About Frontier Defense Technology

From a specialized signals intelligence contractor to one of the nation's premier defense technology enterprises — four decades of delivering the decisive edge.

Our Story

Founded in 1987 as Atlas Strategic Systems, the company began as a small SIGINT research and development firm in McLean, Virginia, supporting the intelligence community with signal processing algorithms and electronic intercept systems.

Over four decades, the company grew through organic investment and strategic acquisitions — notably the 2011 acquisition of Jensen Optics & Kinetic Engineering — into a full-spectrum defense technology enterprise. In January 2026, the company rebranded as Frontier Defense Technology, reflecting its evolution from a specialist SIGINT firm to a multi-domain defense leader.

Today, Frontier Defense Technology is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, with major facilities in Huntsville, Alabama; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and San Diego, California.

Our portfolio spans command and control systems, electronic warfare, autonomous platforms, integrated sensors, and sustainment solutions. We partner with the U.S. Department of Defense, the intelligence community, and 6 allied nations to deliver capabilities that protect national security and strengthen deterrence.

Frontier Defense Technology holds Top Secret Facility Clearance (FCL) and maintains CMMC Level 3 certification across all operating divisions. We employ over 4,800 professionals across 6 countries.

1987Founded as Atlas Strategic Systems in McLean, VA
1994First major DoD contract (JSTARS ground station)
2003IPO at $24/share
2011Acquisition of Jensen Optics & Kinetic Engineering
2018GRIDWATCH program of record established
2024Revenue exceeds $14B
2026Rebranded to Frontier Defense Technology; GRIDWATCH FRP contract ($2.1B)

Trusted Across the Joint Force

U.S. Army
U.S. Navy
U.S. Air Force
U.S. Marine Corps
U.S. Space Force
Intelligence Community
Select Coalition Partners
CMMCLevel 3 Certified
ISO9001:2015
ISO27001:2022
AS9100D
NISTSP 800-171 Rev.3
FCLTop Secret