Introducing the VM1F-i

Antares Defence Systems is proud to introduce the latest addition of our RF Power Amplifier Range. The VM1F-i is our new 60W broadband GaN power amplifier module with an integrated T/R switch.

Built around advanced GaN HEMT technology, the VM1F-I delivers 60W of output power across 20-520 MHz, with up to 42% efficiency, all within a compact 230-95-25mm, 800g form factor.

What sets the VM1F-i apart is its integrated T/R switch with a filtered receive path, eliminating the need of an external switch, filter or additional box.  This reduces the system size, weight and complexity, while protecting the receive front end and reducing integration risk.

Key Features Include:
·        Ultra-fast, high-isolation mute/enable switching
·        High-resolution digital power and gain control
·        Built-in test, telemetry and protection
·        Compact and lightweight
·        Designed and manufactured in the UK to ISO 9001

The VM1F-i is designed for demanding applications including electronic warfare, broadband jamming, airborne and UAV platforms, wireless infrastructure and test and measurement.

Interested in learning how the VM1F-i could fit into your next system design? Get in touch with our team at [email protected]

Download the VM1F-i product data sheet here and see how it can enhance your defence capabilities!

Antares Defence Systems is celebrating the success of a team of firefighters it sponsors after they completed the demanding National Three Peaks Challenge in support of the Fire Fighters Charity.

The team, comprising Joe, Zav, Felix and Shane, successfully completed the challenge in an impressive 22 hours and 44 minutes, climbing the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales within a 24-hour period.

What makes the achievement even more remarkable is that the firefighters undertook the challenge while wearing full fire service protective equipment and breathing apparatus sets, adding significant weight and complexity to an already demanding endurance event.

The National Three Peaks Challenge requires participants to scale Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon, while travelling between each location, all within a single day. The challenge is widely regarded as one of the UK’s toughest fundraising events, testing physical fitness, mental resilience and teamwork.

With the Three Peaks Challenge successfully completed, Antares Defence Systems will make a further donation to the fundraising campaign as part of its sponsorship of the team. The contribution will support the work of the Fire Fighters Charity, which provides assistance to serving and retired members of the fire and rescue services

Antares Defence Systems congratulated the team on their latest accomplishment, recognising their determination and commitment to raising funds for an important cause.

“We are incredibly proud to support Joe, Zav, Felix and Shane throughout their fundraising journey. Their determination, resilience and dedication to helping others is truly inspiring, and we are delighted to be contributing to their efforts in support of the Fire Fighters Charity.” said Bruce Fullerton, CEO of Antares.

The team has now completed three of their planned fundraising challenges, leaving just one final event remaining. Their last challenge, the Wye 150 Source-to-Sea, will see them undertake a 50-mile hike followed by a 100-mile paddle along the River Wye, travelling from Glasbury to Chepstow.

With the final challenge approaching, supporters are encouraged to help the team reach its fundraising goals. Every donation will contribute towards the vital services provided by the Fire Fighters Charity to current and former fire service personnel and their families.

Those wishing to support the campaign can donate via the team’s JustGiving fundraising page and follow their progress through the Four Firefighters Instagram account, where regular updates on training, challenges and fundraising activities are posted.

Antares Defence Systems wishes the team the very best of luck as they prepare to take on their final challenge and complete an exceptional fundraising campaign in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity.

Four Firefighters is fundraising for Fire Fighters Charity

We’re excited to announce that Antares Defence Systems will be exhibiting at European Microwave Week 2026, one of the largest RF & Microwave trade shows in Europe. The show takes place in London on 4th-9th October.

We look forward to showcasing our advanced RF power amplifier solutions, discussing evolving defence and commercial requirements as well as identifying new opportunities that support the next generation of electronic and communication systems.

📍Join us at European Microwave Week 2026, stand L272, to discover how Antares is shaping the next generation of defence technology.

Visit EUMW website here: Homepage – EuMW

Antares Defence Systems are proud to be sponsoring our local fire brigade as they take on an incredible challenge to raise money & awareness for the Fire Fighter Charity.

We are sponsoring a team of firefighters who will be completing four demanding endurance challenges, including the National Three Peaks Challenge – all whilst wearing full firefighter kit!

· Challenge 1 – The Malvern Heavyweight Trek
9-mile hike in full fire kit, whilst carrying a 70kg rescue dummy

· Challenge 2 – The Anniversary Duathlon
52-mile bike ride, followed by a 52m fire truck pull

· Challenge 3 – The Wye 150 Source-To-Sea
50-mile hike & 100-mile paddle (Glasbury to Chepstow)

· Challenge 4 – The Iron Peak Challenge
UK 3 peaks in full fire kit & BA sets

These challenges will test not only their physical strength and resilience but also highlight the dedication, professionalism and sacrifice firefighters make every day to keep our community safe.

We encourage our colleagues, customers, suppliers and wider network to get behind Joe, Zav, Felix and Shane as they undertake these events! Every donation, no matter the size, will help support an incredible cause. If you can contribute, please consider donating to their JustGiving page. (linked below)

https://lnkd.in/ejjSCYuB

We wish the team every success in these challenges and look forward to supporting them in the future. If you would like to read more about the events they are completing, please see information below or follow their Instagram.

