aviation Holdings Inc., the company confirmed the financing is fully backed by Export Credit Insurance from Brazil’s Export Credit Guarantee Fund (FGE), which is managed by the Brazilian Agency for Guarantee Funds and Guarantees (ABGF). The financial backing ensures a stable delivery pipeline as Porter continues its rapid network expansion across North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Fleet expansion and delivery timeline

Porter Airlines introduced the Embraer E195-E2 to its fleet in 2023. The airline holds a total of 75 firm orders for the aircraft type and has already taken delivery of 54 units. Prior to this new agreement, BNDES had previously supported the financing of three aircraft currently operating in the Porter fleet.

Rob Palmer, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Porter Airlines, stated that the E2 fleet has been fundamental in introducing the airline to millions of new passengers over the past three years.

“This represents a great milestone for Porter, successfully securing financing for the majority of our remaining firm E2 order. Having BNDES and ABGF as partners at this stage demonstrates that our business plan is progressing well, with many more E2 deliveries to come,” Palmer said.

Brazilian export support and manufacturer relations

The financing arrangement highlights the role of Brazilian state-backed institutions in supporting Embraer’s export market. By utilizing the FGE and ABGF, BNDES facilitates international sales for Brazil’s aerospace sector while providing operators like Porter with long-term capital stability.

Felipe Santana, Executive Vice President of Financial and Investor Relations at Embraer, noted the importance of the transaction for both the manufacturer and its financial partners. Santana highlighted Porter’s position as one of the largest global operators of the E2 family.

“It is a great satisfaction to see this customer’s fleet growth and to be able to connect more people with our aircraft, in addition to celebrating the solid partnership with BNDES in supporting our exports,” Santana said.

AirPro News analysis

We view this financing agreement as a critical de-risking step for Porter Airlines as it executes the final phase of its initial Embraer E195-E2 fleet strategy. Securing a delivery pipeline through December 2030 shields the carrier from near-term capital market volatility. The involvement of BNDES underscores Embraer’s competitive advantage in leveraging state-backed export credit to finalize large-scale fleet placements in the North American market.

Sources: Porter Aviation Holdings Inc.

Textron Aviation successfully completed the first flight of its Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen3 prototype on July 29, 2026, at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT), moving the manufacturers entire next-generation light jet portfolio into active flight testing.

In a press release issued by the company, Textron Aviation confirmed the nearly two-hour maiden flight initiates comprehensive performance validation for the CJ3 Gen3. The milestone advances the aircraft toward Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification and eventual entry into service, joining the Cessna Citation M2 Gen3 and Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 in the active test program.

Flight test details and performance specifications

Piloted by Textron Aviation flight test pilot Steve Helmer and pilot Dave Welbrock, the prototype reached a maximum altitude of 41,000 feet and a top speed of 278 knots indicated during the initial sortie. Helmer stated the aircraft demonstrated the expected handling qualities and system performance from takeoff to landing, validating months of preparation by the engineering team.

The CJ3 Gen3 is designed to carry up to 10 occupants with a maximum range of 2,040 nautical miles. The aircraft features a maximum payload capacity of 2,135 pounds and a baggage capacity of 1,000 pounds. Chris Hearne, Senior Vice President of Engineering & Programs at Textron Aviation, noted the successful flight reflects the discipline of the development team and sets the stage for rigorous validation of the airframe and systems.

Gen3 portfolio progression and avionics integration

The July 29, 2026, flight follows the maiden flight of the Cessna Citation M2 Gen3 prototype, which occurred on June 2, 2026. Textron Aviation originally unveiled the three-aircraft Gen3 light jet family on October 21, 2024, ahead of the National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas. With the CJ3 Gen3 now airborne, all three models are concurrently undergoing flight testing to secure regulatory approval.

A central technological upgrade across the Gen3 lineup is the integration of the Garmin G3000 avionics platform equipped with Garmin Emergency Autoland. The system is engineered to automatically control and land the aircraft if the pilot becomes incapacitated. Lannie O’Bannion, Senior Vice President of Global Sales & Marketing, indicated the inclusion of advanced Garmin avionics and a refined cabin experience responds directly to customer requests for more intuitive and confidence-inspiring flight operations.

AirPro News analysis

We view the rapid succession of first flights within the Gen3 program as a strong indicator of Textron Aviation’s engineering maturity and supply chain stability. By standardizing the Garmin G3000 suite and Emergency Autoland across the M2, CJ3, and CJ4 Gen3 models, the manufacturer is clearly targeting the owner-operator market, where single-pilot safety enhancements are a primary purchasing driver. Having all three airframes in concurrent flight testing will likely allow the company to share data across the certification programs, potentially streamlining the path to FAA approval.

Sources: Textron Aviation