Cubic Defense

What Cubic Defense does

Cubic Defense is a US-based defense technology contractor that designs and delivers integrated C5ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) capabilities and Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) training systems to US armed services and allied governments. Its core product portfolio is anchored by the P5 Combat Training System — a real-time air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons simulation platform used by 22 countries with over 1 million recorded flight hours — and extends into the CATS Metrix analytics suite, Tactical Engagement Systems, DTECH edge compute platforms (Fusion eHPC, DTECH Baseband), TAKTICS and AutoSync Maps digital intelligence tools, the Vector software-defined multi-orbit SATCOM antenna, and protected waveforms and software-defined radios delivered through its Cubic Secure Communications subsidiary. Technical differentiation is concentrated in software-defined, multi-orbit (LEO/MEO/GEO Ku+Ka) phased array SATCOM, AI-driven multi-intelligence data orchestration at the tactical edge, and live training instrumentation compatible with US and NATO operational concepts including Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations and Distributed Maritime Operations.

The company operates as a prime contractor through US and allied defense procurement channels, generating revenue primarily under IDIQ contracts, sole-source awards, and competitive bids from the US Air Force, US Marine Corps, US Navy, US Army, UK Ministry of Defence, Canadian Department of National Defence, Romanian Armed Forces, Singapore and Middle East defense forces. Its largest disclosed vehicles are the USAF P5CTS IDIQ covering procurement, integration, deployment and sustainment through 2032 (with Leonardo DRS as principal subcontractor) and a position on the US Army's 10-year, $921.1 million Tactical Engagement Simulation Systems (TESS) contract through 2035. The company maintains two core operating subsidiaries — Cubic Secure Communications (protected waveforms, SDRs, SATCOM) and Cubic Defence UK (live training for UK MoD) — and supplements direct contracting with regional channel partnerships (ShootHouse, Digimation) to reach Middle East and Singapore markets. Go-to-market relies on industry trade shows, direct engagement with defense acquisition offices, and Foreign Military Sales channels.

Name

Cubic Defense

Legal name

Cubic Defense

Website

https://cdnz.co.nz

Company type

Private

Founded year

1970

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Cubic Defense is a US defense contractor providing C5ISR capabilities, LVC training systems, and secure SATCOM to US armed services and allied governments, anchored by the P5 Combat Training System used across 22 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defense Training and C5ISR Systems

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334290), Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Communications Equipment, Nec (3669), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

C4ISR Systems & Tactical Data Links (IMABAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Military Space Systems (Defense Spacecraft) (IMABACAC), Defense R&D, Test, Evaluation & Innovation (BPAIAHAC)

Keywords

• Defense training systems
• Military C5ISR solutions
• Combat training simulation
• Secure military communications
• Tactical SATCOM antennas

Headquarters

HQ city

Auckland

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Defense Government Contracts: Cubic Defense generates revenue primarily through defense procurement contracts with US military branches and allied governments. Contracts include IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity) arrangements with long-term performance periods (through 2032), sole-source awards, and competitive bidding for simulation, training, and C5ISR systems.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Cubic Defense designs, manufactures and sustains C5ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems, Live/Virtual/Constructive (LVC) combat training systems, and secure tactical communications hardware for US and allied defense forces. Primary offerings include the P5 Combat Training System, Cubic Vector multi-orbit SATCOM antenna, edge compute platforms, protected waveforms and software-defined radios, and weapon effects simulation systems sold through government defense contracts and Foreign Military Sales.

Product overview

Cubic Defense offers a comprehensive defense technology portfolio structured around three core pillars: C5ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) capabilities for edge compute, secure communications, digital intelligence, and operational data access; Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) training solutions including the P5 Combat Training System, CATS Metrix, and Tactical Engagement Systems; and Secure Communications systems featuring Vector Multi-Orbit SATCOM, Protected Waveforms, and Software-Defined Radios. The company's products are designed for contested and connectivity-challenged environments supporting special operations, Marine Corps, Army Aviation, and coalition forces missions globally.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• P5 Combat Training System (P5CTS) Live mission training system providing real-time air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons simulations. Used by 22 countries with over 1 million recorded flight hours, supporting USAF, US Marine Corps, US Navy and coalition partners.

