Pacific Defense
Pacific Defense designs and manufactures CMOSS/SOSA-aligned modular open-systems hardware, software, and integrated mission systems for U.S. DoD and allied defense customers, delivering electronic warfare, SIGINT, C5ISR, and space payloads across air, land, maritime, and orbital platforms.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2020
- HeadquartersEl Segundo, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Pacific Defense does
Pacific Defense, founded in 2020 and headquartered in El Segundo, California, designs and manufactures modular open systems approach (MOSA) hardware and software for the U.S. Department of Defense and allied defense customers. The company was assembled through the 2020 acquisitions of Spectranetix (Silicon Valley-based CMOSS/SOSA systems), Spear Research (New Hampshire-based EW/SIGINT), and a minority investment in Perceptronics Solutions (AI/ML software), and operates with 101-250 employees across engineering sites in El Segundo, Sunnyvale, Falls Church, and Nashua. Its portfolio comprises CMOSS-, SOSA-, and OpenVPX-aligned plug-in cards (DSP3100VP AI-enabled digital signal processor, SDR4320VP software-defined radio up to 18 GHz, SWH1530VP dual-enclave 100G Ethernet switch, SX-124 A-PNT card, SX-620 MN-MIMO MANET card), chassis (ComScan family, RCH9140VP, SX-923), and integrated mission systems (NERVE family for tactical edge compute and C2, SABER EW/SIGINT family, Moonraker space RF payload).
The company's technology centers on a modular platform-plus-modules architecture that allows rapid hardware/software insertion without full platform replacement, aligned with the DoD's mandate for open standards. Revenue is generated primarily through U.S. DoD contracts across the Army (TITAN with Palantir, CMFF MCI), Navy (multiple ONR EW and AI/ML programs), Air Force ($900M AFLCMC ID/IQ ceiling, AFRL Moonraker), Marine Corps (MEGFoS SX-3000, vehicle EW prototyping), Space Force (Moonraker), and international customers via Raytheon Australia for the LAND 555 Phase 6 Bushmaster EW program. Pricing and revenue mechanics flow through Other Transaction Authority (OTA) awards, ID/IQ contract vehicles, and competitive prototyping contracts rather than commercial list pricing.
The go-to-market is direct enterprise field sales into DoD program offices and prime contractors, with delivery supported through government-sponsored demonstrations (Bold Quest 2023, Tri-Service Open Architecture Interoperability Demonstrations) and a marketing footprint concentrated in defense trade publications, press releases, and a small set of social channels. The company is privately held and backed by Emerald Lake Capital Management and HCI Equity Partners, with a Strategic Advisory Board including former Deputy Secretary of Defense David Norquist, former Deputy Under Secretary of Defense Alan Shaffer, and retired Lt. Gen. Erik Peterson.
Pacific Defense firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Pacific Defense
- Legal name
- Pacific Defense, Inc.
- Website
- https://pacific-defense.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2020
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Pacific Defense designs and manufactures CMOSS/SOSA-aligned modular open-systems hardware, software, and integrated mission systems for U.S. DoD and allied defense customers, delivering electronic warfare, SIGINT, C5ISR, and space payloads across air, land, maritime, and orbital platforms.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Pacific Defense industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Defense Electronics (Modular Open Systems / EW / SIGINT / C5ISR / Space)
- NAICS
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (33429), Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (3341), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)
- SIC
- Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Defense Software, Mission Applications & Open Architecture (MOSA) Systems (IMABAOAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Electronic Warfare (EW) & SIGINT/ELINT Systems (IMABAGAB), Naval C4ISR, Communications & Electronic Warfare (IMABAKAE), Secure Communications, Cryptography & Key Management Systems (IMABAOAK)
Keywords
Where Pacific Defense is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- El Segundo
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Pacific Defense business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Defense Government Contracts: Revenue generated through competitive government contracts with U.S. DoD agencies including U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Space Force for EW, SIGINT, C5ISR, communications, and space systems. Also includes international defense contracts such as Australia's LAND 555 Phase 6 program.
