BlackSea Technologies acquisition by AEVEX Aerospace for up to $650M
What's the deal? AEVEX Corp. (NYSE: AVEX), a US defence technology company, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire BlackSea TechnologiesDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → for up to $650 million. BlackSea is one of the largest providers of unmanned surface and subsea vessels in the US defence market.
The terms: The cash-free, debt-free deal comprises roughly $250 million in cash and about $350 million in AEVEX AerospaceDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → Class A shares, priced at $27.50 each — roughly 12.7 million shares. It also includes $50 million in performance-based earnout consideration.
Why now? AEVEX specialises in autonomous systems, AI-enabled mission software, and ISR and electronic warfare solutions. Buying BlackSea opens access to the company's Navy customer base — a major slice of the US maritime autonomy market AEVEX previously could not reach.
What's the endgame? The combined company would form one of the industry's most comprehensive autonomous systems portfolios, spanning air, surface, and subsea domains. AEVEX plans to integrate its CompassX autonomy ecosystem with BlackSea maritime platforms to enable multi-domain coordination and navigation in GPS-denied environments.
The manufacturing angle: AEVEX's US production scale will combine with BlackSea's 57,000ft² Baltimore facility, which features deepwater access, robotic welding, and capacity for about 40 unmanned surface vessels per month.
What's next? The acquisition is expected to close in September 2026, subject to the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and other customary closing conditions.
The signal: The deal reflects consolidation in defence autonomy, as buyers race to assemble multi-domain fleets across air, surface, and subsea. By diversifying revenue and programme exposure, AEVEX is positioning for future procurement across the Navy, SOCOM, and allied programmes.
Image credit: CNE CNA C6F
Read more: AP News / Business Wire
