Collins Aerospace said the investment is intended to accelerate the production of radar and secure communications technologies for both commercial and military customers. The facility plays a key role in the company’s production of radars, satellite communications equipment and secure communications systems.
Nate Boelkins, president of Avionics at Collins Aerospace, said, “As global airspace becomes more congested and contested, customers need secure, interoperable systems for seamless coordination.”
“This expansion strengthens our ability to deliver critical capabilities that keep airline passengers safe and military operators mission-ready, faster,” Boelkins added. “RTX has made significant investments in its people and operations across Florida, and we value our partnership with the State as we continue to grow.”
RTX said it has maintained operations in Florida for more than 40 years and currently employs more than 7,000 people across eight major locations in the state. The company said the Largo site supports production and testing activities for both civil aviation and defense-related programmes.
The expanded facility will also support work connected to the Federal Aviation Administration Radar System Replacement Program. Collins Aerospace said production at the site will include the Condor Mk3 cooperative surveillance radar and the ASR-XM non-cooperative radar system.
According to the company, the Condor Mk3 is capable of communicating directly with aircraft transponders, while the ASR-XM detects aircraft using reflected radar signals. The systems are intended to improve airspace surveillance and operational safety in increasingly complex aviation environments.
J. Alex Kelly, Florida’s Secretary of Commerce, said, “As a long-standing presence in Florida’s aerospace and aviation sector, Collins Aerospace’s expansion in Largo not only bolsters the growing Tampa Bay-area military and defense cluster, but it also strengthens Florida’s position as a leader in aviation manufacturing and national security.”
“Florida continues to attract leading aerospace manufacturers that are advancing cutting-edge aviation and defense technologies while creating high-skill jobs for Floridians,” Kelly added.
RTX said the new radar production area at the Largo facility is expected to become fully operational by late 2026. The company added that the investment forms part of broader efforts to expand production capacity and support increasing demand for aviation and defense technologies.
