US Aerospace/Defense Companies & Contracts

WASHINGTON - General Dynamics Mission Systems, Manassas, Virginia, is awarded a $55,059,996 cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-19-C-6407) to exercise options to design, develop, integrate, test, and deliver the tactical control system for the BYG-1 submarine combat control system.

Work will be performed in Manassas, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by July 2027. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Source: U.S. Navy
Associated URL: http://www.defense.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Army has advanced at least two finalists, Bell and M1 Support Services, to the final phase of its Flight School Next competition, which aims to modernize and outsource its entry-level helicopter pilot training program. A third competitor, Lockheed Martin, was eliminated, while AAR Corp may also have been in contention.

Despite Congressional concerns and a funding pause pending further review, the Army continues the competition and expects to select a winner by September. The program seeks a contractor-owned, more cost-effective training model to replace the current system.

Bell’s proposal centers on the Bell 505 helicopter, while M1’s team plans to use the Robinson R66, both single-engine aircraft intended to reduce costs compared to the twin-engine UH-72 Lakota currently used. The winning contractor is expected to train 800-1,500 pilots annually over a 26-year period.

Source: Defense ONe
Associated URL: https://www.defenseone.com/business/2026/04/two-firms-picked-finalists-contract-outsource-army-pilot-training/412691/?oref=d1-homepage-river
Author: Thomas Novelly 

MUNICH -- MTU Aero Engines has acquired AeroDesignWorks GmbH, a Cologne-based developer of drone propulsion technology. AeroDesignWorks will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of MTU. The acquisition expands MTU’s product portfolio to include propulsion solutions for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and modern guided missile systems.

AeroDesignWorks, spun off from the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in 2011, employs approximately 40 people and specializes in turbojet engines with thrusts up to 400 newtons. The company has delivered engines for a range of defense programs and is developing propulsion solutions for larger UAVs and missile systems across national and European projects. MTU said the acquisition will allow AeroDesignWorks to scale production and leverage MTU’s industrial expertise in engine development and manufacturing.

MTU, which supplies engines for military platforms including the Eurofighter, Tornado, CH-53K and Tiger helicopters, and the A400M transport aircraft, is exploring growth in autonomous and high-precision aerospace systems. The company also operates eMoSys, a subsidiary focused on electric propulsion for autonomous flight. MTU indicated the acquisition strengthens its role in European defense technology and supports the broader goal of advancing regional technological independence.

AeroDesignWorks will maintain legal independence as a subsidiary while benefiting from MTU’s development and production capabilities. The terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Why it matters: The acquisition positions MTU to expand its footprint in the rapidly growing UAV and guided missile markets, enabling the company to offer more integrated propulsion solutions to European defense programs. It also reflects broader European efforts to strengthen domestic aerospace capabilities amid shifting geopolitical priorities.

Source: Forecast International
Associated URL: https://www.mtu.de