ponsored by SPX Communication Technologies (TCI & ECS)
www.tcibr.com
www.enterprisecontrol.co.uk
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04 Sep 25. Axon Vision, a pioneering Israeli defense technology company specializing in vision-based AI systems for military platforms, today announced the successful completion of its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, raising approximately $26m. The infusion of capital will accelerate product development, bolster international expansion, and enhance battlefield innovation. The IPO was markedly oversubscribed. This surge in demand, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions and rising global defense budgets, underscores confidence in Axon Vision’s position at the forefront of cutting-edge AI solutions for the battlefield. Proceeds from the IPO will be prioritized to ramp up sales and marketing efforts in the United States, Europe, and Asia, while reinforcing investments in R&D to maintain the company’s competitive edge in its Combat AI products. In parallel, Axon Vision has recently secured a new order from a European government defense agency. This new order, valued at approximately 800,000 USD, brings the total orders from Europe in 2025 to a total of more than 1.2m USD. Under this agreement, Axon Vision will deliver its EdgeSA (SA – Situational Awareness) solution for integration into armored platforms, including Leopard main battle tanks and CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicles. Axon Vision received the order following a highly competitive selection process that included head-to-head evaluations against alternative solutions and live demonstrations under demanding, battlefield-simulating conditions. The program is expected to serve as a strategic entry point into the European market, paving the way for potential follow-on orders from the same customer as well as opportunities with additional defense agencies across the region. The company also secured a new opportunity in Asia, receiving an order from a regional defense customer to supply its EdgeSA solution for integration into Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs). The system will be installed as part of an operational evaluation led by the customer, with delivery scheduled by the end of 2025. Valued at approximately 250,000 USD, the project represents a significant step in Axon Vision’s expansion into the Asian defense market and is expected to serve as a gateway to broader collaboration and potential follow-on orders. EdgeSA, Axon Vision’s AI situational awareness system, provides real-time 360° vision and automatic threat detection, enabling crews to operate safely under closed hatches while reducing cognitive load. Its modular, platform-agnostic design allows seamless integration into both legacy and next-generation armored vehicles, and it is already being adopted by multiple leading defense forces worldwide. In addition to EdgeSA, Axon Vision’s wide product portfolio includes cutting-edge solutions for aerial platforms, ranging from advanced guidance for loitering munitions to next-generation target orchestration capabilities.
“This momentum will enable us to accelerate innovation and ensure our AI-driven defense technologies remain unmatched in delivering real-time superiority on the battlefield,” said Ido Rozenberg, Co-Founder, President & CTO.
“This is a defining moment for Axon Vision,” added Raz Roditti, Co-Founder and Chairman. “The strong investor and customer confidence in our vision will empower us to deepen our presence in global markets and deliver next-generation defense technologies that enhance mission effectiveness and protect lives.”
Founded in 2017 by veterans of elite IDF technology units, Axon Vision delivers advanced, mission-ready AI solutions across land and aerial combat platforms. Its proprietary technology delivers enhanced situational awareness, real-time threat detection, rapid decision-making, and accelerated sensor-to-shooter cycles. Axon Vision’s products are already in operational use aboard IDF armored vehicles and UAVs. The company maintains key collaborations with Israel’s Ministry of Defense and strategic partnerships with industry leaders, including Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries.
