🌌 Space and Defense #2
HolonIQ's Space and Defense Newsletter covers the latest developments in space, missile and air surveillance, drones, and unmanned systems and highlights the week's top space and defense deals.
Happy Monday 👋
Boeing and Antonov enhance unmanned aerial systems for Ukraine’s defense. Hanwha Systems develops AESA radar for South Korea's UAVs. China updates drone export controls for national security. Raytheon secures a $1.9B SM-3 missile contract, while QinetiQ manages the UK’s Thundercloud data system. Lockheed Martin Sikorsky studies rotorcraft concepts for NATO’s NGRC program. Egypt and China boost space cooperation, Space Systems Command enhances satellite security, Maxar unveils new Legion Images satellites, and Five Rivers Analytics secures a $480M U.S. Space Force contract. Recent funding includes LIG Nex1 acquiring Ghost Robotics and investments in space and robotics startups.
🚀 Drones and Unmanned Systems
🚀 Boeing and Antonov partnered to enhance unmanned aerial systems. Antonov’s technical support to Boeing will strengthen their strategic collaboration and defense capabilities, which are crucial for Ukraine’s security.
🚁 Hanwha Systems was chosen to develop AESA radar technology for UAVs, supporting South Korea's KF-21 fighter jet. By 2026, it aims to miniaturize and reduce radar weight, enhancing UAV capabilities in detection, tracking, and electronic warfare.
🛡️ China amends drone export controls. New rules include high-precision measurement equipment and adjusted standards for components, enhancing national security amid U.S. scrutiny over Russia-Ukraine war allegations.
🛰️ Missile and Air Surveillance
💣 Raytheon Technologies received a $1.9-B contract from the Missile Defense Agency. The firm will produce the Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) for the US and Japan, to be completed by February 2031. The SM-3, used for anti-ballistic and low-Earth orbit missions, boasts advanced speed and range capabilities.
🌐 QinetiQ secured a $19.2M contract to manage the UK Ministry of Defence’s Thundercloud military data system. This will deliver secure geospatial intelligence across joint forces. Work will involve collaboration with SMEs and Thorn LTD for engineering tasks, continuing QinetiQ's long-term
🚀 Lockheed Martin Sikorsky received a contract from NATO's NSPA to study integrated rotorcraft concepts for the NGRC program. Sikorsky's X2 technology, supported by a European Industry Group, aims to enhance NATO's next-generation rotorcraft with advanced capabilities and operational flexibility.
🪐 Space
⭐ Egypt and China strengthen space technology cooperation. They will work to enhance collaboration in space technology. The meeting underscores both nations' commitment to advancing space exploration and innovation through international cooperation.
🔒 Space Systems Command aims to enhance satellite and ground station security through zero-trust principles. Col. Craig Frank emphasizes the challenge of securing decades-old satellites remotely while ensuring modern, secure command and control, particularly for long-standing systems like GPS.
🛰️ Maxar unveils next-generation worldview Legion Images. This launch marks a significant advancement in geospatial capabilities, with plans to triple imagery capacity and offer up to 15 daily revisits. The new satellites, part of a six-satellite fleet, promise enhanced real-time insights for defense and intelligence applications.
🗂️ Five Rivers Analytics, a subsidiary of Akima, secured a $480M IDIQ contract for the U.S. Space Force's Satellite Control Network (SCN). The 10-year STORMS contract involves SCN maintenance, cybersecurity, and operational support, enhancing satellite control and national defense capabilities.
💰 Deals of the Week
🦿 LIG Nex1, a South Korean defense technology firm, has acquired Ghost Robotics, a legged robotics company, for $240M for a 60% stake.
🤖 Lodestar, a space robotics startup based in the UK, raised $2.5M in venture funding to create technology designed to protect vital space infrastructure.
👨🚀 GalaxyEye, an Indian space tech startup, raised $6.5M in Series A funding to facilitate its 2024 first-satellite launch ambitions.
🚀 Equatorial Space, a Singaporean rocket startup, raised $1.5M in pre-Series A funding to assist the business in building Dorado-sounding rockets and related infrastructure.
Thank you for reading. Have a great week ahead!
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