A History of Innovation
General Dynamics has been woven into American history—a story of a nation built on bold ideas and even bolder execution.
1950s
Built and delivered the USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, transforming undersea warfare with higher sustained speeds and the ability to stay submerged for days or weeks rather than hours.
1960s
Built the SM-65 Atlas, the first intercontinental ballistic missile, which launched America's first astronaut into orbit and became a cornerstone of early U.S. spaceflight. We also developed the communication system for the Apollo moon landing, transmitting voice and video to Earth as the world watched Neil Armstrong take "one giant leap for mankind."
1970s
Developed the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a supersonic, multi-role aircraft and the first jet to use automated fly-by-wire flight controls. The F-16 would become the world's most widely used military aircraft.
1980s
Developed the M1 Abrams tank, introducing new armament, protection and electronic technologies for American armored dominance. We continue to innovate by making the tanks even more mobile, survivable and lethal to meet emerging threats.
1990s
Acquired Gulfstream Aerospace, we invested in research and development to build the most technologically advanced fleet in business aviation. We also acquired Bath Iron Works and designed the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, forming the backbone of the U.S. Navy's modern surface fleet.
2000s
Designed and constructed the Virginia-class fast-attack submarines, providing the Navy with unprecedented mission flexibility to maintain undersea superiority. We also developed the Stryker family of wheeled combat vehicles, a versatile and combat-proven platform that combines lethality, mobility and survivability.
2010s
Acquired CSRA, the largest acquisition in the company's history, establishing General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) as a leader in advanced IT services. Today, GDIT brings capabilities in AI and Super Intelligence, cyber, software development, digital engineering and quantum technologies to the nation's most critical missions.
2020s
Spearheading the Columbia-class submarines, designing the next-generation DDG(X) destroyer and developing the AbramsX next-generation main battle tank. These programs represent some of the most complex and sophisticated platforms we have ever undertaken.
Into the Future
We continue to build on our history of innovation, delivering some of the world's most technologically advanced solutions across unmanned systems, smart munitions, subsea warfare, contested space, AI and more. We remain dedicated to combining the best of the commercial and defense industrial markets to deliver the defining technologies that will enable the United States to dominate the battlefield of tomorrow and pursue peace through strength.