Top 12 World's Largest Weapon Companies

Lockheed Martin is the world's largest developer and manufacturer of high-tech military weapons and equipment. Lockheed Martin specializes in manufacturing aircraft, weapons, missiles, satellites, various types of military hardware, and advanced defense technology, as well as providing information services and technology services in various directions. The company was established in 1995 through the merger of Lockheed with Martin Marietta. It is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, a residential community in Montgomery County, Maryland, with 135,000 employees worldwide. The Chairman and CEO since 2013 is Ms. Marillyn Hewson.

Lockheed Martin is the world's largest defense contractor (by defense revenue) (just above Boeing). In 2005, 95% of Lockheed Martin's revenue came from the US Department of Defense, other US federal agencies, and foreign military customers. Lockheed Martin plays a significant role in providing employment for Americans, is a pride of the United States, and has a major influence on US politicians. The conglomerate is described as 'too big to fail' due to its dominant role in the US defense industry.

Website: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/

Northrop Grumman is a global aerospace and defense technology company based in the United States, established by the merger of Grumman and Northrop in 1994. Northrop Grumman, the fourth largest defense contractor of the U.S. government, is a world leader in aerospace technology and a leading manufacturer of naval vessels.

The corporation also garnered enormous profits from military weapons orders for the war in Afghanistan with its B-2 bomber and F-14 fighter jets. Headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, this company is a world leader in aerospace technology and a leading manufacturer of naval vessels. Northrop Grumman-built Nimitz-class aircraft carriers hold a vital position in the U.S. Navy. The company continues to develop and manufacture many advanced products for the military, such as ground radar systems and sensor systems for unmanned aircraft. Northrop Grumman ranks 124th on the Fortune 500 list of largest U.S. companies and is among the top 10 military-friendly employers.

Website: https://www.northropgrumman.com/

Boeing is the world's largest aircraft manufacturer headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. By 2007, Boeing remained the world's largest weapons manufacturer and slipped to third place, behind Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems in 2008. In 1927, Boeing established an airline called Boeing Air Transport (BAT). A year later, BAT merged with Pacific Air Transport and Boeing Airplane Company to form a large corporation.

In 1938, Boeing completed the 307 Stratoliner aircraft. It was the world's first commercial airliner with a pressurized cabin, capable of flying at 20,000 ft above most weather disturbances. During World War II, Boeing produced a large number of bombers. In the mid-1950s, technology advanced significantly, enabling Boeing to develop and produce entirely new products. One of the new products was the short-range guided missile used to intercept enemy aircraft. As the Cold War became routine, Boeing used short-range missile technology to develop and produce intercontinental ballistic missiles. In 1967, Boeing introduced a short-to-medium-range passenger aircraft with two B737 engines. It became the best-selling jet airliner in civil aviation history.

Website: https://www.boeing.com/

General Dynamics is an American defense company specializing in aerospace, combat systems, information systems, and marine systems. Established in 1952, but it wasn't until the early 1990s that General Dynamics truly thrived due to several mergers.

The company underwent significant changes in the post-Cold War era after consolidating its defense business. It has four main business segments: Marine Systems, Combat Systems, Information Systems Technology, and Aerospace. General Dynamics' former Fort Worth Division produced the F-16 Fighting Falcon until 1993, one of the world's most produced jet fighters in the Western world. From 1997 to date, the company has acquired 50 companies, increasing revenue from $4 billion to over $32 billion, while adding an additional 60,000 employees.

Website: https://www.gd.com/

Raytheon Corporation is a major American defense contractor and industrial conglomerate with a core focus on manufacturing excellence in weaponry, military, and commercial electronics. Previously, it had been involved in aircraft company and had a special mission until early 2007. Raytheon is the world's largest manufacturer of guided missiles. Unlike many other major defense companies, Raytheon builds its business on producing individual components rather than complete products. The company was founded in 1922 as the American Appliance Company, primarily manufacturing vacuum tubes. During World War II, Raytheon became a major player in radar manufacturing. To this day, this remains the sector where Raytheon dominates the market.

During the Cold War, Raytheon began producing missiles and became a key supplier of key missiles to the U.S. military. Since the 1980s, Raytheon has played a pivotal role in missile defense technology. The company's landmark products include the Tomahawk missile, Sparrow, and the Patriot missile defense system. Raytheon-manufactured components are purchased by many military forces in Europe and Asia, helping the company achieve annual sales of over $20 billion.