02 Sep 25. Investors are waking up to the defense sector. For too long, there has been a limited investment base in publicly traded defense stocks — even as the benchmark SPADE Defense Index produced a 15-year return of nearly 17% annually. Many institutional and professional investors remained on the sideline either due to their aversion to the sector’s activities or viewing it as a niche market. That has begun to change. Even though the sector still remains small compared to technology, semiconductors, and other industries, the past year has seen a significant influx in money invested into the sector and the publicly traded funds being offered to investors. The number of exchange traded funds (ETFs) investing in the sector has grown from four in 2022 to 27, with the assets being managed through these vehicles up nine-fold, to more than $35bn. A dynamic shift in the investor perception of the defense industry is underway. Increased attention to government spending on defense has sent the world’s publicly traded defense stocks higher, providing significant gains over the past several years. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute think tank, total government spending on defense in 2024 reached a record $2.718trn, up 9.4%, the steepest rise since the end of the Cold War. Fueled by the rapid growth in spending by nations in Europe (including Russia) and the Middle East, defense spending has increased for 10 consecutive years. Of note—Russia increased its defense spending by 38% to approximately $149bn, representing 7.1% of its GDP and 19% of its total government spending. Ukraine, at $64.7bn, spends just 43% of what Russia does, yet this amounts to 34% of its GDP, the largest burden in the world. While historical growth provides a basis for comparison, investments are managed looking toward the future. It was only a few months ago, in early 2025, that it appeared that the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine as well as between Israel and various terrorist factions in the region could be resolved before the year was over. Looking back, that was optimistic. Russian aggression toward Ukraine has seen a clear escalation while ceasefire discussions have gone nowhere. Israel, following a prisoner swap earlier in the year, has begun a new phase in trying to root out any remaining terrorist elements and a permanent peaceful solution seems fleeting. The Houthis continue to target commercial shipping vessels and Western-aligned targets despite U.S. military responses. North Korea and Iran remain a concern. And lastly, India and Pakistan engaged in military actions into the others’ territories — although for now it appears the U.S. and Europe do not have strong interests in this conflict.
Without a doubt, the 2020s have been marked by profound geopolitical tensions not seen since the end of the Cold War.
Investors have been taking notice of the dramatic European response to the conflict on their Eastern front. The “peace dividend” Europe experienced following the fall of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s has been replaced with a concerted effort to deter a future attack by Russia and reduce its dependency on the United States. The European Commission has proposed to finance a number defense initiatives including: €800bn ($932bn) over four years (“SAFE” – Security Action for Europe); relaxed EU deficit rules (“Rearm Europe”); and a 150-bn-euro fund to boost EU production. Additionally, countries sharing a border with Russia have also found it necessary to significantly increase their defense budgets. The German parliament has called for a €1trn investment and, in 2024, increased its defense budget by 28% to $88.5 bn. Likewise, Poland has increased theirs by 31% to $38bn. This response by European nations comes as the United States apparently withdraws from the active leadership role on global security that it has maintained since the conclusion of World War II, nearly 70 years ago. Instead of working together to confront the aggressive actions of Russia (who is building a force to take on NATO after it concludes operations in Ukraine), the U.S. and the European Union have been decoupling. As the U.S. goes evermore silent, German troops are engaged in its first foreign deployment since WWII, Lithuania is planting mines to slow a possible Russian incursion, and Finland is increasing security at its border. To invest in this dynamic shift in European priorities and increased defense spending trajectory, more than a dozen European-focused ETFs have been launched on stock exchanges around the continent and in the U.S. over the past 18 months. These have attracted nearly $15 bn in assets to date and the share prices of many defense stocks headquartered in Europe have doubled over that time — Rheinmetall is up nearly 1,000% since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and more than 2,700% over the past five years.
As “Buy European” expands, the large U.S. defense contractors have begun to establish new partnerships to ensure they remain part of the European aerospace and defense ecosystem. Nevertheless, with a defense budget near $1trn and $150bn in new funds for the recently announced Golden Dome system (much of which will pass through to U.S. firms); the United States is unlikely to cede its position as the world’s largest supplier of military equipment and services. Still, the impact of U.S. tariffs could add to the global supply chain challenges already faced by a defense sector seeking to meet an uptick in demand. Defense News’ Top 100 list contains 70 publicly traded companies — or at least their parent organizations — that represent about 77% of the list’s total FY24 global defense revenues of $661.1 bn (up 9.5% from last year). If one excludes Chinese companies from the list, public companies represent 90% of revenues. From an economic standpoint, the defense sector is not large and has plenty of room to grow. Globally, military activities represent around 2.5% of global GDP. As nations respond to global threats in order to protect their borders and citizens, the resources devoted to the sector continues to rise. Additionally, new technologies constantly evolve the nature of warfare as military planners seek an edge. The implementation of artificial intelligence to improve military systems and adapting to the use of cheap drones and unmanned vehicles as demonstrated in the “field laboratory of the Ukraine,” are two of the latest growth opportunities.
Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict through mid-summer 2025, the benchmark SPADE Defense Index has risen by 90% (vs. 40% for the U.S. stock market). Over the past 28 years, it has produced a positive gain in 23 of them, outperforming the S&P 500 roughly 71% of the time. For investors, a portfolio of defense sector stocks has shown to be a solid investment in both good times as well as troubled ones. (Source: Defense News)
02 Sep 25. Deutz acquires drone parts maker Sobek in defence push. German engine maker Deutz (DEZG.DE), said on Tuesday that it will acquire Sobek Group, a manufacturer of electric drive systems for drones, in a push to expand into the defence sector. (Source: Reuters)
02 Sep 25. German firm acquires prominent Luxembourg manufacturer. Euro Composites, one of Luxembourg’s best-known industrial players, has agreed to be taken over by Schütz Group. Luxembourg manufacturing firm Euro Composites is to be taken over by German company Schütz Group, pending regulatory approval, in an acquisition deal. Schütz promised in a press release on Friday that the change of ownership will involve no job losses and that Euro Composites’ current management will remain in charge at the firm. The value of the acquisition was not disclosed. Euro Composites employs around 1,000 people overall – mostly in Echternach, but also in Bitburg, Germany and Culpeper, Virginia, USA. Considered one of the world’s leading complex composite manufacturers, Euro Composites has annual revenues exceeding €100m, and has close ties to high-tech industries such as space and aerospace. Schütz Group is based in Selters, midway between Frankfurt and Bonn, and has a total global workforce of around 7,000 in packaging systems, energy systems, industrial services and composites. Euro Composites was set up over four decades ago by Rolf Alter, who is using the sale to Schütz as his opportunity to retire. “After an eternity of leadership responsibility and with all my passion, I am truly delighted to have found an excellent succession solution for my life’s work,” Alter said in the press release announcing the acquisition. Euro Composites has a prominent position within Luxembourg’s industrial landscape, thanks to its expertise in producing ultralight composite materials for advanced sectors such as aerospace, satellite technology, and rail transport. The company has benefited from ongoing backing by Luxembourg’s Economy Ministry and holds certifications that qualify it to supply defence-related organisations, including those affiliated with Nato. Business law firm Görg, which has five offices in Germany, advised Schütz Group during the acquisition process. (Source: News Now/ https://www.luxtimes.lu/
27 Aug 25. Ondas to acquire controlling share in Smart Precision Optics. Ondas Holdings Inc., through its business units Ondas Autonomous Systems (OAS) and Ondas Networks, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling 51 percent interest in S.P.O Smart Precision Optics (SPO), a manufacturer of precision optical components and systems based in Kibbutz Shamir, Israel.
“Precision optics are the heart of electro-optical systems, and SPO’s expertise and infrastructure is expected to give us an unparalleled ability to support the critical optical performance required in missile defence and counter-drone systems worldwide,” said Eric Brock, Chairman and CEO of Ondas Holdings. SPO is a critical supplier to Israeli defence corporations. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
29 Aug 25. Arclin announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire DuPont’s Aramids business, which includes the Kevlar® and Nomex® brands, for approximately $1.8bn. The planned acquisition will expand Arclin’s portfolio to include aerospace, electrical infrastructure, electric vehicles, personal protection, and defense, while building on its strong positions in construction, infrastructure, weather and fire protection, and transportation. Arclin’s cutting-edge technologies are mission critical and drive essential products that protect and enhance everyday life. The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Arclin is a portfolio company of an affiliate of TJC, L.P.
