Antenna Research Associates and Empower RF Systems agreed to merge, combining antenna technology with high-power radio frequency and microwave amplifier capabilities. ARA is a portfolio company of OceanSound Partners and provides integrated RF and advanced communications solutions for aerospace and defense applications.
Empower RF designs and manufactures high-power solid-state RF and microwave amplifiers.
The merger combines ARA’s antenna and aperture engineering with Empower RF’s amplifier technology.
The companies are targeting applications including counter-unmanned aircraft systems, electronic warfare, resilient communications, radar, satellite communications, and other contested-spectrum missions.
The combination is intended to create an integrated RF platform capable of supporting customers from antenna and amplifier development through larger communications and network systems.
ARA said defense customers are increasingly seeking systems capable of operating in congested and contested electromagnetic environments.
Demand is also increasing for high-power RF equipment that can support counter-UAS operations and tactical communications.
The combined company plans to use its expanded engineering capabilities and manufacturing resources to accelerate product development and increase production capacity.
KEY QUOTES:
“Our goal is to build a category leader in RF solutions: a single partner that can take a customer from antenna to amplifier to network across defense, space, and national security missions.”
Bill Gattle, President and CEO of Antenna Research Associates
“Empower RF is a natural fit. Its amplifier technology is proven in demanding environments, and inside contested spectrum, power and aperture cannot be engineered in isolation.”
Bill Gattle, President and CEO of Antenna Research Associates
“Our team has spent more than two decades building amplifiers for critical missions where performance cannot be compromised.”
Jon Jacocks, CEO of Empower RF Systems
“Bringing our engineers together with ARA’s gives us the scale and the antenna expertise to take our combined capabilities to more platforms and customers.”
Jon Jacocks, CEO of Empower RF Systems
