BAE Systems buys UUV maker Riptide

Shipbuilder and defense contractor BAE Systems announced it has acquired key assets of Riptide Autonomous Solutions (Riptide), the maker of small unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) technology and solutions.

“Adding Riptide’s technological capabilities will position us to provide customers unmatched flexibility by offering a family of UUVs and integrated payload solutions capable of supporting a variety of critical missions,” said Terry Crimmins, president of BAE Systems Electronic Systems.

Jeff Smith, founder and president of Riptide Autonomous Solutions, stated, “Everyone at Riptide is excited to be joining BAE Systems, given our shared focus and strategic vision for the undersea market.”

Riptide employees will join the BAE Systems Electronic Systems sector, many as part of the FAST Labs organization.

The FAST Labs team will mature Riptide’s platform technology, demonstrate new solutions, and scale manufacturing production.

BAE said the acquisition was consistent with its strategy to acquire and incubate small business innovations that can yield disruptive technology breakthroughs for BAE Systems programs of record.