Antenna Research Associates (ARA), a provider of antennas, tactical RF systems and advanced communications solutions for aerospace and defense, has announced a merger with Empower RF Systems, a manufacturer of high-power solid-state RF and microwave amplifiers. The combination brings together two established RF technology companies to create a broader platform spanning high-power amplification, antenna systems and integrated communications solutions for defense, space and national security applications.
ARA, an OceanSound Partners portfolio company, specializes in advanced antennas, apertures and RF subsystems, while Empower RF develops high-power solid-state amplifiers used in demanding military and commercial applications. By combining these capabilities, the companies aim to provide more integrated RF solutions, bringing together technologies that are often developed and supplied separately.
The merger comes amid increasing demand for high-power RF technologies across several important defense and satellite communications markets. These include counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS), electronic warfare (EW), satellite communications (SATCOM), radar and threat simulation. Such applications require RF systems that can generate, amplify, transmit and receive signals reliably, often while operating in contested electromagnetic environments.
One of the key areas of opportunity is counter-UAS and electronic warfare, where high-power RF amplifiers and advanced antenna systems are critical components. RF power amplification determines the strength of transmitted signals, while antenna design influences how that energy is directed and delivered. Bringing these capabilities together allows the combined engineering teams to develop more closely integrated solutions for applications where RF power, antenna performance and system size must be considered together.
Satellite communications represents another important market for the combined company. The rapid expansion of satellite constellations is increasing demand for RF power amplifiers, antennas and supporting ground infrastructure. Empower RF’s amplifier technologies, combined with ARA’s antenna and subsystem expertise, will enable the companies to address a wider range of SATCOM ground-system requirements.
The combination is also relevant to radar and threat simulation, where high-power RF amplification and antenna performance are essential for generating and controlling RF signals. ARA’s experience developing antennas and apertures for platforms with demanding size, weight, power and cost requirements complements Empower RF’s established amplifier portfolio.
Beyond expanding its product capabilities, the merger combines the engineering resources of both companies. ARA intends to use this broader technical base to accelerate the development and delivery of integrated RF solutions, particularly for defense programs requiring qualified hardware, faster deployment and scalable production.
“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,” said Bill Gattle, President and CEO of ARA. “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. Together, we will put more capable RF solutions into the hands of the warfighter.”
“Our team has spent more than two decades building amplifiers for critical missions where performance cannot be compromised,” said Jon Jacocks, CEO of Empower RF. “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.”
“Empower RF’s and ARA’s engineers share the same mission focus, and together they will be a stronger company than either would be alone,” said Gattle. “This combination is an important step in ARA’s growth and is a key addition to the platform we are building at ARA, and we will keep adding technology that sets ARA apart and which enables it to deliver high performance communication solutions where it matters most.”
ARA and Empower RF will showcase their combined capabilities at the AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition 2026, taking place October 12–14 in Washington, D.C. Visitors can meet the companies at Booth 3055.
Click here to learn more about Antenna Research Associates (ARA).