- Modular Open Systems Products: Sale of CMOSS/SOSA-aligned modular products including plug-in cards, chassis, mission systems, and software-defined radio solutions to defense primes, military groups, government agencies, and international coalition partners.
- Systems Integration Services: Engineering and integration services for CMOSS/SOSA mission systems including development, testing, demonstration, and deployment support for ground, maritime, and airborne platforms.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Government Defense Contracting |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Pacific Defense product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Pacific Defense designs, engineers, and manufactures Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) hardware and software for defense and military customers. Its portfolio includes CMOSS/SOSA/OpenVPX-aligned plug-in cards (Ethernet switches, software-defined radios, AI-enabled DSPs, A-PNT, MANET radios), ruggedized chassis, and integrated mission systems for C5ISR, Electronic Warfare, Signals Intelligence, communications, and space applications. The company operates as a prime contractor on U.S. DoD and international defense programs.
Product overview
Pacific Defense is a modular open systems approach (MOSA) technology company delivering a portfolio of CMOSS, SOSA, and OpenVPX aligned hardware and software products for C5ISR, Electronic Warfare, Signals Intelligence, and space applications across defense and commercial markets. The portfolio centers on a modular platform-plus-modules architecture: plug-in cards (DSP, SDR, Ethernet switches, PNT, MANET radio), chassis enclosures (ComScan/SX/RCH families), and integrated mission systems (NERVE family including MCS2090VP C2 system and NERVE MTEC edge compute; SABER EW/SIGINT family including EWS1090VP; Moonraker space payload). Products span AI-enabled digital signal processing (DSP3100VP), software-defined radios (SDR4320VP), dual-enclave Ethernet switches (SWH1530VP/SX-153), assured positioning/navigation/timing (SX-124), tactical edge compute (NERVE MTEC), and multi-function EW/SIGINT systems (SABER/EWS1090VP). All products are designed for interoperability and rapid technology refresh via open standards, supporting both U.S. DoD and international defense customers.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- NERVE: Networked and Encrypted Resilient Versatile Engine family of systems providing scalable communication and computation for multi-echelon, radio cross-banding, and simultaneous voice and data communications across tactical environments.
- Moonraker
- SABER
Products and services
- SWH1530VP Dual-Enclave 100G Ethernet Switch A next-generation 3U VPX dual-enclave 100/40 Gigabit Ethernet switch that combines advanced Layer 2/Layer 3 switching with physically separated network enclaves for secure, deterministic, high-performance networking in C5ISR, Electronic Warfare, and edge computing applications across air, land, and maritime military platforms.
- Moonraker Space RF Payload A space-based, reprogrammable RF payload built on MOSA principles for cislunar space situational awareness and electromagnetic spectrum operations. Leverages 3U software-defined radio and GPU technology with an open software framework supporting over-the-air software updates, on-orbit IQ data collection, and signal detection and classification.
- DSP3100VP AI-Enabled Digital Signal Processor A next-generation 3U OpenVPX digital signal processing module powered by AMD Versal AI Edge Series Gen 2 adaptive SoC with 144 AI Engine-ML v2 tiles, 2,000+ DSP engines, 80 GB LPDDR5 memory, and 100G Ethernet connectivity, providing AI/ML inference and real-time data processing for electronic warfare, signal intelligence, autonomous systems, and real-time detection and tracking at the tactical edge.
- SABER Multi-Function Electronic Warfare Product Family A multi-function Electronic Warfare and Signals Intelligence product family for multi-domain missions including counter-UAS, counter-communications, counter-IED, and counter-radar operations. The first offering is the EWS1090VP, a 9-slot 3U OpenVPX system with wideband processing, real-time signal pinpointing, and advanced electronic countermeasures, adhering to open standards for rapid upgradeability.
