RTX’s Collins Aerospace Pioneers Next-Gen Battle Management Systems for U.S. Marines—A Strategic Play for Defense Dominance

The battlefield of the future demands more than just advanced weaponry—it requires seamless data integration, real-time decision-making, and systems that can adapt to the chaos of multi-domain warfare. Raytheon Technologies (RTX), through its subsidiary Collins Aerospace, is at the forefront of this evolution with its Next Generation Battle Management On The Move (NG-BMOT) system, a breakthrough technology recently showcased during the U.S. Marine Corps’ Project Convergence Capstone 5 (PCC5). This innovation could redefine how militaries operate in contested environments—and position RTX as a leader in a defense sector primed for growth.

The Technology: Speed, Security, and Mobility

The NG-BMOT system, demonstrated in April 2025 at Camp Pendleton, integrates AI/ML algorithms, secure networks, and multi-source data streams to provide Marines with unprecedented situational awareness. By aggregating data from military sensors, commercial radars, and even third-party applications, the system enables commanders to make decisions faster and more securely—a critical advantage in high-stakes scenarios.

Key features include:
- Mobile Command and Control: Operators can maintain operations while moving, using satellite and 5G connectivity. During testing, hardware transitioned from fixed to moving platforms in minutes.
- AI-Driven Analysis: The system prioritizes threats and optimizes responses using predictive algorithms, reducing cognitive overload.
- Interoperability: Designed to work with existing military systems and coalition partners, it aligns with the Pentagon’s Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) initiative.

Elaine Bitonti, VP of Collins Aerospace’s Connected Battlespace division, emphasized the system’s operator-centric design: “This isn’t just about technology—it’s about giving Marines the clarity and speed they need to outthink adversaries.”

The Financial Backing: Contracts and Scale

RTX’s investments in defense tech are underpinned by robust contracts. The $186 million F135 engine sustainment deal awarded to Pratt & Whitney (a RTX subsidiary) in February 2025 exemplifies the company’s strategic depth. This contract, supporting the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter’s engines for the Marine Corps and other partners, ensures long-term revenue streams through 2028 and beyond.

Moreover, Collins Aerospace’s NG-BMOT system is part of a $250 million multiyear contract with the U.S. Army, with options to expand capabilities like drone swarm integration and satellite communication enhancements. These contracts, paired with RTX’s $80 billion annual revenue, signal a company poised to capitalize on defense modernization trends.

The Competitive Edge: Why Collins Aerospace Stands Out

While competitors like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman also vie for defense contracts, Collins Aerospace’s focus on software-defined systems and open architecture frameworks offers a unique advantage. The NG-BMOT’s modular design allows it to evolve with emerging threats, unlike rigid legacy systems.

The system’s use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) sensors—such as maritime radars affordable enough for fishing boats—also reduces costs and accelerates deployment. As Project Convergence experiments revealed, this approach can enhance interoperability with coalition partners, a key priority in the Indo-Pacific theater.

Risks and Market Outlook

RTX faces challenges, including geopolitical tensions and budgetary constraints. However, the Department of Defense’s $858 billion FY2025 budget request—with a focus on multi-domain warfare—supports long-term demand for advanced systems like NG-BMOT.

Analysts note that RTX’s stock has underperformed peers over the past year, trading at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 18, below Lockheed’s 21 and Boeing’s 23. This could present a buying opportunity as NG-BMOT’s deployment gains traction.

Conclusion: A Strategic Bet on Defense Dominance

Collins Aerospace’s NG-BMOT system and the F135 engine contract underscore RTX’s dual strength in hard assets (engines, hardware) and software-defined innovation. With $250 million in direct NG-BMOT contracts, a $186 million F135 deal, and a growing pipeline of CJADC2-related projects, RTX is well-positioned to capture a larger slice of the global defense market, projected to reach $2.3 trillion by 2030.

For investors, RTX’s blend of near-term contract wins and long-term tech leadership makes it a compelling play in a sector where speed and adaptability will define winners. As Elaine Bitonti put it: “This isn’t just about today’s battlefield—it’s about the battles we haven’t imagined yet.” In a world where technology defines victory, RTX is building the tools to ensure its clients win both now and in the future.