
General Dynamics Combat Systems is a division of General Dynamics, a publicly traded American aerospace and defense company listed on NYSE under ticker GD. General Dynamics reported $52.6 billion in revenue in 2025 and employs more than 110,000 people. The Combat Systems division generated $9.25 billion in revenue in 2025, accounting for 17% of consolidated revenue. The division produces the M1 Abrams tank and Stryker armored vehicle at facilities in Sterling Heights, Michigan and across Europe.
Parent Company
Founded
1990
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| General Dynamics Combat Systems | General Dynamics | Brand division |
General Dynamics Combat Systems was formally established as a division in 1990, consolidating the company's ground combat vehicle and weapons systems operations. The division inherited a history of tank and armored vehicle development, including the M1 Abrams main battle tank program, which began in the 1970s. The M1 Abrams became one of the most widely deployed main battle tanks globally, serving the U.S. military and allied nations.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, General Dynamics Combat Systems expanded its product portfolio and international presence through strategic acquisitions. The division acquired the Stryker armored fighting vehicle program, which became a cornerstone of its business. General Dynamics also expanded its European operations through acquisitions including European Land Systems companies in the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, and Spain.
In recent years, the division has focused on modernizing the M1 Abrams tank with advanced armor, firepower, and mobility upgrades. The Stryker family of vehicles has been expanded with new variants and capabilities. In 2025, Combat Systems revenue from military vehicles was $4.97 billion, weapon systems and munitions was $3.1 billion, and engineering and other services was $1.17 billion.
The division's backlog at the end of 2025 was approximately $10.1 billion, providing visibility into future revenue. General Dynamics invested nearly $1.2 billion in capital expenditures across the company in 2025, with further investments planned for 2026 to support production capacity across all segments including Combat Systems.
What does General Dynamics own?
General Dynamics owns Gulfstream Aerospace (business jets), Jet Aviation (aircraft services), Electric Boat (nuclear submarines), Bath Iron Works (destroyers), NASSCO (commercial ships), General Dynamics Land Systems (armored vehicles), General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (munitions), General Dynamics Information Technology (IT services), and General Dynamics Mission Systems (C5ISR solutions). These businesses operate across four reportable segments.
Is General Dynamics publicly traded?
Yes, General Dynamics trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GD. The company has been publicly traded since its incorporation in 1954. Institutional investors including Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and State Street hold the majority of shares. No single shareholder owns a controlling stake.
What is General Dynamics' annual revenue?
For fiscal year 2025 (ended December 31, 2025), General Dynamics reported $52.6 billion in revenue, up 10.1% from $47.7 billion in FY2024. Net earnings were $4.2 billion, with diluted EPS of $15.45. The company's backlog reached $118 billion at year-end 2025, providing multi-year revenue visibility.
Who is the CEO of General Dynamics?
Phebe Novakovic has served as Chairman and CEO of General Dynamics since 2013. She joined the company in 2001 and previously served as CFO and COO. Before her corporate career, she worked at the Central Intelligence Agency and the Department of Defense. Novakovic is in her 12th year as CEO and was named to Fortune's Most Powerful Women list in 2025.
What are General Dynamics' main business segments?
General Dynamics operates four segments: Aerospace ($13.1 billion in FY2025, 25% of revenue), Marine Systems ($16.7 billion, 32%), Combat Systems ($9.2 billion, 17%), and Technologies ($13.5 billion, 26%). Marine Systems is the largest segment by revenue, driven by nuclear submarine production for the U.S. Navy.
Does General Dynamics pay a dividend?
Yes, General Dynamics has paid a dividend for over 25 consecutive years. The board determines any increase in March each year. However, a January 2026 executive order by President Trump created uncertainty by prohibiting defense contractors from paying dividends until they can "produce a superior product, on time and on budget." CEO Novakovic confirmed the company's commitment to the dividend despite the order.
How many people does General Dynamics employ?
General Dynamics employs more than 110,000 people worldwide as of 2025. The company's workforce is concentrated in the United States, with significant operations in Virginia, Maine, Connecticut, California, and Michigan. International operations include facilities in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Spain, and Australia.
General Dynamics Combat Systems operates under General Dynamics' corporate responsibility framework. The company has set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2034, with carbon neutrality targeted before 2060. The division implements energy-efficient manufacturing processes at its facilities including the Sterling Heights, Michigan plant and European Land Systems locations.
The division operates under General Dynamics' Ethos framework, which emphasizes integrity, respect, and ethical conduct in business dealings. All defense contracts are subject to strict compliance with government contracting regulations, international trade laws including ITAR export controls, and defense industry ethical standards.
Manufacturing operations involving heavy metals, chemicals, and industrial processes require ongoing environmental compliance. The division maintains environmental management systems across its manufacturing network to ensure compliance with federal and state environmental regulations while meeting production quality and schedule requirements.
General Dynamics Combat Systems' manufacturing facilities maintain ISO quality certifications for military manufacturing. The division's M1 Abrams and Stryker programs have received recognition from the U.S. Army and international military customers for vehicle performance and support.
The division has been recognized for advances in vehicle armor systems, crew protection technologies, and survivability enhancements. The Abrams program's continuous modernization, including advanced armor packages and improved firepower systems, has been acknowledged by military research organizations and defense analysts.
