BAE Systems has formally completed its acquisition of the Collins Aerospace Military Global Positioning System (GPS) business from Raytheon Technologies Corporation.

BAE Systems completes acquisition of Collins' Military GPSFirst announced in January, BAE describes the $1.9 billion move as a unique opportunity to acquire “a high-quality, technology-based business that augments the existing BAE Systems Electronic Systems portfolio”. It highlights the addition of GPS anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technology that enables navigation and guidance support.

“Today marks the culmination of a tremendous team effort, and we are extremely proud to welcome the Military GPS employees to our company,” said John Watkins, vp and general manager of Precision Strike & Sensing Solutions at BAE Systems. “Together, we will build on our rich histories of providing superior, innovative capabilities to help protect our U.S. and allied warfighters.”

Based in Cedar Rapids and Coralville, Iowa, the Military GPS business has a workforce of approximately 700 employees.

According to BAE Systems it has a global installed base in excess of 1.5 million devices on more than 280 airborne, ground, and weapon system platforms. It is also developing next-generation GPS technologies for the US military.

“This partnership will enable us to build on our market leadership and bring new discriminating capabilities to our customers, including the U.S. Department of Defense and its allies,” said Greg Wild, director of Military GPS. “We’re excited to be joining the BAE Systems family. They appreciate our legacy of innovation and will provide opportunities for continued business growth and success.”

According to reports, the disposal of the Collins’ GPS business was part of the anti-trust regulatory requirements of the merger of  Raytheon and United Technologies, which went ahead in April.