What T3 Defense does

T3 Defense Inc. (NASDAQ: DFNS), formerly Nukkleus Inc., is a publicly traded federated holding company that acquires and operates mission-critical defense businesses embedded at critical chokepoints of long-cycle national security programs. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in New York with operating subsidiaries in Israel and Latvia, the company pursues disciplined M&A of small and mid-sized private defense companies with revenues between $10-150M, operating across four technology pillars: AI for defense, UAV solutions, aviation MRO, and command and control. Its portfolio includes Tiltan Software Engineering (defense AI, physics-based 3D simulation, synthetic data generation, GPS-denied navigation), Rimon (Iron Dome components, tactical energy systems, rugged infrastructure with $4.1M in multi-year contracts), ITS/Positech (zero-backlash direct-drive motion-control pedestals for targeting and stabilization), Nimbus Drones (UAV modification and assembly), Star 26 Capital (acquisition vehicle), and a joint venture with Mandragola Ltd. for a NATO-compliant aviation logistics hub in Riga. T3 Defense also serves as the exclusive US distributor for BladeRanger drone payloads under a $100,000 distribution agreement.

The company generates revenue through defense hardware sales (motion-control systems, tactical energy systems, UAV payloads, components for Iron Dome), defense simulation and AI services (Tiltan's TOPS-NX engine, T-VERSE synthetic data, C2 systems), exclusive UAV distribution, and aviation MRO via the Mandragola joint venture. Customers are primarily defense ministries, government agencies (notably the Israeli Defense Forces), and Tier-1 defense contractors including Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems; the company engages them at major defense exhibitions (eurosatory 2026) and through direct enterprise sales. Pricing models include multi-year contracts (e.g., the $1.3M Tiltan simulation order), one-time perpetual distribution licenses (BladeRanger $100K), and hardware unit sales. Capital structure is supported by a $250M equity line and $20M private placement from Esousa Group Holdings, and CEO Menachem Shalom was appointed under a consulting agreement with Billio Ltd. effective January 2026. The company has disclosed revenue guidance of $24-26M combined for 2026 following the ITS acquisition.

Name

T3 Defense

Legal name

T3 Defense Inc.

Website

https://t3dfns.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

T3 Defense Inc. (NASDAQ: DFNS) is a publicly traded federated holding company that acquires and operates small and mid-sized defense technology companies across AI, UAV, aviation MRO, and command and control, serving defense ministries, Tier-1 prime contractors (Rafael, Elbit), and the Israeli Defense Forces.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defense Technology and Systems

NAICS

Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419), Military Armored Vehicle, Tank, and Tank Component Manufacturing (336992), Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Ordnance & Accessories, (No Vehicles/Guided Missiles) (3480), Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760)

akta.pro primary industry

Command, Control, Communications, Computers & Intelligence (C4I) Systems (IMABAOAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Defense R&D, Test, Evaluation & Innovation (BPAIAHAC), C4ISR Systems & Tactical Data Links (IMABAGAE)

Keywords

• Defense holding company
• Defense simulation software
• UAV payload systems
• Defense MRO services
• Military command control

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Defense Technology Products and Subsystems: T3 Defense generates revenue through its portfolio of subsidiaries selling defense products, subsystems, and components to defense ministries, prime contractors, and government agencies. Subsidiaries ITS, Rimon, and others sell motion-control systems, tactical energy systems, power generation equipment, and rugged infrastructure solutions to Tier-1 defense integrators including Rafael and Elbit Systems. Revenue projections for 2026 are $20-22M for the current portfolio, with combined annual revenue of $24-26M following the ITS acquisition.
2. Defense Simulation and AI Services: Tiltan Software Engineering generates revenue by providing advanced simulation environments, synthetic data platforms, and AI-driven visualization solutions to defense customers. The company secured a $1.3M order for simulation solutions as part of a large-scale Israeli defense UAS program, and has over $5M in active RFPs with Tier-1 defense contractors.
3. UAV Payload Distribution: T3 Defense serves as the exclusive US distributor for BladeRanger's drone payload systems, generating revenue through product sales and distribution agreements in defense and homeland security markets. The company pays $100,000 for exclusive distribution rights and commits to purchasing increasing quantities over three years.
4. Aviation MRO and Manufacturing: Through its joint venture with Mandragola Ltd., T3 Defense develops licensed MRO facilities, aircraft modernization operations, lifecycle services, and NATO-compliant logistics hubs in Europe targeting the global aircraft MRO market projected to reach $124B by 2034.
5. M&A Transaction Fees and Management: T3 Defense operates as a holding company that acquires controlling stakes in defense companies, generating value through acquisition integration, portfolio optimization, and potential earnout proceeds. The company completed three acquisitions in 2025 (Star26, Tiltan, Nimbus Drones) and has a pipeline of over 400 M&A targets.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

