Containerized Edge data center firm Armada has delivered one of its pods to the US Navy.
The company this week announced the delivery of a Galleon module to the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic in North Charleston, South Carolina.
The pod will support a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA), aimed at advanced network management, command and control, and Edge computing solutions.
“With Armada, we believe the Navy will gain a decisive edge in developing technology solutions that directly enhance warfighter readiness,” said Dan Wright, CEO of Armada. “Our mission is to fortify US national security by delivering resilient computing and communications platforms that excel in the most challenging and unpredictable operational environments.”
Armada emerged from stealth in late 2023. The startup is targeting remote and off-grid applications such as defense and mining.
The California-based company offers ruggedized and self-contained satellite-connected data center modules (in 3-rack 20ft and 6-rack 40ft models) known as Galleons that use SpaceX’s Starlink network, and an Edge device and computing management platform. It also offers Edge/AI applications.
Armada said the modular data center will undergo testing and evaluation through a partnership with NIWC Atlantic for US Naval Forces Southern Command/US Fourth Fleet. Armada will support the Navy’s testing of the pod and providing training.
NIWC Atlantic’s mission is to deliver cyberwarfare solutions. It aims to conduct R&D, prototyping, engineering, test and evaluation, installation, and operation of “integrated information warfare capabilities.”
“Investments in advanced computing on the Edge are crucial to supporting the mission of USNAVSOUTH/FOURTHFLT,” said LCDR Timothy Schettino, 4th Fleet’s Data and AI/ML innovation officer. “We are eager to test possible technological solutions working with Navy, Joint, and private industry partners in an effort to identify tactical advantages that will support the warfighter in the most challenging of operational conditions.”
Armada has raised more than $100 million to date. Investors in the company include Microsoft, Founders Fund, Lux Capital, Shield Capital, 8090 Industries, Felicis, Contrary, Valor Equity Partners, Marlinspike, 137 Ventures, Koch Real Estate Investments, and 8VC.
Armada previously had a proof-of-concept trial with mining company Nexa Resources and last year signed a deal with Middle Eastern data center engineering consulting and cloud services firm Edarat Group to deploy ten Galleons across the Gulf and Middle East.
The company recently signed a deal to deploy two pods at sites operated by startup venture platform Newlab in Detroit, Michigan, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is also deploying an unspecified number of pods in Saudi for oil giant Aramco.
