October 8, 2025
GALT Aerospace has been awarded a potential five-year, $145.5 million contract from the U.S. Marine Corps to produce and supply up to 20 SkyTower II Airborne Network Extension systems. The deal also includes engineering and logistics support for the Marine Air Ground Task Force Unmanned Expeditionary Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MUX/MALE) program under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity agreement.
According to the Department of Defense, the Naval Air Systems Command will manage the contract and allocate funds as task orders are issued. Work will be carried out primarily in San Diego, California, with additional activities in Hawaii, Maryland, Arizona, and other overseas locations.
About SkyTower II
The SkyTower II platform acts as a podded communications gateway designed to maintain connectivity and relay data across domains in contested or denied environments. It enhances mission-critical communication by serving as a bridge between air and ground components, enabling greater command, control, and situational awareness for military forces.
Integrated with the MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle, SkyTower II allows the drone to function as an “airborne quarterback,” linking multiple mission elements and supporting multidomain operations.
“Our team continues to expand our capabilities in support of the warfighter,” said Dave Webb, president and chief operations officer at GALT Aerospace. “The MQ-9A’s role as an airborne quarterback is transformative for ISR missions, and SkyTower II ensures the MUX/MALE program reaches its full potential.”
Company Background
Based in San Diego, GALT Aerospace is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business specializing in airborne systems. The company focuses on integrating commercial innovation into defense engineering, developing mission-driven technologies that strengthen U.S. military operations.