Aerospace and Defense Digest #96

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Aerospace and Defense Digest #96

July 5, 2026 Aerospace and Defense Digest #96

Saronic Mirage, DRPM-UxS, Quantum Systems raise, KTOS missile

defense, Overland AI contract Andre Madrid

(332) 400-5033 amadrid@btig.comAEROSPACE WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: Welcome to the Aerospace & Defense Digest, where Ned Morgan

we highlight a few key stories and themes from the prior week and break down (212) 882-2357 nmorgan@btig.com

their implications for our coverage and the broader industry. In this edition: Saronic'sAND (Private) Mirage autonomous surface vessel (ASV) hitting the water, the Pentagon

creating a Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager (DRPM) for unmanned offensive and

defensive systems, Quantum Systems (Private) $1.2bn Series D, Kratos (KTOS, Buy, $100

PT) being awarded a ~$36mn sole-source contract for a new air defense missile system,

and Overland AI (Private) being awarded a $20mn OTA for autonomous ground vehiclesDEFENSE (AGVs) for the Marine Corps.

■ Saronic's Mirage launched on the water, now beginning testing. Mirage is a 52

ft ASV capable of traveling over 2,500 nm, carrying 3,500 lbs of payload, and

reaching top speeds above 35 kts. The vessel went from initial design to launch in

under a year. Mirage supports maritime domain awareness, maritime security, andINDUSTRY aerial and surface detection missions. Work on the next hull is already underway,

with the company claiming it is capable of producing hundreds per year at its

Austin, TX facility alongside thousands of its 24 ft Corsairs. OUR TAKE: In May,

Saronic also launched its first 180 ft Marauder vessel less than one year after

initial design. Marauder was selected as one of seven participants in the Navy’sREPORT MUSV marketplace at-sea demonstrations. The company is redefining American