- SDR4320VP Software-Defined Radio A high-performance, ultra-wideband 3U OpenVPX software-defined radio transceiver supporting frequencies up to 18 GHz with 1 GHz instantaneous analog bandwidth, built on AMD Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC technology with onboard FPGA resources and data rates up to 100 Gbps, designed for electronic warfare, signals intelligence, radar, and cyber missions.
- RCH9140VP Ruggedized 14-Slot SOSA/CMOSS Chassis A ruggedized 14-slot chassis aligned with SOSA, CMOSS, and OpenVPX standards for high-performance multi-function processing in military applications, supporting rapid deployment and system flexibility.
- NERVE MTEC (Mounted Tactical Edge Compute) A 9-slot 3U OpenVPX mounted tactical edge compute system for tactical vehicles and combat environments that runs commercial off-the-shelf compute and storage plug-in cards supporting warfighting applications including MAVEN, Lattice, Instant Connect, and ATAK. Tested to MIL-STD-810 requirements and aligned with CMOSS and SOSA standards.
- MCS2090VP Multi-Waveform Command and Control Mission System A 3U OpenVPX multi-waveform command and control (C2) multi-mission, multi-domain system aligned with the SOSA Technical Standard, providing scalable communication and computation for multi-echelon, radio cross-banding, and simultaneous voice and data communications across CMOSS-based tactical radios in DDIL environments.
- SX-153 Dual Enclave 100G Ethernet Switch A ruggedized 3U OpenVPX high-speed, high-performance system switch solution capable of 40/100 Gigabit Ethernet speeds, featuring dual security enclaves with two independent Marvell Layer 2/3 switch fabric chipsets, six Data Plane fat pipe ports to the backplane, two to the front panel, and industry-first integration with third-party encryption solutions for secure communication between different security enclaves.
- SX-124 Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (A-PNT) Card A ruggedized 3U OpenVPX high-performance position, navigation, and timing solution providing timing and positioning information in GPS-denied environments through sensor fusion. Features GNSS receivers, Chip Scale Atomic Clock (CSAC), internal IMU, eleven 100 MHz and eleven 1PPS outputs in phase coherent manner, VICTORY shared PNT services, and optional M-Code GB-GRAM receiver.
- SX-620 3U OpenVPX MN-MIMO MANET Radio Card The industry's first 3U OpenVPX plug-in card integrating Silvus Technologies' MN-MIMO waveform technology (StreamCaster 4400 Enhanced / SC4200E radio module) into the SOSA Technical Standard and CMOSS ecosystem, delivering Mobile Ad Hoc Networking capabilities for mission-critical tactical edge communication systems.
- SX-923 Side-Loading SOSA/CMOSS Chassis A side-loading chassis designed for high-performance multi-function processing, aligned with CMOSS, SOSA, OpenVPX, and Standardized A-Kit/Vehicle Envelope (SAVE) technical standards, extending the ComScan chassis portfolio as a rugged, high-performance platform for ground and airborne military applications.
- SX-610 MANET CMOSS Radio Card A Mobile Ad-hoc Networking (MANET) CMOSS-aligned radio card integrated with TrellisWare Technologies' TSM waveform, enabling tactical communications via MANET protocol over UHF/L/S bands as part of the CMOSS ComScan multi-mission EW/SIGINT/COMMS/PNT system demonstrated in U.S. Army Stryker platforms under the TEM4 CS23 effort.
- SX-3000 Static Site Electronic Warfare System A SOSA-aligned and CMOSS-conformant electronic warfare system delivered under the U.S. Marine Corps' MAGTF Electronic Warfare Ground Family of Systems (MEGFoS) static site system evaluation, providing counter-IED and counter-unmanned aerial surveillance capabilities along with limited counter-communications functions.
- Systems Integration Services Engineering and integration services for CMOSS/SOSA mission systems including development, testing, demonstration, and deployment support for ground, maritime, and airborne platforms, delivered as part of Pacific Defense's defense contracting offerings.
