What defence companies have done to be more commercially successful

As a result of the end of the cold war, the US Government’s defence spending has decreased significantly since 1989. Consequently, many aerospace companies in the defence industry have begun the transition to commercial products. Reviews the commercial success strategies of Lockheed Martin, Hughes Electronics and Rockwell. Commercial success strategies discussed include: mergers, derived products, partnerships, consolidation, fresh blood in management, subsidiaries and acquisitions. Examines the negative side‐effects ‐ which include downsizing and less investment in technology research ‐ of the commercial transition.