International Women in Engineering Day was on 23rd June 2026. We’re proud to celebrate the talented women of Antares Defence Systems.

International Women in Engineering Day is an opportunity to not only celebrate women engineers and women working in the engineering industry, but also to recognise the skills and expertise that help engineering organisations succeed every day.

These women play an important role in supporting our engineering mission. From administration and operations to project support, business functions and assembly roles, their contributions help make everything we do possible.

We are grateful for the dedication, professionalism and hard work these women put in everyday, helping drive Antares forward. On this day we recognise and celebrate their contributions, and the impact women make across engineering industries around the world.

Happy International Women in Engineering Day! The women of Antares are pictured below.

Antares is pleased to announce the successful completion of our presence at AOC Europe 2026, one of the leading international events for Electronic Warfare.

Throughout the exhibition, the Antares team welcomed a significant number of visitors to the stand, engaging with defence organisations, industry partners and stakeholders, from across Europe and beyond. The event provided an excellent platform to showcase Antares’ latest capabilities and discuss the evolving challenges facing modern defence.

At this year’s event, we showcased our advanced RF power amplifier solutions, designed to deliver high performance, reliability, and operational capability for demanding defence, security and commercial applications. Throughout the show, the team highlighted Antares’ commitment to delivering innovative and reliable solutions that support mission critical requirements.

“We are delighted with the outcome of AOC Europe 2026,” said Mark Sydenham, Managing Director at Antares. “The level of engagement throughout the event exceeded our expectations. We had the opportunity to reconnect with existing partners, establish new relationships and demonstrate how Antares continues to innovate in support of our customers evolving needs.”

Building on this success, Antares has already secured its exhibition space for AOC Europe 2027. The team at Antares would like to thank everyone who visited the stand and look forward to seeing the same level of engagement next year.

We’re excited to announce that Antares Defence Systems will be exhibiting at AOC Europe 2026, held in Helsinki, Finland.

We look forward to engaging with defence stakeholders and peers to discuss future collaborations and strengthen partnerships.

📍Join us at AOC Europe 2026, stand 5R11, to discover how Antares is shaping the next generation of defence technology.

Antares Defence Systems is pleased to announce that two new industrial partners have joined the company as minority investors

Operating Partners Group Ltd of London, UK, and Hyperion Fund of Madrid, Spain, bring significant sector expertise and investment capability to support Antares Defence Systems through its next phase of growth. Both organisations are led by senior professionals with backgrounds in government, defence, and advanced technology, and specialise in strategic investments across the defence, cyber, and AI domains.

Their combined support directly aligns with Antares Defence Systems growth strategy, enabling further expansion of our technical and manufacturing capabilities. This investment will accelerate the development of our leading‑edge RF subsystems for customers in the UK, Europe, and international markets, as well as strengthen our ability to deliver bespoke, rapidly engineered solutions tailored to evolving operational requirements.

Commenting on the announcement, Bruce Fullerton, CEO and Founder of Antares, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Operating Partners Group and Hyperion Fund to the Antares family. Their market insight and customer reach will further strengthen our presence across Europe and enable us to meet the growing demand for advanced electronic warfare systems.”

Introducing Our New Intelligent RF Power Amplifier Range

Our latest generation of intelligent RF power amplifiers is designed to give customers greater control, reliability, and confidence in their systems and facilitate easier amplifier integration in new product design. Built around a powerful 32-bit Arm Cortex MCU, these amplifiers not only reliably deliver the required power output but also actively monitor and protect themselves to maintain performance and integrity.

Smarter Monitoring for Maximum Uptime

The integrated MCU continuously tracks key performance parameters, including:

• Supply voltage and voltage rails
• Current draw
• Baseplate temperature
• Forward and reverse power

This real-time insight helps customers prevent issues before they impact system performance.

Built-In Protection Customers Can Trust

Advanced Built-In Test (BIT) and alarm functions safeguard equipment and ensure uninterrupted operation:

• Temperature alarms and thermal overload protection
• VSWR alarms with automatic retry
• Critical current and voltage monitoring

Enhanced Control and Flexibility

To meet demanding RF system requirements, the intelligent amplifier range includes:

• Step attenuators and gain control for precise output adjustment
• Fast mute capability (<2 μs) for rapid shut down in critical applications
• Observation port for predistortion to optimize linearity
• Integrated Rx/Tx switch for seamless operation in transceiver systems

Data That Supports Maintenance and Integration

With non-volatile memory, the system stores essential factory settings and user-defined data, such as:

• Part and serial numbers
• Calibration lookup tables
• Elapsed time records for maintenance planning

Simplified System Integration

To make integration straightforward, our Interface Control Document (ICD) provides clear guidance on all functions and features.

Product Family Approach

The new intelligent range is available in both Antares’ man-portable and vehicle power amplifier formats and the full range of frequency bands and power outputs. The ICD remains consistent across the range allowing customers to accelerate product development and address different end user needs.

For more information and sales enquires please contact our Business Development Manager Chris Barnes.

Email: [email protected]