Phoenix Defense
Phoenix Defense is a privately held U.S. defense and aerospace company delivering engineering services, simulation and training, and AS9100-certified aerospace manufacturing (MIL-STD-1553 data bus, RF/microwave components, precision machined parts) to the U.S. military, NASA, and major aerospace primes including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1991
- HeadquartersGilbert, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Phoenix Defense does
Phoenix Defense, LLC is a privately held U.S. defense and aerospace company headquartered in Gilbert, Arizona, operating through two divisions: Engineering Services and Aerospace Manufacturing. The Engineering Services division delivers simulation and training platforms, software development, IT support, medical simulation, logistical provisioning, live fire ranges, and field services to the U.S. Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, VA, and NASA through Phoenix Logistics and Riptide Software. The Aerospace Manufacturing division operates AS9100-certified facilities (85,000 sq ft in Gilbert plus 45,000 sq ft in Mesa, totaling ~130,000 sq ft) producing MIL-STD-1553 data bus cables, RF/microwave components, avionics subassemblies, and tight-tolerance machined parts from titanium and aluminum for Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Bell Helicopter, and space programs including the International Space Station and X-51A WaveRider.
Phoenix Defense's technology base spans proprietary MIL-STD-1553 data bus and RF/microwave interconnect products (including a 2.4mm precision connector up to 50 GHz), the ORCAMP medical simulation platform, constructive simulation programs (OneSAF, CACCTUS, JLCCTC), and the Skunkape Works internal innovation lab. The company holds a dense stack of certifications — AS9100, ISO 9001:2015, AS9110, NASA-STD-8739.4, and CMMI Maturity Level 5 (achieved October 2023) — and uses Plex Online ERP to manage manufacturing and quality operations. The company's revenue model combines (i) prime government contracts on multi-year ID/IQ vehicles (CBCSE, MS3, JLCCTC, OASIS+), (ii) long-tenured direct supply relationships with aerospace OEMs, and (iii) channel distribution through Powell Electronics and international sales representatives in Turkey and South Korea. Since mid-2017 Phoenix Defense has won over $1.4 billion in prime contract awards, expanded into Germany via Phoenix Defense Germany GmbH (established 2022), and grown through acquisitions including Riptide Software (2020) and a precision parts manufacturing facility (2022).
Phoenix Defense firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Phoenix Defense
- Legal name
- Phoenix Defense, LLC
- Website
- https://phx-defense.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1991
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- Phoenix Defense is a privately held U.S. defense and aerospace company delivering engineering services, simulation and training, and AS9100-certified aerospace manufacturing (MIL-STD-1553 data bus, RF/microwave components, precision machined parts) to the U.S. military, NASA, and major aerospace primes including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Phoenix Defense industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Defense Engineering Services and Aerospace Manufacturing
- NAICS
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)
- SIC
- Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Modeling, Simulation, Digital Twins & Mission Rehearsal Systems (IMABAOAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Military Aircraft Structures, Airframes & Composites (IMABAMAH), Space Payloads & Instruments (Sensors, Comms, EO/IR) (IMABACAD)
Keywords
Where Phoenix Defense is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Gilbert
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices5 records
Markets served
Phoenix Defense business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Government Prime Contracts: Phoenix Defense generates the majority of its revenue through prime contracts with U.S. federal agencies including the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, VA, NASA, and others. These include ID/IQ contracts with ceiling values (e.g., $98.8M CBCSE, $70M MS3, $60B+ OASIS+ suite, $26M KC-135 Block 45). Revenue is project-based, won through competitive procurement, and can span multiple years.
- Aerospace Manufacturing & Component Sales: Design, manufacturing, and sale of aerospace components including MIL-STD-1553 data bus products, RF/microwave components, wire harnesses, precision machined parts, and cable assemblies to aerospace OEMs (Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman) and defense primes. Revenue is one-time per delivery with recurring follow-on orders.
- Engineering & Simulation Services: Software development, IT support, medical simulation, logistical provisioning, field services, and simulation/training system delivery through Riptide Software and Phoenix Logistics. Revenue generated through professional services labor and delivery of complex integrated solutions.
