Castle Microwave
Castle Microwave is a UK-based specialist distributor of RF and Microwave components (DC to 110GHz) and value-added engineering services provider, serving defense, aerospace, space, communications, and industrial customers as a subsidiary of Connexion Technologies.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1981
- HeadquartersNewbury, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Castle Microwave does
Castle Microwave Limited is a UK-based specialist distributor and value-added engineering company focused on RF, microwave, and fibre components and systems, founded in 1981 and headquartered in Newbury, Berkshire. The company operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Connexion Technologies and represents an extensive portfolio of leading principals (Polyfet, NuWaves, MVG, MTI Wireless, CAES, MACOM, Kaelus, X-Microwave, Frontgrade, InPhenix, Anritsu, EmpowerRF and others), offering products spanning DC to 110GHz across transistors, diodes, amplifiers, connectors, cables, antennas, rotary joints, waveguides, optical devices, and EMC test equipment. Core products include the Kaelus iVA Cable & Antenna Analyser as a flagship instrument, alongside distributed components from each principal partner.
Beyond distribution, Castle Microwave operates a custom RF PCB and RF PCA manufacturing service at its Riverside Industrial Park facility and a separate Castle Cables production unit, providing bespoke RF assemblies for defense and aerospace programs with 15+ year lifecycle requirements. The company also designs, manufactures, and installs anechoic chambers and EMC test equipment. Its go-to-market is sales-led, B2B enterprise, quote-based with multi-year contracts, serving primary verticals of defense (airborne, land, marine), aerospace, communications and broadcast, and secondary verticals including space, industrial, medical, oil & gas, power, security, transportation, and electric vehicle compliance testing. The business model combines hardware distribution margin (product resale from principals) with higher-margin custom manufacturing and value-added engineering services (calibration, installation, consultancy, repair, training). Revenue is not publicly disclosed; no funding rounds or institutional investors are recorded. Certifications include ISO 9001:2015 and Cyber Essentials, supporting qualification into high-reliability defense and aerospace supply chains.
Castle Microwave firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Castle Microwave
- Legal name
- Castle Microwave Limited
- Website
- https://castlemicrowave.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1981
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Castle Microwave is a UK-based specialist distributor of RF and Microwave components (DC to 110GHz) and value-added engineering services provider, serving defense, aerospace, space, communications, and industrial customers as a subsidiary of Connexion Technologies.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Castle Microwave industry classification
Industry- Product category
- RF & Microwave Components Distribution
- NAICS
- Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334290), Electrical Equipment Manufacturing (3353), Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing (33422)
- SIC
- Radio & Tv Broadcasting & Communications Equipment (3663), Electrical Industrial Apparatus (3620), Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Military Power Supplies, RF/Microwave Components & Ruggedized Electronics (IMABAGAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- RF & Microwave Connectors and Coaxial Assemblies (HDAHAOAD), Coaxial, RF & Specialty Signal Cable (IMADAMAE), RF, Antennas & Wireless Components Retail (CRACAKAM)
Keywords
Where Castle Microwave is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Newbury
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Castle Microwave business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- RF & Microwave Component Distribution: Distribution of state-of-the-art RF, microwave and fibre components from PCB to system level for the electronics marketplace, available from DC to 110GHz.
- Custom Manufacturing: Custom manufacturing services including RF PCB and RF PCA manufacturing for specialized applications.
- Value Added Engineering Services: Engineering services including after-sales service & repair, consultancy, hardware calibration, installation, program & project management, test & measurement, and training.
- Specialist Equipment Distribution: Distribution of specialist equipment including tower-mounted amplifiers, test & measurement equipment, antenna test ranges, and anechoic chambers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | B2B enterprise sales - pricing upon request |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels3 records
Castle Microwave product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Castle Microwave distributes RF and microwave components spanning DC to 110GHz and provides value-added engineering services, including custom manufacturing, cable and antenna assembly, and anechoic chamber / EMC design, for customers in defense, aerospace, communications, industrial, and medical markets. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified and operates as a specialized UK distributor augmented by in-house engineering and low-to-mid volume custom build capability.
