Leidos has entered into a definitive agreement with Cobham Limited to acquire Cobham Aviation Services Australia’s Special Mission business.
“Cobham’s Special Mission team conducts essential operations that protect Australia’s borders, support law enforcement and environmental protection and save lives,” said Leidos Chairman and CEO Roger Krone. “The integration of Special Mission into Leidos Australia will expand the scope of our global airborne ISR capabilities, diversify revenues, and open up new growth avenues.”
The Special Mission business provides airborne border surveillance and search and rescue services to the Australian federal government. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
“I have the greatest respect and admiration for Cobham’s Special Mission team and their performance in service to the Government,” said Leidos Australia chief executive Paul Chase. “The addition of the Special Mission business will bring new, expansive services to our offerings across Australia. I look forward to working with this exceptional team.”
Cobham Aviation Services Chairman Kim Gillis described the acquisition as a “perfect match,” noting Leidos “has remarkably complementary operations to Cobham Special Mission in airborne ISR, as well as deep platform integration expertise, and both organisations uphold exceptional track records of delivering mission critical services to government and defence customers.”
Cobham Special Mission owns and operates 14 modified aircraft to deliver critical services across Australia, including conducting one of the world’s largest outsourced civil maritime surveillance operations under contract with the Australian Border Force.
“I’d like to recognise and thank all of the Special Mission team for their continued dedication and commitment to delivering operational outcomes for our customers,” said Managing Director of Special Mission James Woodhams. “I’m really excited about what the future holds for the team as part of Leidos.”