Collins Aerospace, a business of RTX Corp., announced a $26.5 million investment to expand its facility in Largo, Florida. The expansion will create more than 100 new jobs and accelerate the production of commercial aviation radars and multi-domain security solutions for defense customers.
What it means
The investment adds a new radar production area at the Largo site, which Collins Aerospace said is expected to become fully operational by late 2026. The facility currently produces radars, satellite components, and secure communications components, as well as performing testing for commercial and military customers. According to the company, the expansion will support work on the Federal Aviation Administration’s Radar System Replacement Program, including production of the Condor Mk3 cooperative surveillance radar and the ASR-XM non-cooperative radar.
Nate Boelkins, president of Avionics at Collins Aerospace, said the expansion strengthens the company’s ability to deliver systems for congested and contested airspace. J. Alex Kelly, Secretary of Commerce, stated that the investment bolsters the Tampa Bay-area military and defense cluster and strengthens Florida’s position in aviation manufacturing. RTX has employed more than 7,000 people across eight major locations in Florida for more than four decades.
Key facts
- $26.5 million: Investment amount for the Largo facility expansion.
- Over 100: Number of new highly skilled jobs to be created in engineering and factory operations.
- Late 2026: Expected date for the new radar production area to become fully operational.
- Largo, Florida: Location of the expanding Collins Aerospace facility.
- FAA Radar System Replacement Program: Government program supported by production at this site.
- Condor Mk3 and ASR-XM: Specific radar systems produced at the facility.
- More than 7,000: Total RTX employees across eight Florida locations.
Source: Collins Aerospace news release (PR Newswire)