Reston, Va. – September 22, 2026 -- Leidos Holdings (NYSE: LDOS) secured a U.S. Army contract worth up to $127 million to continue operating the Airborne Reconnaissance and Targeting Exploitation Multi-Mission Intelligence System (ARTEMIS) through summer 2027, with two additional option years.
Contract extends airborne ISR coverage across U.S. European Command area
The award keeps ARTEMIS flying rapidly deployable intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions within the EUCOM area of responsibility, with capacity to shift to other regions when required. Leidos has run the mission since 2020, supplying commanders with real-time data to detect threats and speed operational decisions.
Modified Bombardier Challenger 650 anchors contractor-owned, contractor-operated model
Leidos delivers ARTEMIS as a full Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated (CO/CO) capability, supplying the aircraft, mission systems, flight operations, and support services built around a modified Bombardier Challenger 650. What began as a technology demonstrator has become a globally deployable, high-altitude ISR platform capable of supporting operations across multiple theaters.
Award routes through Army's CHS-6 next-generation procurement vehicle
The contract was issued under the Army's Common Hardware Systems-6 (CHS) prime contract, which enables rapid procurement of C5ISR hardware and services for the Army, other U.S. military branches, and federal agencies.
Jason McCarthy, Leidos senior vice president for Airborne & Mission Solutions, said ARTEMIS pairs commercial aircraft flexibility with military-grade sensing to deliver intelligence wherever commanders need it, adding that the capability helps the Army stay ahead of evolving threats.
Deal expands Leidos' Defense Tech and Mission & Digital Solutions portfolio under NorthStar 2030
The extension advances Leidos' NorthStar 2030 strategy by broadening its airborne ISR and decision-advantage offerings for defense customers navigating increasingly complex security environments.