Boeing strengthens cyber and UAV capabilities

The Boeing Co. this week made a pair of moves to strengthen its position as a cybersecurity player and as a provider of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems.

The No. 2 Top 100 company acquired eXMeritus of Fairfax, Va., which expands Boeing’s offerings in the cyber and intelligence markets. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. eXMeritus has about 30 employees.

eXMeritus develops hardware and software technologies for secured sharing of information over classified and unclassified networks. It will become a part of Boeing’s Integrated Defense Systems' Network and Space Systems unit.

“Our military and government customers have said that protecting vital information networks against cyber attacks is one of the nation's highest priorities, and Boeing is responding to the call,” Jim Albaugh, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

In the second move, Albaugh’s unit created a new division for UAVs. The division will manage programs such as the A160T Hummingbird, Unmanned Little Bird and SolarEagle. Boeing’s 2008 acquisition, Insitu Inc., manufactures the Scan Eagle and Integrator UAV systems and will become part of the new division, the company said.

Boeing announced the new division at the Pair Air Show this week.

“This new division establishes a single leadership team focused on implementing a common strategy for unmanned airborne systems and services, and ensures access to resources and capabilities from across IDS,” Albaugh said.

Vic Sweberg was named director of the new division. He will report to Chris Chadwick, president of Boeing Military Aircraft.