L3 Technologies has purchased US aerospace engineering, software development and space situational awareness firm Applied Defense Solutions (ADS)in a deal worth around $50m.

Subject to customary working capital adjustments, the deal is expected to boost L3 Technologies’s space mission capabilities. Under the deal, ADS will be renamed L3 ADS.

Following the transaction, ADS is expected to generate around $15m in sales throughout the rest of this year and nearly $50m next year.

ADS, which currently has offices in Virginia and Colorado, offers space systems mission planning, space exploration, and satellite operations, protection and resiliency services to a number of customers including the US Department of Defense and NASA.

“L3 ADS strengthens our business in the mission-critical aspects of space situational awareness, particularly in the area of multi-domain command and control.”

L3 Technologies chairman, CEO and president Christopher Kubasik said: “L3 ADS strengthens our business in the mission-critical aspects of space situational awareness, particularly in the area of multi-domain command and control, which is a key element of our country’s national security strategy objectives.

“This acquisition, along with our internal research and development investments, demonstrates our growth strategy of investing in capabilities, accelerating innovation and delivering integrated solutions for our customers.”

L3 Technologies currently employs around 31,000 people worldwide and provides various communication, electronic and sensor systems for military, homeland security and commercial applications.

The company also provides aerospace systems, pilot training and other services.

In May, L3 Technologies signed a definitive agreement to sell Vertex Aerospace to American Industrial Partners for $540m in cash.