Published in Washington Technology
Written by Ross Wilkers
Pacific Star Communications’ journey began in 2000 as a reseller of military communications hardware and software, then the company applied lessons from that experience in its move to gradually become a maker.
That shift eventually led PacStar to start working with Curtiss-Wright on investigating new technologies and other applications of those tools. Then in November, Curtiss-Wright closed its $400 million acquisition of PacStar as part of the former’s broader push into the defense technology landscape.
Curtiss-Wright’s defense product line is centered on commercial-off-the-shelf models and subsystems, which then get integrated onto the platform. The company made one move into the data link and software landscape last year with its $50 million acquisition of Tactical Communications Group.
“Where we don’t have a lot of technology is actually in connecting the vehicles together and that’s right in the heart of PacStar’s strength,” said Chris Wiltsey, senior vice president and general manager for defense solutions at Curtiss-Wright.