Quantifiable outcome
- Delivered first seven CMFF MCI systems within three months of program start - unprecedented speed vs. traditional defense acquisition timelines
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Pacific Defense
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Pacific Defense technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
AI capability9 records
Feature7 records
Pacific Defense partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered key, minor, major and core.
- Lt. Gen. Erik Peterson (Ret.)keyRetired Lieutenant General appointed to Pacific Defense Strategic Advisory Board. Proven leader in Army modernization and capability development guiding Pacific Defense's efforts for multi-domain dominance and warfighting readiness.
- Silvus TechnologieskeyPartnership to bring Silvus StreamCaster MN-MIMO MANET radios to CMOSS/SOSA ecosystem through SX-620 3U OpenVPX plug-in card - industry's first integration of MN-MIMO waveform technology into SOSA-aligned systems.
- Thales Defense & Security Inc.keyPart of Pacific Defense's CMFF team pursuing U.S. Army CMOSS Mounted Form Factor program.
- BAE SystemskeyPart of Pacific Defense's CMFF team pursuing U.S. Army CMOSS Mounted Form Factor program.
- MAXISIQminorPart of Pacific Defense's CMFF team pursuing U.S. Army CMOSS Mounted Form Factor program.
- Regal Technology PartnersminorPart of Pacific Defense's CMFF team pursuing U.S. Army CMOSS Mounted Form Factor program.
- STC, an Arcfield companyminorPart of Pacific Defense's CMFF team pursuing U.S. Army CMOSS Mounted Form Factor program.
- Raytheon AustraliamajorPacific Defense signed definitive contract with Raytheon Australia to deliver force-level EW systems for Australia's LAND 555 Phase 6 program. Systems include chassis-based EW with wideband SDR and EW application software fitted to Bushmaster vehicles, interoperable with Five Eyes community systems.
- Palantir TechnologiescorePacific Defense serves as CMOSS systems engineering, integration, and deployment lead for Palantir's TITAN Prototype Maturation Phase team. TITAN is the Army's next-generation deep-sensing ground station enabled by AI/ML. Pacific Defense provides CMOSS-aligned mission capability to reduce TITAN SWAP footprint while providing modular open architecture.
- TrellisWare TechnologieskeyIntegration of TrellisWare Technologies' TSM waveform into CMOSS-aligned communications solutions. TSM waveform provides transport of voice, data, and position information over UHF/L/S bands without requiring additional infrastructure.
- Spear ResearchcorePacific Defense company focused on Electronic Warfare, Signals Intelligence, and autonomous networked sensor systems. Spear Research brings expertise in RF engineering, advanced signal processing, autonomous command and control, and system integration.
- Perceptronics SolutionscorePacific Defense affiliate company focused on AI and ML enabled solutions for tactical command and control, warfighter training, and autonomous unmanned systems. Perceptronics brings capabilities in distributed agent frameworks, Bayesian modeling, planning algorithms, and data analytics.
- SpectranetixcoreSpectranetix is a Pacific Defense company based in Silicon Valley and Seattle that builds CMOSS/SOSA systems and wireless technologies for defense primes, military groups, and government agencies. Core competencies include RF communications, EW technologies, system design, networking, and hardware/software integration.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves3 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Pacific Defense competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Mercury Systems: Mercury Systems is a leading provider of MOSA-aligned processing subsystems for aerospace and defense, including ruggedized embedded computing modules, RF/microwave components, and SOSA/OpenVPX-aligned cards—directly competing with Pacific Defense's plug-in card, chassis, and integrated mission system portfolio for C5ISR and EW applications.
- Kontron (S&T Group): Kontron provides embedded computing modules and 3U/6U VPX platforms aligned with SOSA/CMOSS standards, directly competing with Pacific Defense plug-in cards and chassis in C5ISR and tactical edge compute applications.
- Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions: Curtiss-Wright supplies ruggedized COTS-based modules, chassis, and integrated systems aligned with CMOSS/SOSA standards for defense platforms, directly competing with Pacific Defense in mounted, airborne, and naval EW/SIGINT mission computer applications.
- Elma Electronic: Elma Electronic manufactures ruggedized VPX/OpenVPX chassis and backplanes aligned with SOSA and CMOSS standards, directly competing with Pacific Defense chassis offerings for embedded defense applications.
- Leonardo DRS: Leonardo DRS produces CMOSS/SOSA-aligned hardware and is a direct competitor in U.S. Army mounted computing and EW programs, including the CMFF ecosystem where Pacific Defense has secured wins.
- Abaco Systems (AMETEK): Abaco Systems (now part of AMETEK) is a long-established supplier of ruggedized embedded computing and 3U/6U VPX boards for defense and aerospace, competing directly with Pacific Defense's plug-in card portfolio across EW and SIGINT applications.
- Pixus Technologies: Pixus Technologies supplies ruggedized OpenVPX chassis and backplanes aligned with SOSA/CMOSS standards, competing with Pacific Defense's ComScan and RCH chassis families for embedded defense platform enclosures.
Broad incumbents
- BAE Systems Electronic Systems: BAE Systems is a global defense prime and CMFF program partner with Pacific Defense; it also develops its own EW, SIGINT, and tactical communications solutions and competes for the same Army and Navy program dollars.
- L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris is a broad defense prime with major EW, SIGINT, and tactical communications portfolios. It competes with Pacific Defense across multiple Army and Navy programs and is increasingly positioning SOSA-aligned subsystems in the same procurement lanes as Pacific Defense.
Emerging players
- Annapolis Micro Systems: Annapolis Micro Systems provides high-performance FPGA-based signal processing boards and systems for EW, SIGINT, and radar applications, competing in overlapping niche use cases for SOSA-aligned high-performance DSP modules.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Pacific Defense social profiles
Digital presencePacific Defense financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Pacific Defense leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Pacific Defense subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
Pacific Defense funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Pacific Defense M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A2 records
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Pacific Defense
What does Pacific Defense do?
Pacific Defense designs, engineers, and manufactures Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) hardware and software for defense and military customers. Its portfolio includes CMOSS/SOSA/OpenVPX-aligned plug-in cards (Ethernet switches, software-defined radios, AI-enabled DSPs, A-PNT, MANET radios), ruggedized chassis, and integrated mission systems for C5ISR, Electronic Warfare, Signals Intelligence, communications, and space applications. The company operates as a prime contractor on U.S. DoD and international defense programs.
Is Pacific Defense a public or private company?
Pacific Defense is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently operating.
When was Pacific Defense founded?
Pacific Defense was founded in 2020. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Pacific Defense based?
Pacific Defense is headquartered in El Segundo, United States, in the North America region.
How does Pacific Defense make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Defense Government Contracts are the primary driver. The others are modular Open Systems Products and systems Integration Services.
Who are Pacific Defense's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Mercury Systems, Kontron (S&T Group), Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions, Elma Electronic, Leonardo DRS, Abaco Systems (AMETEK) and Pixus Technologies. Broad incumbents are BAE Systems Electronic Systems and L3Harris Technologies. Annapolis Micro Systems is listed as an emerging player.
Does Pacific Defense have an API?
No public API is recorded for Pacific Defense.
What industry is Pacific Defense in?
Pacific Defense's product category is Defense Electronics (Modular Open Systems / EW / SIGINT / C5ISR / Space). Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAOAM, Defense Software, Mission Applications & Open Architecture (MOSA) Systems, with a secondary code of IMABAGAB, Electronic Warfare (EW) & SIGINT/ELINT Systems. Its NAICS code is 334511 and its SIC code is 3812.