International Defense & Aerospace Group (“IDAG”), a leading provider of global aviation solutions, announced that it has acquired Ace Aeronautics, LLC (“Ace”) based in Guntersville, Alabama.

Ace is known for providing Service Life Extension & Upgrades for UH-60 Blackhawks to global customers, including the Austrian Air Force. Ace Aeronautics is a holder of FAA Restricted Category Type Certificate R00005RC to enable UH-60 Black Hawk civilian operation and multiple STC’s including VL-60 full glass cockpit retrofit for UH-60.

“Ace is a world-class refurbished Blackhawk provider whose operations complement IDAG’s portfolio perfectly,” said Bob Caldwell, founder of IDAG. “IDAG now has a vertically integrated supply chain, at a time when the global aviation market—particularly in Europe—needs cost-effective options to replace obsolescing Russian-made helicopters.”

Ace is the latest addition into the IDAG Group of companies which includes U.S. Aviation Training Solutions (formerly Bristow Academy), a helicopter and fixed-wing flight school based in Titusville, Florida, and several European subsidiaries.