- Distribution of MIL-STD-1553 Products: Partnership with Powell Electronics to distribute MIL-STD-1553 data bus cable harnesses, couplers, and components through a broad distribution channel, generating transactional revenue from product sales to commercial and defense customers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | No public pricing tiers available |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Phoenix Defense product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Phoenix Defense provides engineering services and aerospace manufacturing for the U.S. defense, aerospace, and industrial markets through its group companies. Its Engineering Services division delivers simulation and training platforms, IT support, medical simulation, logistical provisioning, live fire ranges, and field services to the U.S. Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, VA, and NASA. Its Aerospace Manufacturing division, certified to AS9100, designs and produces MIL-STD-1553 data bus products, RF/microwave components, avionics subassemblies, and precision machined parts from titanium and aluminum for major aerospace OEMs.
Product overview
Phoenix Defense is a diversified government services, engineering, and manufacturing company operating through two primary divisions: Engineering Services and Aerospace Manufacturing. The company delivers products and services through its group companies including Phoenix Logistics (federal prime contracts, IT, medical simulation), Riptide Software (modeling and simulation), Phoenix Defense Ventures (joint venture for larger contracts), PLI Manufacturing (aerospace component manufacturing), and Phoenix Defense Germany GmbH (international operations). The Engineering Services division provides simulation and training platforms, IT support, medical simulation, logistical provisioning, live fire ranges, and field services through Phoenix Logistics and Riptide Software. The Aerospace Manufacturing division designs and builds MIL-STD-1553 data bus cables, sophisticated avionics subassemblies, and precision machined parts from titanium and aluminum. The portfolio includes core hardware products (data bus components, RF/microwave connectors, machined parts) and services (medical simulation, live fire ranges, military simulation programs, engineering design). The company also operates Skunkape Works as an internal innovation lab focused on emerging technical products and solutions.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Skunkape Works: Phoenix Defense's dedicated innovation lab led by CTO Barry Clinger that focuses on developing highly technical products and solutions meeting or getting ahead of emerging customer requirements and concepts.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over $1.4 billion in prime contract awards since mid-2017
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Phoenix Defense
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Phoenix Defense technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Phoenix Defense partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.
- Powell ElectronicscorePhoenix Logistics launched a partnership with Powell Electronics to streamline procurement and broaden accessibility of MIL-STD-1553 Data Bus cable harnesses, couplers, and components to the market. The partnership leverages Phoenix Logistics' manufacturing excellence with Powell's strong distribution channel to broaden market presence.
- United Metal ResourcesminorPhoenix Logistics added United Metal Resources as a sales representative company to represent PLI in the Asia Minor region (Turkey), specializing in selling MIL-STD-1553 Data Bus products, high performance Microwave and RF components, and integrated aerospace supply chain support.
- Panwest InternationalminorPhoenix Logistics added Panwest International as a sales representative company to represent PLI in South Korea, specializing in selling MIL-STD-1553 Data Bus products, high performance Microwave and RF components, and integrated aerospace supply chain support.
- PerkNow LLCminorPhoenix Logistics partnered with PerkNow LLC, a leading provider of employee perks, to provide all associates access to discounts and preferred pricing across prominent local and national businesses through a mobile app. The partnership supports talent recruitment and retention efforts.
- OrzonecorePhoenix Logistics collaborated with Orzone to develop and deliver advanced medical simulation training for the VA. Orzone is the developer of the ORCAMP surgical training simulator, and PLI served as prime contractor for procurement, installation, and training delivery of the 52,000 sq ft VA National Simulation Center facility.
- Eagle Systems, Inc. (a Columbia Group Company)majorEagle Systems was a significant teammate in the PLI's VHA National Simulation Center SimLEARN contract, providing program support as part of the Initial Outfitting and Transition of the 52,000 sq ft medical simulation facility at Lake Nona, Florida.
- CAE HealthcaremajorCAE Healthcare was a key teammate on the VHA National Simulation Center SimLEARN contract, providing medical simulation technology and expertise as part of the IO&T of the VA medical simulation facility.
- System Dynamics International (SDI) Inc.majorPhoenix Logistics was selected alongside SDI Inc. (Huntsville, AL) as teammates to develop and maintain Aircrew Training Devices and Aircrew Training Aids (ATDs/ATAs) for the United States Air Force. PLI handles product development, fabrication, and maintenance at Luke AFB.
