Costa Mesa-based Anduril Industries has acquired Popoto Modem, a company based in Massachusetts specializing in underwater acoustics. The acquisition is intended to accelerate Anduril’s efforts in developing, producing, and deploying its growing fleet of autonomous underwater systems.
Anduril, a defense contractor with a significant presence in the Orange County area, formally announced the deal on Oct. 2. According to the company, this strategic move aims to enhance its autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) by enabling them to communicate effectively with each other, with surface vessels, and with other military assets while operating beneath the ocean's surface. Popoto Modem’s specialized technology provides the crucial acoustic communication infrastructure necessary for such complex operations.
The integration of Popoto Modem’s capabilities is expected to support the large-scale deployment of autonomous fleets. Prior to the acquisition, the two companies had already established a working relationship that spanned more than a year. During this collaboration, Anduril had successfully integrated Popoto Modem’s acoustic modems into several of its existing maritime products. These modems were specifically noted for their lower cost, suggesting an emphasis on efficiency and accessibility in the development of undersea communication solutions.
A primary goal articulated by Anduril for this acquisition is to fast-track the scaling of its Copperhead family of autonomous underwater vehicles. These AUVs are a key focus for the defense contractor, currently under development for deployment in large, coordinated groups. The design envisions these extensive fleets being managed by a single operator, making robust and reliable underwater communication essential for command, control, and data exchange among the vehicles.
The acquisition also serves to extend Anduril’s Lattice networking capabilities. Traditionally applied to systems operating above the waterline, these networking solutions are now slated for integration into subsea systems. This expansion aims to create a unified and resilient communication framework that spans both surface and underwater environments, thereby broadening the scope and effectiveness of Anduril's defense technology offerings.
Anduril specifically stated that acquiring Popoto Modem enables the company to integrate these advanced functionalities into its subsea operations. The overarching objective is to unlock an "affordable undersea communications mesh network"—a critical element for the scalable deployment of autonomous systems in marine environments. This focus on affordability, alongside advanced networking, highlights Anduril’s strategy to make sophisticated autonomous defense technologies more accessible and widely deployable.
This development reflects ongoing advancements within the defense technology sector, particularly in the local Orange County business landscape. With this acquisition, Anduril Industries aims to solidify its position in the rapidly evolving field of autonomous systems, further expanding its capabilities and product lines for defense applications from its Costa Mesa base. The integration is set to advance the operational readiness and networked capabilities of its autonomous fleets, particularly those designed for underwater missions.