Key Takeaways
- • GALT Aerospace, acquired by Godspeed Capital in March 2026, has completed its first acquisition under the new ownership with the purchase of Hawaii-based North Star Scientific, a defense electronics manufacturer specializing in high-reliability communications and radar systems.
- • North Star Scientific generates revenue supporting U.S. Air Force and Navy programs including the E-2D Hawkeye and E-3 Sentry airborne early warning and control platforms, with recent expansion into a manufacturing facility in Oklahoma City.
- • The acquisition expands GALT's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and diversifies its program base beyond its core airborne command, control and communications business.
- • Godspeed Capital, a lower-middle-market defense-focused private equity firm targeting companies with $3 million to $30 million in EBITDA, is executing a multi-platform defense technology strategy with GALT as one of five portfolio companies.
- • Doug Lake and Mike Roualet led the Godspeed transaction team in executing this first post-acquisition add-on for GALT.
Summary
GALT Aerospace has acquired North Star Scientific (NSS), marking the San Diego-based airborne communications provider's first acquisition since being acquired by Godspeed Capital in March 2026. North Star Scientific is a Hawaii-based designer and manufacturer of defense electronics products founded in 2001, with specialized expertise in high-reliability communications, radar, and radio frequency systems used in command and control, electronic sensing, and airborne early warning and control missions.
The acquisition strengthens GALT's service position within the U.S. military ecosystem. North Star Scientific has established customer relationships with Naval Air Systems Command and Naval Sea Systems Command, and provides critical components for major defense programs including the E-2D Hawkeye and E-3 Sentry platforms. The company has recently expanded operational footprint by establishing a manufacturing center in Oklahoma City, diversifying production beyond its Hawaii headquarters.
According to John Kohut, GALT's CEO, the deal aligns with the company's strategic trajectory as a product-driven defense firm. "With deep expertise in advanced communications, radar, and RF systems, NSS represents an ideal partner as we further scale our capabilities as a product driven defense firm," Kohut stated. The acquisition directly expands GALT's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities while broadening its program diversification.
Godspeed Capital, the acquirer of GALT's parent company, is executing a lower-middle-market strategy targeting defense and government-focused businesses with $3 million to $30 million in EBITDA. GALT represents one of five defense technology platforms in Godspeed's portfolio. Doug Lake and Mike Roualet led the transaction team on the deal.
The acquisition strengthens GALT's service position within the U.S. military ecosystem. North Star Scientific has established customer relationships with Naval Air Systems Command and Naval Sea Systems Command, and provides critical components for major defense programs including the E-2D Hawkeye and E-3 Sentry platforms. The company has recently expanded operational footprint by establishing a manufacturing center in Oklahoma City, diversifying production beyond its Hawaii headquarters.
According to John Kohut, GALT's CEO, the deal aligns with the company's strategic trajectory as a product-driven defense firm. "With deep expertise in advanced communications, radar, and RF systems, NSS represents an ideal partner as we further scale our capabilities as a product driven defense firm," Kohut stated. The acquisition directly expands GALT's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities while broadening its program diversification.
Godspeed Capital, the acquirer of GALT's parent company, is executing a lower-middle-market strategy targeting defense and government-focused businesses with $3 million to $30 million in EBITDA. GALT represents one of five defense technology platforms in Godspeed's portfolio. Doug Lake and Mike Roualet led the transaction team on the deal.
Go deeper than the headline
Research every firm in this story, track the ones that matter and get the daily briefing — free for 7 days.