Lockheed Martin agreed to buy Ultra Maritime from Advent for $3.45bn, giving it world‑leading undersea detection technology. Thales announced a tender for Exail Technologies valued at €3.9bn, expanding into mine‑countermeasure operations.

The twin deals total close to $8bn and reflect NATO’s focus on protecting undersea cables and energy pipelines. Lockheed, with a $125bn market cap, beat rivals including Thales for Ultra Maritime, whose revenue is on track to reach $784mn in 2026, up from $494mn in 2023, a 17% annual growth rate under Advent.

Thales secured the Gorgé family’s 35.5% stake and will launch a full tender, outbidding Safran. CEO Patrice Caine said the acquisition will boost revenue and operating income by 2032 and strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty. Advent’s Shonnel Malani noted the firm invested $170mn in product development over four years.

The transactions signal a strategic shift toward maritime robotics and undersea warfare, areas where government budgets are rising. Investors should watch integration risk and whether the combined platforms can convert the revenue growth into margin expansion, especially as NATO members increase procurement for seabed security.