Global Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Deals in 2021 – Top Themes in the Aerospace, Defence and Security Sector – Thematic Research

The mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deal value in the global aerospace, defence, and security (ADS) sector was $33 billion in 2020. Homeland security saw the highest growth in terms of deal value in 2021, followed by simulation & training and maritime.​ All regions except China reported an increase in deal value in 2021, as compared to the previous year.​

Overview of the global M&A deals in the aerospace, defence, and security sector

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What are the market dynamics in the global aerospace, defence, and security sector?

In the last 20 years, unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAVs), commonly called drones, have been rapidly adopted in many sectors, both in the civil and defence fields. They are used in several naval, land, and littoral operations, especially for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) due to their low operating cost, versatile and long-term endurance, and ability to be used safely in dangerous areas. Hence, countries across the globe are investing in the procurement, research, and development of UAVs.​ Drones have the potential to be used as force multipliers in many areas of operations, with their modular structures and ability to carry many different payloads.​

Space systems encompass satellites and subsystems. Timely, accurate intelligence and communication are essential for military operations. The space economy has previously been restricted to satellites and their sub-systems. However, the increasing cost-effectiveness has made space a new frontier.  The future space economy will consist of satellites, space debris, space mining, space exploration, space tourism, and space infrastructure manufacturing. Satellites will provide up to 70% of the space economy’s growth in the near term, facilitated mainly by the widespread adoption of reusable launches. This burgeoning sector will disrupt many industries, from internet provision to mining and construction.

Which are the key regions in terms of M&A deal activity in the global aerospace, defence, and security sector?

The key regions in the mergers & acquisitions deal activity in the global ADS sector were North America, Europe, China, South & Central America, the Middle East & Africa, and APAC (excluding China). North America had the highest value of deals in the year 2021 followed by Europe, South & Central America, APAC, Middle East & Africa, and China.

Global M&A deals in the aerospace, defence, and security sector, by region

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What are the key sub-sectors in M&A deal activity in the global aerospace, defence, and security sector?

The key sub-sectors in the mergers & acquisitions deal activity in the global ADS sector in 2021 are C4ISR and electronic warfare, aerospace, simulation and training, infrastructure, logistics and support, homeland security, maritime, unmanned, land, weaponry, and soldier systems.

Global M&A deals in the aerospace, defence, and security sector, by sub-sector

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What are the biggest themes driving global M&A deals in the aerospace, defence, and security sector?

The biggest themes that are driving M&A delas in the ADS sector are COVID-19, ESG- environmental, ESG-social, ESG-governance, artificial intelligence, China impact, and M&A. Drones, space systems, and the Internet of Things were the top 3 themes driving global M&A deals in the global ADS sector in 2021.

Which are the key companies in the global M&A deals landscape in the aerospace, defence, and security sector?

The key companies involved in M&A deals in the ADS sector in 2021 were Embraer, ManTech International, Amentum Services, Bain Capital, JB Capital, Sociedad de Valores, SAPA Placencia, Virgin Orbit, Parker Hannifin, Huntington Ingalls Industries, Broadstone Acquisition, Redwire, Ametek, CAE, and Rocket Lab.

Global M&A deals in the aerospace, defence, and security sector, by company

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Market Report Scope

Scope

This report provides an overview of merger and acquisition activity globally in 2021 in the aerospace, defence, and security sector. It identifies the themes driving most notable to deals announced in 2021 in the aerospace, defence, and security sector.