ATAC Secures $198 Million Contract to Provide Adversary Air Training for U.S. Marine Corps F-35 Pilots
Airborne Tactical Advantage Company, a subsidiary of Textron Systems and part of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), has been awarded a significant new contract from the United States Marine Corps (USMC). The five-year agreement, valued at up to $198 million, will provide adversary air (ADAIR) flight services to support F-35 training operations on the East Coast. Under the terms of the award, ATAC will deliver advanced threat replication and adversary training for Marine aviators, enhancing their readiness to operate the fifth-generation fighter.
The contract, which runs from 2025 through 2030, was awarded under the Combat Air Force Combat Air Support II Multiple-Award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle. Flights will be conducted primarily from Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point in North Carolina and MCAS Beaufort in South Carolina, both critical hubs for U.S. Marine Corps F-35 training.
Building on a Longstanding Relationship with the USMC
While ATAC has supported Marine Corps training missions for many years through other contracts, including Fighter Jet Services (FJS) and Terminal Attack Controller Trainer (TACT) programs, this award marks a milestone. It is the first contract ATAC has received that is entirely dedicated to U.S. Marine Corps operations. This exclusivity underscores the trust the Marine Corps has placed in ATAC as a partner in preparing its aviators for the challenges of modern aerial combat.
The contract specifically supports U.S. Marine Forces Command (MARFORCOM) with F-35 Fleet ADAIR services. By providing adversary aircraft to replicate potential enemy fighters, ATAC ensures that Marine Corps pilots train against realistic scenarios, improving their ability to respond to evolving threats.
Upgraded F1 Fleet Designed for Fifth-Generation Training
ATAC’s ADAIR services will be delivered using its upgraded F1 fleet, which offers Mach 2 aerodynamic performance. To meet the unique requirements of F-35 training, these aircraft have been modernized with a suite of advanced capabilities. Among these upgrades are active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, Link 16 datalink integration, and RedWEZ software, all coordinated through a mission computer. Together, these enhancements allow ATAC aircraft to effectively replicate the capabilities of modern adversaries, providing Marine pilots with a highly credible training experience.
The upgraded F1 aircraft have already been proven in service. They have been supporting operations at Luke Air Force Base and Fort Worth for several years, where they have demonstrated reliability, affordability, and effectiveness against advanced fifth-generation platforms. These real-world results give the Marine Corps confidence that ATAC can deliver the level of realism and consistency needed for its F-35 program.
Commitment to the Mission
Scott Stacy, Senior Vice President and General Manager at ATAC, emphasized the importance of this award in a statement:
“We look forward to providing five years of high-quality, high-capability, and cost-effective Adversary Air to the USMC’s MARFORCOM F-35 aircraft at MCAS Cherry Point and MCAS Beaufort. As an industry leader in ADAIR flight services for F-35 training, ATAC is uniquely positioned to support the USMC and F-35 users globally in their training missions. The USMC has been a major user of our services on other contracts, and we are grateful for this opportunity to provide them with dedicated support.”
About ATAC
Founded nearly three decades ago, Airborne Tactical Advantage Company is widely regarded as the global leader in tactical airborne training. The company pioneered many of the standards now used across the contracted air services industry. With a fleet of more than 100 aircraft and over 105,000 accumulated flight hours, ATAC has delivered training support for the U.S. Department of Defense across a broad spectrum of missions.
ATAC operates worldwide, with deployments in the continental United States, Hawaii, and throughout the Western Pacific. Each year, the company provides services at as many as 25 different air bases, working with crews from the U.S. Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Its ability to deploy quickly and adapt to different operational environments makes it an essential partner in ensuring the readiness of U.S. military aviators.
About Textron Systems
ATAC’s parent company, Textron Systems, is a global leader in defense and aerospace solutions. Its portfolio spans a wide range of domains, including uncrewed systems for air, land, and sea; advanced propulsion technologies; weapon and electronic systems; and training and simulation. Textron Systems integrates decades of experience from its family of brands, which include Howe & Howe, Lycoming, and ATAC. By combining innovation with proven operational expertise, Textron Systems delivers tailored solutions to support military customers worldwide.
Strengthening Marine Corps Training for the Future
The award of this $198 million contract highlights the growing importance of contracted adversary air services in maintaining pilot readiness. For the Marine Corps, operating the F-35—the most advanced fighter in its arsenal—requires equally advanced training environments. By working with ATAC, the USMC ensures that its pilots are not only trained to fly the F-35, but also prepared to maximize its capabilities in real-world combat scenarios.
As the contract moves forward, ATAC will play a central role in shaping the training experience for Marine aviators on the East Coast. With its upgraded fleet, global expertise, and proven track record, the company is positioned to deliver realistic, cost-effective, and mission-critical adversary training that will strengthen U.S. defense capabilities well into the future.
