Variant 1
US naval aviation and ground-air integration training is set to receive a boost after AIRO’s training division secured a contract to support Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) and flight training programs.
Coastal Defense, a subsidiary of AIRO Group Holdings, has been awarded a $1.9-million, one-year contract by the US Navy to provide training support services aimed at enhancing the realism and execution of naval flight and JTAC exercises.
These programs play a vital role in ensuring that aircrews and JTAC personnel can coordinate close air support missions safely and effectively, particularly in complex operational environments where precise communication and strict adherence to joint procedures are critical.
Under the agreement, Coastal Defense will deliver specialized support services designed to improve exercise fidelity and align training scenarios with current operational requirements. Chris Levy, Senior Vice President and General Manager of AIRO’s Training Division, said the company remains committed to delivering scalable, high-fidelity solutions that enhance readiness and address the evolving demands of naval aviation.
The contract forms part of a wider US Navy initiative to modernize and expand training capabilities. In 2023, Australia’s Ryan Aerospace secured a $28-million contract to provide 50 advanced extended reality flight simulators, following an earlier 2021 deal covering fighter and helicopter simulators.
That same year, CAE USA received a contract to upgrade P-8A Poseidon operational flight trainers, strengthening anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol training with advanced simulation tailored to emerging threats in the Pacific and Atlantic regions.
More recently, in August 2025, the Navy awarded HII’s Mission Technologies a multiple-award contract valued at up to $267 million to supply training products and services, including learning management systems and related tools.
Variant 2
AIRO’s training division has secured a new contract aimed at strengthening US naval aviation and ground-air coordination training, particularly for Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs).
Through its subsidiary Coastal Defense, AIRO Group Holdings has been awarded a one-year, $1.9-million contract by the US Navy to provide support services that enhance the realism and effectiveness of naval flight and JTAC training events.
The programs are essential for preparing aircrews and JTACs to execute close air support missions in demanding operational settings, where seamless communication and strict compliance with joint doctrine are essential for mission success and safety.
As part of the contract, Coastal Defense will supply specialized training support to elevate scenario authenticity and ensure alignment with modern operational standards. According to Chris Levy, Senior Vice President and General Manager of AIRO’s Training Division, the company is focused on delivering scalable, high-fidelity training solutions that reinforce operational readiness across naval aviation units.
This award aligns with the Navy’s broader push to enhance training infrastructure in areas such as advanced aircraft systems, joint operations, and unmanned technologies. In 2023, Ryan Aerospace of Australia won a $28-million contract to deliver 50 extended reality flight simulators to the Navy, building on a previous 2021 simulator agreement.
Additionally, CAE USA was contracted in 2023 to upgrade P-8A Poseidon flight trainers, enhancing maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare preparation through advanced simulated environments.
In August 2025, HII’s Mission Technologies was selected for a multiple-award contract worth up to $267 million to provide training products and services, including learning management platforms and associated tools.