Quantifiable outcome

• 22 countries use the P5 Combat Training System with over 1 million flight hours recorded
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 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

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Leonardo DRScoreTechnology or Integration · 14 August 2025Leonardo DRS serves as the principal subcontractor supporting all contract activities relating to the P5 Combat Training System (P5CTS) IDIQ contract from the US Air Force covering procurement, integration, deployment and sustainment through 2032.
• ShootHousecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 August 2025Strategic collaboration to provide system integrated simulation training products to the Middle East and Singapore markets. Partnership involves delivering cost-effective, advanced training solutions including VIPER and DART MAX systems with tailored support for local customers.
• DigimationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 August 2025Strategic collaboration to provide system integrated simulation training products to the Middle East and Singapore markets. Partnership involves delivering advanced training solutions based on proprietary software and AI technology.
• General Dynamics Mission SystemsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 March 2025Part of consortium with Skiftech for development of advanced tactical laser simulators for military training. Working alongside major global defense contractors for US Army laser training systems.
• Lockheed MartinminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 March 2025Part of consortium with Skiftech for development of advanced tactical laser simulators for military training.
• SaabminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 March 2025Part of consortium with Skiftech for development of advanced tactical laser simulators for military training.
• SkiftechminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 March 2025Ukrainian MilTech company leading consortium for advanced tactical laser simulator development for US Army. Skiftech's laser ecosystems and analytics software are already used by Armed Forces of Ukraine and National Guard.
• US Army TESS Contract ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 March 2025Cubic Defense is one of 10 companies awarded positions on a potential 10-year, $921.1 million contract for Tactical Engagement Simulation Systems (TESS) maintenance. Contract performance expected to conclude by March 5, 2035.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• L3Harris Technologies: Major US defense prime with overlapping tactical communications, secure waveforms, edge compute, and C5ISR product lines directly competing with Cubic's Vector SATCOM and protected waveforms portfolio.
• Saab: Competing defense electronics and training systems provider; a Cubic consortium partner on US Army laser training while also fielding rival training instrumentation and tactical communications products globally.
• Leonardo DRS: Direct peer in tactical communications, secure networking, and sensor integration — and simultaneously Cubic's principal subcontractor on the P5CTS IDIQ, making it both collaborator and competitor on adjacent programs.
• Elbit Systems: Israel-based defense electronics company with C4ISR, EW, secure comms, and training solutions that compete with Cubic across both US and international defense tenders, including NATO modernization programs.
• BAE Systems: Operates electronic systems and training & simulation businesses that overlap directly with Cubic's secure communications, EW, and live training solutions, particularly for US and UK defense customers.
• Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions: Mid-tier defense electronics specialist in ruggedized networking, tactical communications, and edge compute — closely comparable in scale and product mix to Cubic Secure Communications / DTECH portfolio.

Emerging players

• CACI International: Growing provider of C5ISR, signals intelligence, and live/constructive training services for DoD and intelligence customers — increasingly competing with Cubic on integrated mission solutions and training contracts.

Broad incumbents

• RTX (Collins Aerospace / Raytheon): Mega-prime with deep portfolios in avionics, secure communications, and multi-orbit SATCOM, competing with Cubic Vector and DTECH platforms across air, ground, and surface integration opportunities.
• General Dynamics Mission Systems: Operates in C4ISR, secure comms, and tactical networking; competes with Cubic on DoD modernization programs and is also a Cubic consortium partner on US Army laser training work.
• Northrop Grumman Mission Systems: Larger defense prime operating across C4ISR, secure comms, and battle management; competes with Cubic on integrated mission solutions for DoD and SOF communities while offering a much broader platform portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors1 record

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Cubic Defense