T3 Defense is a publicly traded defense-focused federated holding company (NASDAQ: DFNS) that acquires and operates mission-critical defense businesses embedded at critical chokepoints of long-cycle national security programs. Through its portfolio companies, it sells AI-driven defense simulation software, GPS-denied navigation, UAV payload systems, command and control platforms, aviation MRO services, and defense manufacturing subsystems (including Iron Dome components and motion-control pedestals) to defense ministries, Tier-1 prime contractors, and homeland security agencies worldwide.

Product overview

T3 Defense Inc. (NASDAQ: DFNS) is a defense-focused federated holding company that acquires, develops, and scales high-impact defense companies. The portfolio consists of multiple specialized subsidiaries operating across AI for defense, UAV solutions, aviation, and command & control. Tiltan provides synthetic data generation and simulation platforms; Rimon delivers tactical energy systems and Iron Dome components; Star 26 serves as the growth engine for acquisitions; BladeRanger offers UAV payload systems (with T3 Defense as exclusive US distributor); ITS provides motion-control systems; Nimbus Drones handles UAV assembly and maintenance; and Mandragola supports aviation and defense investments through joint ventures. The subsidiaries retain operational independence while benefiting from shared capital, strategy, and defense market access.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Tiltan: Defense AI, simulation, synthetic data, and GPS-denial solutions provider with over 30 years of experience
• Rimon
• Star 26
• Nimbus Drones
• BladeRanger
• ITS/Positech

Products and services

• Tiltan AI Defense Solutions
• Rimon Defense Manufacturing
• ITS (Positech) Motion-Control Systems
• BladeRanger UAV Payload Systems
• Nimbus Drones UAV Services
• Tiltan Command & Control (C2/C4) Systems
• Mandragola Aviation MRO and Modernization

Quantifiable outcome

• Combined annual revenue projected at $24-26 million following ITS acquisition
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability5 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and major.

