The Iridium move to buy Aireon, which tracks 190,000 flights a day, is a hedge against GPS’s reliability and availability
In a move that advances its strategy to dominate aviation safety and surveillance, Iridium Communications IRDM 0.00%↑ has announced it has agreed to acquire space-based aircraft tracking company Aireon in a $367 million deal.
The acquisition, from other owners NAV CANADA, AirNAV Ireland, ENAV, NATS and Naviair, gives Iridium full ownership of Aireon, which operates the world’s first global space-based ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) system. The Aireon system, which is certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, flies as a payload on the Iridium satellite constellation and tracks an average of 190,000 flights per day. The system is already used by air navigation service providers worldwide for improved safety, efficiency and search-and-rescue operations.
Aireon was originally formed as a joint venture between Iridium and several major air navigation service providers. The full acquisition allows Iridium to integrate Aireon’s capabilities more deeply into its network and accelerate innovation in aviation services. Former owners, and current customers, NAV CANADA and NATS will have their contracts extended through 2035, Iridium said.
The deal serves as a strategic contingency against growing concerns over GPS reliability. GPS jamming and spoofing incidents have increased significantly in conflict zones and even in civilian airspace, exposing vulnerabilities in traditional satellite navigation. By combining Iridium’s satellite network with Aireon’s ADS-B surveillance, the companies offer a resilient, independent layer of aircraft tracking and navigation that can help mitigate risks when GPS signals are degraded or unavailable.
Iridium will also assume Aireon’s outstanding debt, expected to be approximately $155 million at closing. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.