“The Kevlar® and Nomex® brands have long been known for their innovation and protective qualities,” said Bradley Bolduc, President and Chief Executive Officer of Arclin. “With this planned acquisition, Arclin will unlock the potential for these brands, ushering in a new era of advanced materials that can make homes, workplaces and communities stronger, safer and more resilient.”
“DuPont is proud of the legacy of the Kevlar® and Nomex® brands,” said Lori Koch, Chief Executive Officer of DuPont. “We are confident that under Arclin’s leadership, these businesses will continue to thrive and expand their impact in new industries and applications.”
“The global footprint of the Kevlar® and Nomex® businesses presents a unique opportunity for Arclin to expand into new markets both geographically and through new products and technologies,” said Mark Glaspey, Chief Operating Officer of Arclin. “We are focused on unlocking opportunities across facilities, partners, and markets.”
“We are thrilled to add these iconic and trusted brands to the Arclin portfolio,” said Jana Wright, Arclin’s Vice President of Brand & Marketing. “The Kevlar® and Nomex® brands align with our commitment to transform protective technologies, and we are excited about the potential to further innovate and serve a broader audience with these brands.”
Transaction Highlights:
- Arclin has entered into an agreement to acquire DuPont’s Aramids business, including the Kevlar® and Nomex® brands.
- Expands Arclin’s portfolio with proven protective technologies trusted in personal and first responder safety.
- Enables Arclin to leverage the highly innovative products and technologies of Kevlar®, Nomex® and Arclin.
- Positions Arclin to create technologies and develop new products that set industry standards.
- The acquisition includes approximately 1,900 employees who will bring decades of technical experience to Arclin.
- Strengthens Arclin’s global market presence and accelerates entry into new geographies.
- Transaction expected to close in Q1 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
Piper Sandler & Company is serving as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal counsel to Arclin and TJC. Centerview Partners and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and are serving as DuPont’s financial advisor and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is serving as legal counsel.
About Arclin:
Arclin is a leading materials science company and manufacturer of polymer technologies, engineered products and specialized materials for the construction, agriculture, transportation infrastructure, weather & fire protection, pharmaceutical, nutrition, electronics, design, and other industries. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, Arclin has offices and manufacturing facilities throughout the U.S., Canada, and U.K. and manufactures for customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.arclin.com.
About TJC:
TJC, L.P., formerly known as The Jordan Company, has worked for more than 40 years with CEOs, founders and entrepreneurs across a range of industries including Diversified Industrials, Industrial Technology, Consumer & Healthcare, Logistics & Supply Chain and Technology & Infrastructure. With $33.2bn of assets under management as of June 30, 2025, TJC is managed by a senior leadership team that has invested together for over 23 years on over 85 investments. TJC has offices in New York, Chicago, Miami and Stamford. For more information, please visit www.tjclp.com.
About DuPont:
DuPont™ (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, healthcare and worker safety. More information about the company, its businesses and solutions can be found at www.dupont.com. Investors can access information included on the Investor Relations section of the website at investors.dupont.com. (Source: PR Newswire)
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SPX CommTech, part of SPX Technologies Inc, innovates specialised technologies within the Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum to ensure a smarter, more secure future for all. Formed by TCI and ECS, SPX CommTech’s Battlespace portfolio enables defence and security teams to detect, defeat and exploit RF signals to enhance communications intelligence (COMINT) and counter unmanned aerial systems (Counter-UAS). Additionally, its Tactical Data Link portfolio allows intelligence gathering agencies, special forces, emergency response, and security teams to securely and reliably transfer video and data between enabled-aircraft and ground teams over long distances for airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR).
For more information visit www.tcibr.com and www.enterprisecontrol.co.uk
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