Leidos Australia to acquire Cobham’s Special Mission aircraft unit
If its acquisition proceeds, Leidos Australia will pick up civil contracts such as the one with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, but it will also hope to exploit the defence sector. (AMSA)
Leidos Australia plans to acquire the Special Mission business side of Cobham Aviation Services Australia, the company announced on 2 August.
The acquisition from Cobham Limited is significant as it adds both an airborne surveillance, and search and rescue component to Leidos Australia’s portfolio. Of course, the deal must first gain regulatory approvals.
This Special Mission business already provides airborne border surveillance and search and rescue services to the Australian government.
Roger Krone, the Leidos Chairman and CEO, commented: ‘Cobham’s Special Mission team conducts essential operations that protect Australia’s borders, support law enforcement and environmental protection and save lives. The integration of
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
Eurosatory 2026: Windracers highlights UK drone momentum
Windracers is using Eurosatory 2026 to showcase its ULTRA autonomous cargo aircraft following its selection for a major UK support package for Ukraine and growing government backing for drone operations.
-
India’s AMCA fifth-gen fighter roadmap firms up with private sector push
As a major shortfall in Indian fighter jet capability looms, New Delhi is looking to spread risk and accelerate delivery of its fifth-generation combat aircraft.
-
USAF plans major CCA expansion with new suppliers and billions in funding
US Air Force leaders say open architecture and broader industry participation will help deliver affordable autonomous wingmen capable of overwhelming future adversaries.
-
Airbus unveils expansion of uncrewed portfolio with new CCA and helicopter platforms
The manufacturer is betting heavily on the demand for uncrewed systems, revealing the uncrewed H145M – known as the U145 – and the U760 Ravenstorm at ILA Berlin 2026 as the two latest additions to its expanding UAV offering.
-
FCAS future fighter jet collapse: where does Europe’s next-generation air power go next?
While the New Generation Fighter pillar of the Franco-German-Spanish programme is now officially dead in the water, Germany’s ambition to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet remains – with the country serving as a financially attractive potential partner for other programmes.