AEVEX Corp. plans to acquire BlackSea Technologies, expanding its autonomous systems capabilities across multiple defense domains. AEVEX, a U.S. defense technology company, signed a definitive agreement for the acquisition. The company specializes in autonomous systems, AI-enabled mission software, advanced ISR, and electronic warfare solutions. BlackSea Technologies is a major U.S. defense provider of unmanned surface and subsea vessels. Therefore, the acquisition will broaden AEVEX’s presence in maritime autonomy and unmanned defense technology. Under the agreement, AEVEX will acquire BlackSea for up to $650 million. The transaction will take place on a cash-free and debt-free basis.
The consideration includes approximately $250 million in cash. It also includes approximately $350 million in AEVEX Class A common stock. The stock portion carries a price of $27.50 per share. This represents approximately 12.7 million shares of AEVEX Class A common stock. In addition, the agreement includes $50 million in performance-based earnout consideration. The transaction is expected to close in September 2026. However, the closing remains subject to customary conditions. It also requires the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.
AEVEX Expands Multi-Domain Autonomous Systems
The acquisition is expected to strengthen AEVEX’s position in autonomous systems across air, surface, and subsea environments. Together, AEVEX and BlackSea will offer a broad portfolio of unmanned platforms. The portfolio will span Groups I-V UAS, USVs, UUVs, and contested logistics vessels. It will also include long-range ISR platforms and mission autonomy software. Deployable additive manufacturing capabilities will further expand the combined technology portfolio. Both companies have experience supporting contested and real-world missions. Their systems have demonstrated capabilities across ISR, precision strike, and hybrid fleet operations. Furthermore, AEVEX will combine its high-volume UxS production capabilities with BlackSea’s manufacturing infrastructure. BlackSea operates facilities with deepwater access and robotic welding capabilities.
The company also has production capacity for approximately 40 USVs per month. This combination is expected to improve manufacturing scale and delivery speed. The companies also expect the transaction to strengthen their position as national security technology partners. Their combined capabilities will support DoW, SOCOM, IC, and allied programs. The acquisition will also expand AEVEX’s maritime autonomy footprint. In addition, it will integrate complementary capabilities across air, surface, and subsea platforms.
Transaction Broadens Defense Technology Portfolio
The deal will expand AEVEX’s access to customers across several defense sectors. These include the Navy, SOCOM, IC, and international partners. It will also diversify AEVEX’s revenue streams and program exposure. Multi-year opportunities are expected to provide greater visibility across future programs. The companies also expect stronger alignment with DoW priorities. The combined portfolio could support potential future procurement pathways.
The transaction will create one of the industry’s most comprehensive multi-domain autonomous systems portfolios. It will combine capabilities covering Groups I-V UAS, USVs, UUVs, contested logistics vessels, and long-range ISR platforms. BlackSea will also add significant scale in unmanned surface and subsea vessels. Its Navy customer base gives AEVEX access to a major segment of the U.S. maritime autonomy market.
That access will expand AEVEX’s addressable market across USV and UAS categories. Meanwhile, BlackSea can use AEVEX’s established customer relationships to support future growth. AEVEX also plans to integrate its CompassX autonomy ecosystem with selected BlackSea maritime platforms. The integration could support multi-domain coordination and assured navigation. The technology is also expected to support operations in GPS-denied environments. In addition, it could enable faster payload integration across air and maritime platforms.
Combined Manufacturing Capacity Supports Growth
The acquisition will also increase domestic production capacity. AEVEX’s U.S. manufacturing scale will complement BlackSea’s production infrastructure. BlackSea operates a 57,000-square-foot Baltimore production facility. The facility includes deepwater access and advanced robotic manufacturing capabilities. The combined manufacturing footprint is expected to support faster production. It will also help meet operational requirements for DoW and allied customers. BlackSea expects to generate $150 million in FY 2026 revenue. Its margins are expected to remain in line with AEVEX’s margins. Additionally, BlackSea is expected to bring multi-year contract visibility. As a result, AEVEX expects above-market growth in FY 2027 and beyond. The companies will also combine complementary customer relationships and program exposure. This approach is expected to accelerate BlackSea’s growth while diversifying AEVEX’s multi-domain program mix.
AEVEX and BlackSea Leadership Discuss Deal
Mission continuity will remain uninterrupted for customers, vendors, and contracted programs throughout the integration process.
“BlackSea brings exceptional and strategically aligned maritime capability, but just as importantly, it brings a culture of mission focus and ingenuity that reflect the very roots of AEVEX,” said Brian Raduenz, Founder and Executive Chairman of AEVEX. “Collectively, we are defined by our people, our values, and our impact on national security. Welcoming BlackSea will be a natural fit, and I am proud of what our teams have built together to make it possible.”
“This is exactly the kind of acquisition that aligns with our strategic priorities,” said Roger Wells, Chief Executive Officer of AEVEX. “BlackSea adds meaningful maritime scale to our mission with operationally proven platforms, deep customer relationships, and real production capacity that matches customer requirements. Together, we intend to create one of the largest pure-play multi-domain autonomous systems providers, delivering effects to the battlefield across air, surface, and subsea domains.”
“Joining AEVEX is a natural next step for BlackSea,” said Bob Pudney, Chief Executive Officer of BlackSea. “We’ve spent years building and deploying autonomous maritime systems in real-world environments, from hybrid fleet operations to contested logistics, and AEVEX brings the scale, manufacturing depth, and autonomy ecosystem needed to accelerate everything we’ve built. Our mission stays the same; our ability to deliver it grows.”
The acquisition therefore marks a major expansion of AEVEX’s autonomous systems portfolio. It also combines maritime capabilities with established air-based and multi-domain technologies. Together, the companies aim to provide scalable autonomous platforms across air, surface, and subsea environments. The transaction also supports AEVEX’s broader strategy to expand defense technology capabilities and domestic production.
Explore IT Tech News for the latest advancements in Information Technology & insightful updates from industry experts!
News Source: Businesswire.com
