Ares Industries: The Start-Up Revolutionizing Anti-Ship Warfare

Ares Industries is a start-up founded in 2024, based in El Segundo, California, with a mission to develop low-cost, next-generation cruise missiles. The company was co-founded by Devan Plantamura, a seasoned entrepreneur in the defense technology sector, and Alex Tseng, who brings a unique enthusiasm for missile technology. The start-up operates with a small but highly skilled team of two, focusing on creating affordable, smart munitions that can meet the evolving demands of modern warfare.

Devan Plantamura, a serial entrepreneur, has a deep background in operational excellence, business development, compliance, and a solid understanding of artificial intelligence (AI), natural language processing (NLP), and hardware. His experience spans across various defense technology companies, giving him a profound insight into the challenges and opportunities within the industry. Devan's commitment to safety, ethics, and compliance is at the core of Ares Industries' operations.

Alex Tseng, on the other hand, is characterized by his simple yet profound statement, "Missiles are cool." While this may seem casual, it reflects a deep-seated passion for missile technology. Alex's technical expertise is rooted in his experience as the first engineering hire at a previous missile start-up. He also has experience building autonomous systems at Rivian and Stanford and working on turbojets at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). Together, Devan and Alex form a dynamic duo that is driving Ares Industries toward achieving its ambitious goals.

What is Ares Industries Building?

Ares Industries is focused on developing a new class of anti-ship cruise missiles that are significantly smaller, cheaper, and more versatile than existing options. Their missiles are designed to be 10 times smaller and 10 times cheaper, offering a revolutionary approach to modern munitions. These missiles are intended to be compatible with existing launch platforms, making them highly adaptable to various military needs.

The missiles will deliver smaller payloads at high subsonic speeds, with the capability to strike targets hundreds of miles away. Ares Industries is initially focusing on ground and ship-launched variants, but they have plans to expand into air-launched versions, as well as versions with extended ranges and different payloads. This versatility is critical in addressing the diverse challenges posed by potential conflicts, particularly in regions like the Taiwan Strait.

Ares Industries' approach is not just about creating a smaller and cheaper missile; it’s about redefining the very nature of anti-ship warfare. By focusing on smaller payloads and faster deployment, Ares aims to provide the Department of Defense (DoD) with the tools needed to counter the growing threats posed by adversaries like China. Their missiles are designed to meet the specific needs of modern warfare, where agility, affordability, and adaptability are key.

Why is Ares Industries Building Low-Cost Cruise Missiles?

The driving force behind Ares Industries' mission is the recognition of a critical gap in the United States' current defense capabilities. A potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait would present challenges unlike those seen in previous wars, such as those in Ukraine or the Middle East. Wargames and military experts within the DoD have consistently identified long-range anti-ship weapons, particularly cruise missiles, as the most effective tools in such a conflict.

However, the United States is not adequately prepared for this type of warfare. Current stockpiles of anti-ship missiles would be depleted within weeks, and the nation's industrial capacity is insufficient to produce missiles at the scale needed to win a war or deter potential adversaries like China. This has been a growing concern among military leaders, including Major General Cameron Holt and Chairman of the House Select Committee on China, Mike Gallagher, who have both highlighted the need for smaller, more affordable cruise missiles.

Recent conflicts have underscored the inadequacy of existing munitions. The current anti-ship cruise missiles are large, expensive, and designed for a different era of warfare. These multi-million dollar, 3,000-pound missiles are effective against large cruisers and destroyers, but they are not suitable for the modern battlefield, where smaller, more agile vessels and unmanned surface vehicles pose significant threats.

The DoD needs a new generation of cruise missiles that are smaller, less expensive, and capable of being produced in large quantities. Ares Industries is stepping in to fill this gap, offering a solution that has so far eluded other defense contractors. Their low-cost cruise missiles are designed to meet the specific needs of modern warfare, providing the United States with the tools it needs to maintain a strategic advantage.

How Does Ares Industries Plan to Achieve Its Goals?

The founders of Ares Industries bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, which gives them a unique edge in developing these next-generation cruise missiles. Devan Plantamura's background in defense technology, combined with his military experience in Army Psychological Operations and Navy combat, provides him with a deep understanding of both the operational and business aspects of the industry. His experience at well-funded defense start-ups has equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex landscape of defense contracting.

Alex Tseng complements Devan's expertise with his technical prowess. His experience as the first engineering hire at a previous missile start-up, along with his work on autonomous systems and turbojets, gives him the technical foundation needed to drive Ares Industries' missile development. Together, Devan and Alex have a deep understanding of the challenges involved in building smart munitions and are well-equipped to overcome them.

In just 11 weeks, Ares Industries went from founding the company to flight-testing their own missile designs in the Mojave Desert. This rapid progress is a testament to their commitment, expertise, and ability to execute their vision. The company is on track to deliver early working missile systems to their first customers by mid-2025, demonstrating their capability to meet the urgent needs of the DoD.

Ares Industries' approach to missile development is rooted in practicality and a deep understanding of the defense sector. By leveraging their combined experience, they are able to move quickly from concept to prototype, ensuring that their products meet the high standards required by the military. Their ability to deliver working missile systems within such a short timeframe sets them apart from other defense contractors and positions them as a key player in the future of anti-ship warfare.

What Impact Could Ares Industries Have on the Future of Warfare?

Ares Industries is poised to play a crucial role in reshaping the future of warfare, particularly in the context of a potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait. By developing low-cost, next-generation cruise missiles, they are addressing a critical gap in the United States' defense capabilities. Their missiles are not only more affordable and adaptable than existing options, but they are also specifically designed to meet the challenges posed by modern warfare.

The impact of Ares Industries' work extends beyond just the development of new munitions. By helping to rebuild the United States' defense industrial base, they are contributing to the nation's overall preparedness for future conflicts. Ares Industries is not just building missiles; they are helping to ensure that the United States has the tools it needs to deter aggression and maintain peace.

At Ares Industries, the founders are clear that they do not wish for war to occur. However, they recognize the importance of being prepared. By developing the next generation of cruise missiles, Ares Industries is helping to fill a critical gap in the United States' defense strategy, ensuring that the nation is ready to face any potential threats.

In conclusion, Ares Industries is more than just a start-up; it is a vital contributor to the future of national defense. With their innovative approach to missile development, Devan Plantamura and Alex Tseng are positioning Ares Industries as a key player in the defense technology sector. Their work is not just about building missiles; it’s about ensuring that the United States is prepared to protect its interests and maintain peace in an increasingly complex world.