The United States Navy is strengthening its naval aviation and ground-air integration capabilities following a new training support contract awarded to AIRO Group Holdings subsidiary Coastal Defense. Valued at $1.9 million and spanning one year, the agreement is designed to enhance Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) and naval flight training programs by increasing realism and improving operational coordination. JTAC and flight integration training plays a crucial role in ensuring that aircrews and ground controllers can safely execute close air support missions. These operations demand precise communication, disciplined adherence to joint doctrine, and seamless coordination under high-pressure conditions. Coastal Defense will provide specialized services to support planning, execution, and evaluation of training events, helping replicate complex combat environments. The contract emphasizes high-fidelity scenarios aligned with current operational requirements. By refining training realism and incorporating updated tactical standards, the Navy aims to better prepare aviators and controllers for multi-domain operations. Chris Levy, Senior Vice President and General Manager of AIRO’s Training Division, stated that the company remains committed to scalable solutions that reinforce readiness and meet evolving naval aviation demands. This award fits within a broader modernization push. In 2023, Ryan Aerospace secured a $28-million deal to deliver 50 extended-reality simulators to the Navy, building on a 2021 simulator contract. That same year, CAE USA upgraded P-8A Poseidon operational flight trainers to strengthen anti-submarine and maritime patrol instruction. In August 2025, HII Mission Technologies received a contract worth up to $267 million to provide training systems and learning management tools, underscoring the Navy’s sustained investment in advanced training ecosystems.