Product overview
Castle Microwave is a UK-based distributor and value-added engineering company specializing in RF, Microwave, and Fibre components and systems. The company operates as a multi-brand portfolio offering both proprietary services and products from multiple manufacturer principals. The core offering spans from discrete components (transistors, diodes, amplifiers, connectors, cables) through to integrated subsystems (anechoic chambers, antenna measurement systems, test equipment). Key product lines include the Kaelus iVA Cable & Antenna Analyser as a flagship instrument product, alongside extensive component distribution from principals such as Polyfet (transistors), NuWaves (RF systems), MVG (EMC/test systems), MTI Wireless (antennas), CAES (military/space RF), and InPhenix (optical components). Services include custom RF PCB/PCA manufacturing and value-added engineering covering calibration, installation, and consultancy. The portfolio covers frequencies from DC to 110GHz across military, aerospace, space, industrial, medical, and communications sectors.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- RF & Microwave Components Discrete and active RF/microwave components (amplifiers, transistors, diodes, etc.) distributed across a DC-to-110GHz frequency range for use in defense, aerospace, communications, industrial, and medical RF systems.
- Cable & Interconnect RF cable assemblies and interconnect products supplied to system integrators and OEMs building wired RF signal paths.
- Systems & Sub-systems Higher-level integrated RF/microwave systems and sub-assemblies (including products such as the Kaelus iVA Cable & Antenna Analyser) for OEM and field-test applications.
- Chambers & EMC Anechoic chambers and EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) solutions for customers requiring controlled RF test and measurement environments.
- Custom Manufacturing Bespoke custom manufacturing service covering RF PCB/PCA assembly, cable and antenna builds, and other low-to-mid volume production runs for OEM and integrator customers.
- Value Added Engineering Specialist RF/microwave engineering services including design consultancy, calibration, repair, and test support, sold alongside distribution to assist customers with integration and qualification.
Quantifiable outcome
- Products support military applications with lifetime cycles exceeding 15 years
Companies that use Castle Microwave
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments14 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Castle Microwave technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Castle Microwave partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- PolyfetcorePolyfet has been shipping High Power RF Mosfet Transistors since 1988 using LDMOS and VDMOS silicon gate technologies. Castle Microwave is the UK's leading transistor supplier through this partnership, offering broadband RF power MOSFET transistors, GaN transistors, LDMOS transistors, VDMOS transistors, and RF power modules.
- NuWaves EngineeringcoreNuWaves is an RF power-house delivering RF Products and Engineering Design Services. They are a turnkey provider for RF/Microwave and Wireless communication custom designs with full project management. Castle Microwave distributes their RF upconverters, downconverters, Low Noise/Power/Bidirectional Power Amplifiers, RF filters, preselectors, tuners, and RF photonics products.
- MVG (Microwave Vision Group)coreMVG has over 30 years of experience unifying skills of four industry leaders (SATIMO, ORBIT/FR, AEMI, RAINFORD EMC). They specialize in antenna measurement, EMC testing, anechoic chambers, RF safety, and positioning equipment. Castle Microwave distributes their products as the UK's leading EMC supplier.
- MTI Wireless Edge LimitedcoreBased in Israel, MTI Wireless develops and produces high quality antennas and radomes for commercial and military applications. Castle Microwave is the UK's leading antenna supplier through this partnership, offering broadband, tactical and specialized communications antennas for ground, airborne, naval and submarine platforms.
- InPhenixminorInPhenix is a leading developer and manufacturer of Indium-Phosphide (InP) and Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) based active optoelectronic chips and modules. Castle Microwave distributes their Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers (SOAs), Superluminescent Diodes (SLDs), and swept wavelength light sources.
- CAES (formerly Cobham Advanced Electronic Systems)coreCAES provides innovative, reliable components and sub-systems for military and Hi-Rel space sectors including Electronic Warfare, Communications, Radar, Missile and Space applications. Castle Microwave is the UK's leading CAES supplier, offering rotary joints, waveguide products, frequency converters, couplers, detectors, antenna positioners, data links, and telemetry products.
- KaeluscoreKaelus specializes in RF conditioning and test equipment including iVA cable and antenna analysers, iPA PIM analysers, and iBA PIM analysers. Castle Microwave distributes their products and provides case study support.
- X-MicrowavecoreX-Microwave offers modular microwave components and systems. Castle Microwave provides their data sheets, product selection guides, and design tools including Quick Turn Design, Drop-in Flexibility, Quick Turn Filters, X-MWprobe, X-MWsystem, Prototype Station, and Online Simulator.
- MACOMcoreMACOM is a leader in RF, microwave, and millimeter wave semiconductors. Castle Microwave distributes MACOM products and provides data sheets and product selection guides.
