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AEVEX Corp. has completed its acquisition of BlackSea Technologies, merging its aerial platforms and software suites with BlackSea’s unmanned surface and subsea vessels to establish an integrated multi-domain autonomous systems provider.
Following the transaction, BlackSea transitions into AEVEX’s Maritime Systems division under the leadership of former BlackSea Chief Executive Officer Bob Pudney. The business will maintain its existing operating structure and rhythm to ensure uninterrupted support to Navy, Special Operations Command (SOCOM), Intelligence Community (IC), and allied programs while developing integration pathways across domains.
The acquisition unites BlackSea’s Baltimore manufacturing complex—which features deepwater access, dual 30-ton bridge cranes, advanced robotic welding, and a monthly production capacity of approximately 40 unmanned surface vessels (USVs)—with AEVEX’s established domestic manufacturing footprint. BlackSea brings a track record of delivering over 350 USVs and accumulating more than 25,000 operational hours, including direct support for U.S. Navy 5th Fleet operations and missions such as Operation Epic Fury.
AEVEX, which supplies AI-enabled mission software, Group I-V unmanned aerial systems (UAS), long-range precision strike capabilities, contested logistics platforms, and electronic warfare systems, has delivered and committed more than 10,000 systems through 2026. This output follows a 114 percent year-over-year production volume growth in the second quarter and ongoing supply-chain improvements.
By combining BlackSea’s maritime fleet with AEVEX’s CompassX mission autonomy ecosystem and aerial inventory, the entity will deliver scaled domestic production, multi-domain payload integration, and attritable autonomy designed for air, surface, and subsea operations in contested environments.
Brian Raduenz, Founder and Executive Chairman of AEVEX, commented, “Closing this acquisition marks an important milestone in AEVEX’s strategy. BlackSea’s 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‑domain autonomous systems providers in the defense sector.”
Roger Wells, Chief Executive Officer of AEVEX, said, “With demand for autonomous systems accelerating globally, customers are prioritizing providers who can deliver field‑proven capability at scale. BlackSea brings one of the Navy’s most operationally deployed unmanned surface systems, significant production capacity, and trusted customer relationships. Combined with AEVEX’s air‑domain capability and CompassX autonomy ecosystem, we are strongly positioned to deliver affordable, multi‑domain effects wherever the mission requires.”
Bob Pudney, BlackSea CEO, added, “Becoming 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. Our teams are energized to begin the next chapter together, one that strengthens our support for warfighters and brings even greater capability to our customers.”