- V2X (formerly Amentum) — Team MembermajorPhoenix Logistics LLC, a Phoenix Defense Company, is a proud member of the V2X team, providing services on major government programs.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves11 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Phoenix Defense competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- HEICO: HEICO's Electronic Technologies and Aerospace segments overlap with Phoenix's RF/microwave connector and aerospace component manufacturing, supplying parts to major defense primes.
- Mercury Systems: Mercury Systems is a direct peer in defense electronics and RF/microwave components, supplying mission-critical subsystems to primes and DoD. Both companies serve aerospace and defense OEMs with AS9100-certified manufacturing and high-reliability interconnect solutions.
- Ducommun: Ducommun manufactures aerospace structural and electronic components for defense and commercial platforms, directly overlapping with Phoenix's MIL-STD-1553, RF/microwave, and precision machined parts offering.
- Curtiss-Wright: Curtiss-Wright's Defense Electronics segment directly competes with Phoenix's aerospace manufacturing business, providing rugged electronics, data bus products, and precision components for military platforms including aircraft and naval systems.
Broad incumbents
- SAIC: SAIC is a large federal IT and engineering services contractor that overlaps with Phoenix's engineering services division, particularly in Army simulation, training, and mission systems integration. Phoenix's CEO Al Funderburk previously led SAIC's Simulation & Training Solutions Operation.
- Leidos: Leidos is a large federal systems integrator with adjacent offerings in defense simulation, training, and engineering services. Competes with Phoenix for DoD training and simulation task orders.
- Kratos Defense & Security Solutions: Kratos provides unmanned systems, training systems, and aerospace products to defense customers. Its Unmanned Systems and Training Solutions divisions compete with Phoenix's simulation/training and aerospace manufacturing businesses.
- CACI International: CACI is a broad defense IT and engineering services prime that competes with Phoenix on simulation, training, and intelligence programs for DoD and intelligence community customers.
Emerging players
- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) Simulation Peers / Riptide-style Specialists: Aechelon Technology is an emerging player in simulation and training imagery generation systems, intersecting with Phoenix's Riptide Software modeling and simulation work for Army and Air Force training programs.
- SimIS (Simulation Information Systems): SimIS is a smaller defense simulation and IT services firm competing with Phoenix for Army training and simulation contracts at PEO STRI, particularly in modeling and simulation engineering services.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Phoenix Defense social profiles
Digital presencePhoenix Defense compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance6 records
Phoenix Defense financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Phoenix Defense leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles18 records
Phoenix Defense subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries5 records
Phoenix Defense funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Phoenix Defense M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Phoenix Defense
What does Phoenix Defense do?
Phoenix Defense provides engineering services and aerospace manufacturing for the U.S. defense, aerospace, and industrial markets through its group companies. Its Engineering Services division delivers simulation and training platforms, IT support, medical simulation, logistical provisioning, live fire ranges, and field services to the U.S. Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, VA, and NASA. Its Aerospace Manufacturing division, certified to AS9100, designs and produces MIL-STD-1553 data bus products, RF/microwave components, avionics subassemblies, and precision machined parts from titanium and aluminum for major aerospace OEMs.
Is Phoenix Defense a public or private company?
Phoenix Defense is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently operating.
When was Phoenix Defense founded?
Phoenix Defense was founded in 1991. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Phoenix Defense based?
Phoenix Defense is headquartered in Gilbert, United States, in the North America region.
How does Phoenix Defense make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Government Prime Contracts are the primary driver. The others are aerospace Manufacturing & Component Sales, engineering & Simulation Services and distribution of MIL-STD-1553 Products.
Who are Phoenix Defense's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are HEICO, Mercury Systems, Ducommun and Curtiss-Wright. Broad incumbents are SAIC, Leidos, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions and CACI International. Emerging players are Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) Simulation Peers / Riptide-style Specialists and SimIS (Simulation Information Systems).
Does Phoenix Defense have an API?
No public API is recorded for Phoenix Defense.
What industry is Phoenix Defense in?
Phoenix Defense's product category is Defense Engineering Services and Aerospace Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAOAL, Modeling, Simulation, Digital Twins & Mission Rehearsal Systems, with a secondary code of IMABAMAH, Military Aircraft Structures, Airframes & Composites. Its NAICS code is 334511 and its SIC code is 3812.