\nAEVEX Corp. (NYSE: AVEX), a leading U.S. defense technology company delivering autonomous unmanned systems, AI\u2011enabled mission software, and advanced ISR and electronic warfare solutions, today announced the closing of its acquisition of BlackSea Technologies (\u201cBlackSea\u201d), one of the largest providers of unmanned surface and subsea vessels in the U.S. defense market.<\/p>\n
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https:\/\/www.businesswire.com\/news\/home\/20260908188362\/en\/<\/a><\/p>\n Closing advances AEVEX\u2019s strategy by combining battle\u2011proven air, surface, and subsea unmanned systems with scaled U.S. manufacturing, deep customer reach, and CompassX\u2011enabled autonomy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \nFollowing the closing, BlackSea becomes AEVEX\u2019s Maritime Systems division, led by former BlackSea CEO, Bob Pudney, to preserve its mission\u2011focused culture, deep customer relationships, and at\u2011scale maritime manufacturing. The combination positions AEVEX as one of the defense industry\u2019s most comprehensive multi\u2011domain autonomous systems companies, capable of delivering effects across air, surface, and subsea domains, with combat-proven platforms that are deployed in theater today.<\/p>\n Uniting two battle\u2011proven, scaled providers at a critical moment<\/b><\/p>\n \nBlackSea has delivered 350+ unmanned surface vessels, more than any other U.S. USV provider, and has 25,000+ operational hours, including providing significant support to U.S. Navy 5th Fleet operations and missions such as Operation Epic Fury.<\/p>\n \nBlackSea\u2019s Baltimore manufacturing complex \u2014 featuring deepwater access, two 30\u2011ton bridge cranes, advanced robotic welding, and ~40 USVs\/month production capacity \u2014 joins AEVEX\u2019s existing scaled domestic production network.<\/p>\n \nBlackSea\u2019s capabilities will be combined with AEVEX\u2019s substantial portfolio of mission\u2011proven Group I-V UAS, long\u2011range precision strike systems, contested logistics capabilities, and ISR platforms, with more than 10,000 systems delivered and committed through 2026, supported by 114% year-over-year production volume growth in Q2 and strong supply\u2011chain throughput improvements.<\/p>\n \nTogether, the combined company offers:<\/p>\n \nThis combination is expected to enable integrated air\u2011surface\u2011subsea missions, rapid capability deployment, and attritable autonomy at scale \u2014 directly aligned with DoW priorities.<\/p>\n Mission continuity for customers and partners<\/b><\/p>\n \nBlackSea continues operating under its current structure and operating rhythm, to maintain uninterrupted support to Navy, SOCOM, IC, and allied programs while preparing carefully sequenced integration pathways that enhance cross\u2011domain capability.<\/p>\n Leadership commentary<\/b><\/p>\n \n\u201cClosing this acquisition marks an important milestone in AEVEX\u2019s strategy,\u201d said Brian Raduenz, Founder and Executive Chairman of AEVEX. \u201cBlackSea\u2019s maritime platforms, engineering talent, and mission-focused culture align directly with our own. Together, our teams represent one of the most capable and operationally relevant multi\u2011domain autonomous systems providers in the defense sector.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\u201cWith demand for autonomous systems accelerating globally, customers are prioritizing providers who can deliver field\u2011proven capability at scale,\u201d said Roger Wells, Chief Executive Officer of AEVEX. \u201cBlackSea brings one of the Navy\u2019s most operationally deployed unmanned surface systems, significant production capacity, and trusted customer relationships. Combined with AEVEX\u2019s air\u2011domain capability and CompassX autonomy ecosystem, we are strongly positioned to deliver affordable, multi\u2011domain effects wherever the mission requires.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\u201cBecoming part of AEVEX allows BlackSea to scale our impact across maritime missions while preserving the engineering depth, operational rigor, and customer intimacy that define our culture,\u201d said Pudney. \u201cOur teams are energized to begin the next chapter together, one that strengthens our support for warfighters and brings even greater capability to our customers.\u201d<\/p>\n \nFor more information, visit www.aevex.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n About AEVEX<\/b><\/p>\n \nAEVEX Corp. (NYSE: AVEX) is a leading U.S. defense technology company delivering autonomous unmanned systems, AI\u2011enabled mission software, and advanced ISR and electronic warfare solutions for national security customers. With vertically integrated engineering, rapid prototyping, and high\u2011volume manufacturing across multiple U.S. locations, AEVEX provides affordable, front\u2011line\u2011ready capabilities designed for contested and GPS\u2011denied environments. AEVEX\u2019s mission is to strengthen deterrence, enhance warfighter effectiveness, and help ensure the United States maintains technological and industrial advantage in the era of autonomy.