Charlotte, North Carolina, January 21, 2026
In a transformative move for the defense technology sector, John H. Northrop & Associates, Coherent Technical Services, and EXPANSIA Group have merged. This collaboration aims to strengthen national security by leveraging advanced capabilities such as AI, digital engineering, and advanced fabrication. Led by Ian Northrop, the new organization seeks to enhance support for warfighters across the mission lifecycle and stimulate economic growth through innovative solutions.
Charlotte’s New Defense Powerhouse: A Merger for Innovation
John H. Northrop & Associates, Coherent Technical Services, and EXPANSIA Group join forces to elevate defense technology capabilities.
Charlotte, North Carolina – In a significant move for the national defense technology landscape, John H. Northrop & Associates (JHNA), Coherent Technical Services (CTSi), and EXPANSIA Group (EXPANSIA) announced their merger on January 20, 2026. This collaboration is set to enhance support for warfighters, operators, and program offices, leveraging their collective expertise in digital engineering, modeling, simulation, and advanced fabrication.
This merger exemplifies a robust commitment to improve national security through innovation. As these three firms unite, their blended capabilities will allow for comprehensive support across the entire acquisition and mission lifecycle—from research and development to sustainment and readiness. Ultimately, fostering such consolidations can help streamline efforts within the defense sector, encouraging a more efficient allocation of resources and talent, which is critical in today’s fast-paced technological landscape.
The Power of Combined Expertise
The newly formed organization aims to tackle modernization and readiness challenges that span land, sea, air, and space missions. Key to this strategy is the integration of advanced capabilities in areas such as artificial intelligence, human-machine collaboration, modular open systems architecture, and additive manufacturing. This carefully curated combination of resources positions the new company to address the pressing needs of the defense sector effectively.
Strengthening National Defense
Ian Northrop, the new leader of the merged entity, has highlighted the strategic alignment of talent, culture, and mission focus across the consolidated workforce. This approach emphasizes the importance of unity in pursuing critical defense priorities, including autonomy, unmanned systems development, and contested logistics—areas that are increasingly vital in modern warfare.
Economic Investment and Growth
This merger represents the fifth investment in the federal government services and technology sector by Falfurrias Capital Partners. The firm’s operational focus aligns well with the goals of the newly formed company, aiming to harness the expertise of its board members to foster growth and innovation within the defense industry. With over 525 professionals now engaged across key defense hubs, including San Diego, California, this consolidation is expected to stimulate job creation and economic activity in the regions where these professionals are located.
Facility Enhancements
The combined organization operates out of a state-of-the-art 100,000-square-foot prototyping and fabrication facility in Patuxent River, Maryland. This facility is designed to support rapid prototyping, testing, and full-rate manufacturing, which will be essential for transitioning innovations into operational use for defense missions.
The Path Forward
By merging forces, JHNA, CTSi, and EXPANSIA are setting a precedent in the defense technology space, emphasizing collaborative efforts to improve national security. As the private sector continues to play a pivotal role in innovation and military support, such mergers reflect the potential for enhanced defense capabilities in a global landscape increasingly characterized by technological advancement and strategic competition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What companies are involved in the merger?
The merger involves John H. Northrop & Associates (JHNA), Coherent Technical Services (CTSi), and EXPANSIA Group (EXPANSIA).
What is the purpose of the merger?
The purpose of the merger is to form a new national defense technology company that enhances support for warfighters, operators, and program offices through expertise in digital engineering, full-spectrum modeling and simulation, and advanced fabrication.
What are the key capabilities of the new organization?
The new organization will provide comprehensive support across the entire acquisition and mission lifecycle, integrating capabilities in artificial intelligence, human-machine teaming, modular open systems architecture, integrated digital environments, and additive manufacturing.
Who is leading the new company?
Ian Northrop is the newly appointed leader of the platform company.
What is the role of Falfurrias Capital Partners in this merger?
Falfurrias Capital Partners is the private equity firm backing the merger, representing the fifth platform investment within its federal government services and technology investment campaign.
Where are the operations of the new company based?
The combined organization employs more than 525 professionals operating from key defense hubs, including Newport News, Virginia; Patuxent River, Maryland; Huntsville, Alabama; Nashua, New Hampshire; and San Diego, California.
What is the significance of the merger for the defense technology sector?
This strategic merger aims to strengthen the capabilities of the defense technology sector, providing enhanced support and innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of national security missions.
Key Features of the Merger
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Companies Involved | John H. Northrop & Associates (JHNA), Coherent Technical Services (CTSi), and EXPANSIA Group (EXPANSIA) |
| Purpose | To form a new national defense technology company enhancing support for warfighters, operators, and program offices |
| Key Capabilities | Digital engineering, full-spectrum modeling and simulation, advanced fabrication, artificial intelligence, human-machine teaming, modular open systems architecture, integrated digital environments, and additive manufacturing |
| Leadership | Ian Northrop as the newly appointed leader of the platform company |
| Backing Firm | Falfurrias Capital Partners |
| Operational Hubs | Newport News, Virginia; Patuxent River, Maryland; Huntsville, Alabama; Nashua, New Hampshire; and San Diego, California |
| Facility | 100,000-square-foot advanced prototyping and fabrication facility in Patuxent River, Maryland |
| Significance | Strengthening the capabilities of the defense technology sector to meet the evolving needs of national security missions |
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