AI defense startup Anduril to acquire Ireland-based Klas to strengthen its autonomous warfare systems

Anduril Industries, the defense startup known for building AI-driven battlefield systems, is acquiring Ireland-based Klas to strengthen its autonomous warfare capabilities. Anduril announced Monday that it has signed a deal to acquire Klas, a company that makes rugged communications gear used by military forces worldwide.

The terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, and it still needs regulatory approval. But the aim is clear: Anduril wants to beef up its autonomous warfare capabilities by combining its software with Klas’s field-ready hardware.

In a news release on its site, the Peter Thiel-backed tech startup said:

“Anduril Industries today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Klas, a global leader in edge computing and tactical communications. The acquisition, pending regulatory approval, brings Klas’ rugged hardware into Anduril’s portfolio of autonomous systems and connected warfare capabilities—delivering faster, more resilient and seamlessly integrated solutions for operations in harsh conditions at the tactical edge.” 

Anduril to Acquire Klas to Boost AI Battlefield Tech and Drone Communications

Anduril Drone

Klas isn’t some scrappy newcomer. The company has been around for over three decades and has built rugged computers and networking equipment that work in the harshest environments—places where there’s no power grid or cell signal. That kind of gear makes it possible for troops to stay connected and operate drones in the field.

Once the deal closes, Anduril plans to integrate Klas’s hardware into Lattice, its central software platform that stitches together data from drones, sensors, and other unmanned systems. Lattice acts like a digital command center, giving military operators a live view of the battlefield and helping humans and machines work in sync.

Klas employs around 150 people and will continue operating from its existing locations in Ireland and the U.S. Anduril also plans to ramp up manufacturing capacity to meet growing demand.

This marks Anduril’s ninth acquisition since it was founded in 2017, according to Reuters. The company has been steadily gaining ground in the defense space, competing with players like Palantir and SpaceX. Last month, Reuters reported that the three firms are in the running to support a key part of the “Golden Dome” missile defense program, which originated under President Trump.

Anduril has also been raising capital behind the scenes. In February, we wrote about Anduril following reports that the 6-year-old startup was in talks to raise up to $2.5 billion at a $28 billion valuation, marking a significant jump from its previous valuation in August.

Founded in 2017 by Brian Schimpf, Palmer Luckey, Joseph Chen, Matt Grimm, and Trae Stephens, Anduril focuses on developing technology for military agencies and border surveillance. The startup aims to support those on the front lines with next-generation tech products. Before founding Anduril, Luckey sold his previous startup, Oculus to Facebook in 2014 for $2 billion.