<\/p>\n Forward-looking statements<\/b><\/p>\n \nThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the \u201cSecurities Act\u201d), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the expected benefits of the acquisition of BlackSea (the \u201cTransaction\u201d) and the expected financial and operational performance of BlackSea following the closing of the Transaction. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as \u201canticipate,\u201d \u201cestimate,\u201d \u201cexpect,\u201d \u201cproject,\u201d \u201cplan,\u201d \u201cintend,\u201d \u201cbelieve,\u201d \u201cmay,\u201d \u201cwill,\u201d \u201cshould,\u201d \u201ccan have,\u201d \u201clikely\u201d and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events. For example, all statements we make relating to the capabilities and positioning of the combined company, continued financial and operational performance of BlackSea, growing demand for autonomous systems in modern defense, our execution and long-term value creation for shareholders, and the anticipated effects of the Transaction are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements.<\/p>\n \nThese risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the response of competitors to the Transaction; the effect of the Transaction and the public announcement of the closing of the Transaction on BlackSea\u2019s operations and its relationships with its suppliers, business partners, management and employees, including its ability to attract and retain key personnel; AEVEX\u2019s ability to successfully integrate BlackSea and execute on the continued development of BlackSea\u2019s programs following the closing of the Transaction; the outcome of any legal proceedings that could be instituted against the parties to the Transaction; disruption in BlackSea\u2019s plans and operations attributable to the Transaction; a failure by BlackSea to meet its expected financial results; AEVEX\u2019s evaluation of the accounting treatment of the Transaction and its potential impact on its financial results and financial guidance; the effects of the closing of the Transaction on AEVEX\u2019s stock price, business relationships, operating results and business generally; risks that the Transaction may disrupt AEVEX\u2019s current business plans and operations; the risk that the issuance of AEVEX Class A common stock in connection with the Transaction will dilute the ownership interests of AEVEX\u2019s existing stockholders and may adversely affect the market price of AEVEX\u2019s Class A common stock; relationships with key third parties or governmental entities; regulatory changes and developments; the impact of global macroeconomic conditions, including trade and other global disputes and interruptions, including related to tariffs, trade protection measures and similar restrictions; and the other factors set forth under \u201cRisk Factors\u201d in our prospectus filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (\u201cSEC\u201d) under Rule 424(b) on June 5, 2026 and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the SEC. There can be no assurance that AEVEX will realize the expected benefits of the Transaction.<\/p>\n \nAll written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us, or persons acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements as well as other cautionary statements that are made from time to time in our other SEC filings and public communications. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this press release in the context of these risks and uncertainties.<\/p>\n \nWe caution you that the important factors referenced above may not contain all of the factors that are important to you. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.<\/p>\n View source version on businesswire.com: <\/span>https:\/\/www.businesswire.com\/news\/home\/20260908188362\/en\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Media Contact Investor Relations Contact KEYWORDS:<\/b> California Maryland United States North America<\/p>\n INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:<\/b> Technology Contracts Maritime Transport Drones Aerospace Software Manufacturing Defense Artificial Intelligence<\/p>\n![\"Closing](\"https:\/\/mms.businesswire.com\/media\/20260908188362\/en\/2889929\/4\/BS_PR_Graphic.jpg\")
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Brian Manning
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AEVEX
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bmanning@aevex.com<\/a><\/p>\n
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Jason Gursky
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AEVEX
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jgursky@aevex.com<\/a><\/p>\n
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