- AnritsuminorAnritsu provides test and measurement solutions. Castle Microwave distributes their products as part of their RF test equipment portfolio.
- FrontgradecoreFrontgrade provides high reliability RF and microwave solutions for space, defense, and commercial applications.
- EmpowerRF SystemsminorEmpowerRF Systems provides RF power amplifier systems. Castle Microwave distributes their products including RF power amplifier systems for mil-standard testing applications.
- Connexion TechnologiescoreCastle Microwave Limited is identified as 'A Connexion Technologies Company', indicating a parent company or strategic group relationship.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves1 record
Expansion highlights5 records
Castle Microwave competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Mini-Circuits: Designer, manufacturer, and distributor of RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave components. Overlaps with Castle Microwave on component categories (amplifiers, mixers, filters) and serves many of the same defense, aerospace, and test & measurement customers.
- Pasternack: US-based specialist RF/microwave components, connectors, cable assemblies, and test equipment distributor. Closely comparable product portfolio and target customer base in defense, aerospace, and test & measurement.
- RFMW: Specialist RF and microwave component distributor focused on semiconductors, passives, and subsystems for defense, aerospace, and commercial wireless. Direct competitor in the niche RF distribution space with overlapping principals.
- Fairview Microwave: Supplier of RF and microwave components including connectors, cable assemblies, adapters, antennas, and test equipment. Closely comparable product catalog and target applications in defense, aerospace, and wireless infrastructure.
- Radiall: Manufacturer and supplier of RF connectors, cable assemblies, antennas, and microwave components for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. Comparable on the connector and cable assembly side of Castle Microwave's portfolio.
Broad incumbents
- Mouser Electronics: Global electronic component distributor with deep RF/microwave catalog. Overlaps with Castle Microwave on MACOM, Anritsu, and similar principals but competes as a broad-line catalog distributor rather than a UK-focused specialist with engineering services.
- RS Group (RS Components / Allied Electronics): UK-headquartered global industrial and electronics distributor carrying RF components and test equipment. Comparable distribution business model, though RS Group is far larger, broader in scope, and serves industrial customers alongside defense.
- Farnell / element14 (Premier Farnell): UK-based multi-channel electronic component distributor with overlapping RF/microwave product lines and engineering resources. Direct comparability on distribution model and UK customer base, though Premier Farnell operates at much greater scale.
- Digi-Key Electronics: Global broad-line electronic component distributor with substantial RF/microwave coverage. Competes with Castle Microwave on catalog breadth, pricing, and lead times but lacks the UK specialist engineering-service positioning for defense primes.
Regional players
- Spectrum Control (API Technologies): US-based designer and manufacturer of RF/microwave components, filters, and subsystems for defense, aerospace, and industrial customers. Comparable customer verticals and product categories though primarily a manufacturer rather than distributor.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Castle Microwave social profiles
Digital presenceCastle Microwave financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Castle Microwave leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Castle Microwave subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Castle Microwave funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Castle Microwave M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Castle Microwave
What does Castle Microwave do?
Castle Microwave distributes RF and microwave components spanning DC to 110GHz and provides value-added engineering services, including custom manufacturing, cable and antenna assembly, and anechoic chamber / EMC design, for customers in defense, aerospace, communications, industrial, and medical markets. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified and operates as a specialized UK distributor augmented by in-house engineering and low-to-mid volume custom build capability.
Is Castle Microwave a public or private company?
Castle Microwave is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Castle Microwave founded?
Castle Microwave was founded in 1981. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Castle Microwave based?
Castle Microwave is headquartered in Newbury, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Castle Microwave make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. RF & Microwave Component Distribution is the primary driver. The others are custom Manufacturing, value Added Engineering Services and specialist Equipment Distribution.
Who are Castle Microwave's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Mini-Circuits, Pasternack, RFMW, Fairview Microwave and Radiall. Broad incumbents are Mouser Electronics, RS Group (RS Components / Allied Electronics), Farnell / element14 (Premier Farnell) and Digi-Key Electronics. Spectrum Control (API Technologies) is listed as a regional player.
Does Castle Microwave have an API?
No public API is recorded for Castle Microwave.
What industry is Castle Microwave in?
Castle Microwave's product category is RF & Microwave Components Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAGAJ, Military Power Supplies, RF/Microwave Components & Ruggedized Electronics, with a secondary code of HDAHAOAD, RF & Microwave Connectors and Coaxial Assemblies. Its NAICS code is 334290 and its SIC code is 3663.