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Iridium Finalizes $366.7M Aireon Buy, Secures $183M Loan

7/8/2026

Summary

Iridium Acquires Aireon

Iridium completed the acquisition of the remaining 61% of Aireon for $366.7 million, gaining full ownership.
Iridium arranged a $183.36 million, one-year, zero-interest seller term loan secured by Aireon equity.
Iridium issued an unsecured parent guarantee of Aireon LLC’s obligations, consolidating the debt within Iridium’s capital structure.
Aireon’s $175 million term loan, now at $154.7 million outstanding, matures on Oct 10 2028 with interest at SOFR + 6.25% or base + 5.25%.

Summary

Iridium Sells RocketLab

Iridium’s $8 billion sale to Rocket Lab is set for the horizon, though statements warn integration challenges, constellation health and market conditions may limit benefits.
Rocket Lab targets mid-2027 closure pending approvals.
Matt Desch says Iridium will fund a space-based VHF system to reach remote airspace while Don Thoma will remain head of the owned subsidiary reporting to Desch.
Peter Beck pledged to apply magic to optimise and scale Aireon.

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Iridium Acquires Aireon

Iridium completed the acquisition of the remaining 61% of Aireon for $366.7 million, gaining full ownership.
Iridium arranged a $183.36 million, one-year, zero-interest seller term loan secured by Aireon equity.
Iridium issued an unsecured parent guarantee of Aireon LLC’s obligations, consolidating the debt within Iridium’s capital structure.
Aireon’s $175 million term loan, now at $154.7 million outstanding, matures on Oct 10 2028 with interest at SOFR + 6.25% or base + 5.25%.

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