Attalon Taps Defense Architect to Supercharge Directed Energy Push

PHILADELPHIA, PA – June 01, 2026 – Attalon, Inc., a defense technology firm specializing in advanced optical and laser systems, has appointed Jonathan Moneymaker to its Board of Directors, a strategic move signaling an aggressive push to scale its production of next-generation weaponry. Moneymaker, the former CEO of BlueHalo, is widely regarded as a key architect in the modern defense-tech landscape, known for rapidly transforming innovative companies into major suppliers for national security missions.

The appointment comes as Attalon, backed by private equity giant Advent International, aims to accelerate the delivery of directed energy, precision optics, and advanced coating technologies to the U.S. military and its allies.

“The defense industrial base is being retooled in real time. The winners will innovate faster, scale manufacturing capacity quicker, and deliver reliable technology to the field,” said John Bergeron, Chief Executive Officer of Attalon. “Jonathan has done that repeatedly. He understands how to turn differentiated and disruptive technology into operational capability, and his experience will be invaluable as Attalon expands production for high-energy laser platforms moving rapidly from prototype to fielded capability for the warfighters.”

A Proven Architect for an Accelerating Market

Jonathan Moneymaker’s reputation as a "defense-tech architect" is backed by a formidable track record. As CEO of BlueHalo, he steered the company through a period of explosive growth, establishing it as a market leader in directed energy and counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS). Under his leadership, BlueHalo’s revenue surged from approximately $660 million in 2021 to an estimated $900 million in 2024.

This expansion was fueled by strategic acquisitions, including the 2021 purchase of Citadel Defense, which integrated advanced cUAS technology into BlueHalo’s portfolio. The move was pivotal, allowing the company to deliver over 1,000 of its Titan cUAS systems to the field by late 2024. Moneymaker's strategy culminated in the $4.1 billion acquisition of BlueHalo by AeroVironment, cementing his legacy of building high-value, mission-focused enterprises. His career also includes leadership roles at Boeing and Altamira Technologies, consistently focused on delivering advanced platforms for the most demanding national security customers.

"Attalon has a rare combination of deep technical heritage, a mission-focused disruptive mindset, and U.S.-based manufacturing with the ability to scale to meet the ever-increasing demand signal of our warfighters,” Moneymaker stated, underscoring his belief in the company's potential.

Attalon’s Mission Since Rebirth

Moneymaker joins a company in the midst of its own strategic transformation. Attalon, Inc. was re-established in 2025 after private equity firm Advent International acquired the Aerospace & Defense business from Coherent Corp. for $400 million. The move was designed to carve out the specialized unit from its commercially focused parent, creating an agile, independent platform dedicated solely to defense missions.

Led by CEO John Bergeron, a 35-year industry veteran from CACI and Raytheon, Attalon has focused its investments on three critical areas:
* Precision Optics: Developing high-performance optical systems for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting (ISR&T).
* Directed Energy & Advanced Lasers: Producing beam-combined lasers, pulsed lasers, and precision gimbals for advanced weapon systems.
* Precision Coatings: Manufacturing advanced coatings essential for the durability and performance of modern military hardware in harsh environments.

Since its relaunch, the company has been investing heavily in R&D and manufacturing capacity to meet the growing demand for its core technologies, which are already embedded in aircraft, satellites, and missile systems. Moneymaker's appointment is a clear indicator that Attalon is preparing to move from a component supplier to a leader in integrated, next-generation defense systems.

The New Defense Industrial Base: Speed, Scale, and Private Equity

Attalon’s strategy and Moneymaker's appointment are emblematic of a larger shift within the defense industry. Private equity firms like Advent International are playing an increasingly crucial role, injecting capital and strategic leadership to create more nimble and innovative defense contractors capable of out-pacing traditional development cycles.

Advent has been a major force in this trend, deploying over $15 billion in the defense sector since 2020. Its portfolio includes significant players like geospatial intelligence firm Maxar Technologies, acquired for $6.4 billion, and a recent major investment in AI-autonomy company Shield AI. By backing Attalon, Advent is betting it can replicate this success by focusing a company with deep technical heritage on the most urgent national security challenges. This model challenges the slower, more bureaucratic structure of legacy defense primes, aiming to deliver cutting-edge technology at the speed of relevance.

This approach is vital in a security environment where technological superiority is paramount. The ability to rapidly scale production and field reliable systems is the new metric for success, a domain where Moneymaker’s experience is directly applicable.

From Lab to Battlefield: The Directed Energy Imperative

The strategic urgency behind Attalon's push is rooted in the rapidly evolving nature of modern warfare. The proliferation of inexpensive drones and sophisticated missiles has created an urgent need for new defensive capabilities. Directed energy weapons—high-energy lasers and high-power microwaves—offer a solution, providing a near-limitless magazine and low cost-per-shot to counter these threats.

The market reflects this demand. The global directed energy weapons market, valued at nearly $10 billion in 2025, is projected to soar to over $33 billion by 2034. Similarly, the counter-UAS market is expected to reach over $20 billion by 2030. Attalon is positioning itself to capture a significant share of this growth, competing with established giants like Lockheed Martin, RTX, and Northrop Grumman.

Moneymaker’s role will be to help Attalon navigate this competitive landscape, translating its advanced laser and optical components into fully operational systems that can be deployed to protect troops, bases, and critical infrastructure. His appointment is not just a personnel change; it represents a strategic alignment of proven leadership with critical technology at a moment of significant market opportunity and national need. The move reinforces Attalon’s commitment to bridging the gap between advanced prototypes and fielded capabilities that provide a decisive advantage to the warfighter.