A partnership between Adelos, Inc., a Polson-based company, and the United States Navy was announced last week, working together to improve homeland security.

Toward the end of November, an agreement was signed between both entities, according to founder Chief Technology Officer Alex Philp, and the effort was launched in mid-December with Navy scientists.

Adelos manufactures a fiber optic sensor and has offices in Polson, St. Ignatius and Missoula.

“We started engaging with the Navy about enhancing the sensor about a year ago,” he said.

“We are now doing a cooperative research and development agreement with the U.S. Navy, who are experts in this type of sensor system,” Philp explained.

The Navy, having some of the best electronic scientists in the world, will be able to help achieving a greater sensitivity, which the sensor in turn will be able to detect things from a longer distance.

“How far can we detect a drone flying in and maybe threatening a base? How far can we detect someone” creating an underground tunnel, Philp asked, using the questions as examples of what the technology will be able to determine in the future.

Working together with the Navy, Philp said that the opportunity allows the company to work “with great scientists.”

“With the Navy, we’re expanding, extending and enhancing our technology capability,” he added.

Philp, who has lived in Montana for 30 years, grew up in Seattle.

Completing graduate school and his doctorate at the University of Montana where he studied history, forestry and geography, Philp said he “then got involved with sensor systems.”

He added his interdisciplinary background has afforded him opportunities where he can apply his range of knowledge.

Philp said that the project has support from state lawmakers, including State Senators Jon Tester and Steven Daines.

“Jon Tester saw the system back in 2008, 2009, and was blown away,” Philp said, adding that the fiber optic sensor is “cost effective.”

Philp added that support locally from Scott Colton, the chief financial officer of Adelos, has been important with the project.

Colton is also CFO of S&K Technologies, which bought Adelos from Philp in 2009.

S&K Electronics has built prototypes of the sensors that go into the ground, Philp, said.

He remarked that backing for investments from the state coupled with support locally have helped make the project possible.

More information on Adelos, Inc., can be found at www.adelosinc.com.