European Land Systems operations have received recognition from international military customers for reliable vehicle performance, technical support, and successful technology transfer programs supporting allied military capabilities.
General Dynamics Combat Systems has faced challenges related to production schedules, contract performance, and supply chain disruptions common to the defense manufacturing sector.
The division operates under intense government scrutiny regarding contract performance, cost management, and delivery schedules. Production delays or cost increases on major programs receive attention from government oversight agencies including the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and congressional committees responsible for defense spending oversight.
Supply chain disruptions, particularly for specialized components and materials required for military vehicle production, have impacted production schedules across the defense industry. Semiconductor shortages and raw material availability have affected Combat Systems production timelines.
General Dynamics' parent company was named as a defendant in the Scharpf et al. v. General Dynamics Corp. antitrust lawsuit regarding alleged no-poach agreements for naval engineers. While this lawsuit primarily affected Marine Systems operations, it reflects broader industry challenges regarding labor practices and competition for specialized technical talent across all defense divisions.
The division's international sales and technology transfer programs face scrutiny regarding export controls, international relations, and geopolitical considerations. Sales to international customers must navigate ITAR regulations and political considerations that can impact business opportunities.
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing | USA | 1997 | Mass market | Global | All Genders | |
| Rtx Corporation | USA | 2018 | Premium | Global | All Genders | |
| Saic | USA | 2013 | Mass market | United states | All Genders | |
| Lockheed Martin | USA | 1995 | Premium | Global | All-ages | |
| Lockheed Martin | USA | 1995 | Premium | Global | All-ages | |
| Rtx Corporation | USA | 1925 | Premium | Global | All-ages |
Aerospace DefenseOwned by Boeing
Boeing's defense division providing military aircraft, rotorcraft, missiles, and space systems to government customers worldwide.
Aerospace DefenseOwned by RTX Corporation
Aerospace systems provider specializing in avionics, interiors, and mission systems for commercial and military aircraft. A division of RTX Corporation (NYSE: RTX). Formed in 2018 from the merger of Rockwell Collins and UTC Aerospace Systems. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Conglomerates IndustrialOwned by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
Government services contractor providing systems engineering and IT solutions to U.S. defense and intelligence agencies, now a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAIC.
Aerospace DefenseOwned by Lockheed Martin
Manufacturer of advanced missiles, fire control systems, and precision strike weapons including PAC-3, THAAD, Javelin, HIMARS, ATACMS, and PrSM for military customers worldwide.
Aerospace DefenseOwned by Lockheed Martin
Provider of rotorcraft, radar systems, naval combat systems, and mission-critical technologies including Sikorsky helicopters, Aegis combat system, and Littoral Combat Ship systems for military and government customers worldwide.
Aerospace DefenseOwned by RTX Corporation
Leading manufacturer of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units for commercial, military, business, and general aviation applications.
Market Positioning: General Dynamics Combat Systems competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Looking for brands with different ownership structures? These similar brands are not owned by General Dynamics, giving you alternative choices that support different corporate structures.
Aerospace DefenseOwned by Blue Origin
Reusable suborbital launch vehicle and space tourism system developed by Blue Origin, carrying passengers and research payloads past the Karman line.
New Shepard is privately owned, unlike General Dynamics Combat Systems which is under a publicly traded parent company.
Aerospace DefenseOwned by Signature Aviation
Global aviation services brand operating fixed base operations and engine repair, now known as Signature Aviation after a 2019 rebrand and 2021 private equity takeover.
BBA Aviation (Signature Aviation) is privately owned, unlike General Dynamics Combat Systems which is under a publicly traded parent company.
Aerospace DefenseOwned by Parker-Hannifin Corporation
American motion and control technology company. Global leader in precision-engineered solutions for aerospace, industrial, and mobile markets. NYSE: PH.
Parker Hannifin operates independently without a large parent corporation.
Aerospace DefenseOwned by Wesco Aircraft Holdings, Inc. (Incora)
Aerospace parts distribution and supply chain management brand, now operating as Incora after a 2020 merger with Pattonair under Platinum Equity.
Wesco Aircraft (Incora) is privately owned, unlike General Dynamics Combat Systems which is under a publicly traded parent company.
Aerospace DefenseOwned by StandardAero Inc.
Independent provider of aerospace engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for commercial, military, and business aviation, based in Scottsdale, Arizona.
StandardAero operates independently without a large parent corporation.
Aerospace DefenseOwned by BrahMos Aerospace
Indian supersonic cruise missile system developed through a joint venture between India's DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya, owned by BrahMos Aerospace.
BrahMos is owned by BrahMos Aerospace, a state owned company, a different structure than General Dynamics Combat Systems's parent.
Discover popular brands and companies in the Aerospace & Defense category and related searches from other users.

Manufacturer of forged aluminum wheels for heavy trucks and commercial transportation vehicles, owned by Howmet Aerospace Inc. since April 2020.

Aircraft parts distribution and aftermarket services brand now operating as Boeing Distribution, formerly Aviall, following full integration into Boeing Global Services in 2025.

Global aviation services brand operating fixed base operations and engine repair, now known as Signature Aviation after a 2019 rebrand and 2021 private equity takeover.