Iridium Communications has agreed to acquire Aireon LLC, bringing the operator of the world’s only space-based ADS-B air traffic surveillance system fully under its control. The transaction will see Iridium buy the remaining 61% of Aireon for approximately $366.7 million from current shareholders NAV CANADA, AirNav Ireland, ENAV, NATS and Naviair. Iridium will also assume Aireon’s outstanding debt, expected to total about $155 million at closing.
Aireon’s receivers are hosted on the Iridium satellite constellation and track ADS-B–equipped aircraft globally, including over oceans, polar regions and remote areas beyond the reach of ground-based radar. According to Iridium, the acquisition is intended to unify space-based surveillance, satellite safety communications, positioning, navigation and timing services, and aviation data on a single network.
The deal structure calls for 50% of the purchase price to be paid at closing and the remainder one year later, effectively as an interest-free seller loan secured by a lien on Aireon’s equity. Iridium expects the transaction to close in early July 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Aireon is expected to maintain business-as-usual operations in the near term, with no immediate changes to its strategy.