• Billio Ltd.minorOthers · 1 March 2026Billio Ltd. entered into a consulting agreement with T3 Defense to retain Menachem Shalom as CEO of T3 Defense, effective January 1, 2026. The agreement includes compensation of $60,000/month base salary, target bonuses, stock awards, and a relocation grant.
• ITS Industrial Techno-Logic Solutions Ltd. (Positech)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 February 2026T3 Defense acquired a 51% majority stake in ITS (Industrial Techno-Logic Solutions), also known as Positech, with an option to purchase the remaining 49% over three years without issuing additional cash or securities. Founded in Haifa in 2001, ITS provides advanced motion-control systems (direct-drive pedestals) enabling precise targeting, tracking, and stabilization for radar, electro-optic sensors, and weapon stations across land, naval, and aerial defense platforms.
• Tiltan Software Engineering Ltd.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 December 2025Nukkleus Inc. completed its acquisition of Tiltan Software Engineering Ltd., a defense AI company based in Israel, for approximately $14 million. Tiltan delivers over 30 years of defense AI leadership with solutions for simulation, synthetic data, and GPS-denied navigation systems. Tiltan's products include the TOPS-NX physics-based 3D engine and T-VERSE services for synthetic operational environments, trusted by governments and defense contractors worldwide.
• Mandragola Ltd.majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 August 2025T3 Defense formed a joint venture with Mandragola Ltd., an Israeli aerospace and defense investment company, to expand into European aerospace and defense markets. The venture establishes a NATO-compliant logistics hub in Riga, Latvia, and develops advanced manufacturing zones in the Baltics and Israel. It targets the global aircraft MRO market projected to reach $124 billion by 2034, with a five-member Board of Directors and an Advisory Board featuring former Israeli Air Force pilots.
• BladeRanger Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 20 August 2025T3 Defense entered into an Exclusive Distribution Agreement with BladeRanger Ltd., an Israeli company specializing in drone payloads for the solar energy market and defense sectors. The agreement grants T3 Defense exclusive rights to distribute BladeRanger's unique drone payload for defense and homeland security in the US. T3 Defense paid $100,000 for these rights and commits to purchasing increasing quantities over three years.
• Star 26 Capital Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 December 2024Nukkleus (now T3 Defense) acquired a 51% controlling stake in Star 26 Capital Inc., which holds 95% ownership in RIMON, a leading Israeli supplier of components for the Iron Dome missile defense system. Star 26 is the growth engine of T3 Defense, identifying and acquiring high-potential defense technology companies. T3 Defense also acquired the remaining equity, eliminating a $16 million intercompany debt.
• RIMON (B. Rimon Agencies Ltd.)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 December 2024RIMON is a vertically integrated defense manufacturer and Israeli supplier of critical components for the Iron Dome missile defense system. It has over 35 years of experience designing, engineering, and building mission-ready platforms including tactical vehicles, power generation systems, and communications infrastructure for military, homeland security, and emergency services. RIMON holds exclusive distributorship agreements with leading suppliers and has established relationships with defense exporters including Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems.
• ArrivAir II, LLCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMandragola Ltd. has strong ties to the aviation sector through its partnership with ArrivAir II, LLC, complementing the NATO-compliant aviation infrastructure plans in the Baltic States.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Loar Holdings: Recently listed acquirer of niche aerospace and defense components — closest analog to T3's federated-roll-up strategy of acquiring small mission-critical defense suppliers.
• AeroVironment: US-listed pure-play UAV and tactical missile systems provider serving defense ministries globally; comparable to T3's UAV/payload business (Nimbus Drones, BladeRanger distribution) and operates a similar sensor-to-effector model.
• Leonardo DRS: US-listed mid-cap defense electronics and C4I subsystems provider with significant Israeli operations; closest US-listed peer in scale and structure to T3 Defense's $20-26M revenue projected portfolio.
• Kratos Defense & Security Solutions: US defense technology company focused on unmanned systems, target drones, jet propulsion, and C5ISR — closest US analog to T3 Defense's multi-subsidiary portfolio spanning UAVs, simulation, and C2.
• Mercury Systems: Defense electronics and mission-critical subsystems provider serving primes like Lockheed, Raytheon, and Rafael — comparable to T3's ITS motion-control pedestals and Rimon Iron Dome components for sensor and weapon systems.

Regional players

• Hensoldt: European-listed defense electronics and sensor house with strong NATO positioning; comparable to T3's NATO-aligned Mandragola aviation hub and ITS sensor-stabilization technology for European defense programs.

Broad incumbents

• Rafael Advanced Defense Systems: Israeli defense prime and Iron Dome originator; T3's Rimon subsidiary is a Tier-2 supplier into Rafael's missile-defense ecosystem, making Rafael the most relevant incumbent benchmark for portfolio composition.
• CACI International: Large US defense IT and C4ISR services provider; comparable business model element around command-and-control systems and defense intelligence integration as offered by Tiltan's C2/C4 platforms.
• Elbit Systems: Israel's largest listed defense prime, with overlapping Iron Dome supplier relationships, C4I, and UAV portfolio; both T3 and Elbit serve Rafael as a supplier while T3 operates as a smaller, more focused aggregator.

Emerging players

• Parsons Corporation: US defense and infrastructure firm with growing defense AI, simulation, and C2 portfolio; Parsons represents T3's aspirational comp for synthetic-data and AI-for-defense revenue growth.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/T3_Defense_Inc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/t3-defenseinc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Subsidiaries8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds4 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A7 records

Investments2 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about T3 Defense