General Dynamics to buy Axsys for $643 million

Defense contractor General Dynamics is buying sensor and camera maker Axsys Technologies for $643 million, in an effort for the defense contractor to expand its systems for a Defense Department revamping its military capabilities.

Rocky Hill, Conn.-based Axsys designs and manufactures electro-optical and infrared sensors as well as multi-axis stabilized cameras found in weapon systems, long-range surveillance cameras and imaging telescopes for U.S. defense agencies and commercial systems integrators that serve government customers.

The company also provides sensor systems and cameras to law enforcement agencies for aerial and perimeter surveillance and the energy and broadcast and film industries.