Website: https://www.rtx.com/

Born in November 1999 after the merger of three companies BAE Systems, Marconi Electronic Systems, and British Aerospace, BAE Systems became one of the world's leading arms manufacturers. To secure a foothold in the U.S. market, BAE acquired significant stakes in American partner companies. Consequently, it has special relationships with customers in both the European and American markets.

Like Lockheed Martin, BAE dominates much of the global arms market. The company employs around 100,000 staff, with annual profits nearing $30 billion. BAE is involved in two major fighter jet projects, the Eurofighter Typhoon and the F-35 aircraft. The company also develops the Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, the Challenger 2 tank, and various ground-based weapons. Additionally, BAE constructs numerous warships for the Royal Navy, including the Astute-class nuclear-powered attack submarines, the Type 45 destroyers, and two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.

Website: https://www.baesystems.com/en/home

Since its inception as the Aviation Industry Administration Commission on April 1, 1951, during the Korean War, China's aviation technology has undergone 12 reforms. In 2010, AVIC acquired the U.S. aircraft engine manufacturer Continental Motors, Inc., and the Cirrus Aircraft company in 2011, as well as the German aircraft engine manufacturer Thielert.

Internationally, AVIC is known as a supplier of aircraft components to aircraft manufacturers, as well as assembling Airbus A320 aircraft in Tianjin. Additionally, subsidiaries such as COMAC and CAIGA also produce their own aircraft like the Comac C919 or CAIGA Primus 150, aiming to compete with Western counterparts.

Website: https://enm.avic.com/

Airbus is not a weapons manufacturer, but one of the largest aerospace corporations in the world. Established in 2000, Airbus is headquartered in Toulouse, France, and operates globally with factories and offices in many different countries. The company is renowned for producing leading commercial and military aircraft, providing solutions for both the aerospace and space sectors.

Airbus has been involved in numerous significant projects in the aviation field, including the innovation and development of advanced commercial aircraft, from jetliners like the A320 to wide-body aircraft like the A380, meeting the needs of airlines worldwide. The company also manufactures military aircraft such as the A400M Atlas and A330 MRTT, contributing to the defense capabilities of many nations. Airbus is not only known for high-quality aviation products but also for driving innovation and advanced technology in the aerospace and space industries. The company is committed to ensuring safety, performance, and environmental protection in the aviation industry. Airbus's goal is to continually enhance the world's aviation capabilities and contribute to the sustainable development of this industry.

Website: https://www.airbus.com/en

L3Harris Technologies (L3Harris) is an American technology company, defense contractor, and provider of information technology services manufacturing C6ISR systems, wireless devices, tactical radios, electronic and electro-optical systems, night vision equipment, ground and space antennas for government, defense, and commercial sectors. They specialize in surveillance solutions, tri-service weapons, and electronic warfare. The company was formed from the merger of L3 Technologies (formerly L-3 Communications) and Harris Corporation on June 29, 2019, aiming to be the world's sixth-largest defense contractor.

L3Harris Technologies is an agile global defense and aerospace technology innovator, providing end-to-end solutions to meet critical customer needs. The company delivers advanced defense and commercial technologies in air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. L3Harris has an annual revenue of approximately $18 billion and 50,000 employees, with customers in over 100 countries.

Website: https://www.l3harris.com/

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) stands as one of the leading and largest weapons manufacturers globally. Established from the merger between Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding and Newport News Shipbuilding in 2011, HII is headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, USA. The company has built a solid reputation in the production and development of defense systems, especially aircraft carriers, warships, and submarines.

HII excels not only in constructing maritime combat systems but also engages in various other critical defense projects, including missile system development and production, maritime equipment, and post-sales support services. With a history spanning over a century, HII has made significant contributions to the U.S. defense capabilities and plays a crucial role in maintaining stability at sea. HII is not just a major weapons manufacturer but also drives innovation and advanced technology in the defense sector. Their mission is to ensure national security and defense, and they have succeeded in advancing the industry through breakthrough research and development projects. Huntington Ingalls Industries demonstrates a steadfast commitment to the safety and strength of the United States, playing a vital role in safeguarding freedom and national security.

Website: https://huntingtoningalls.com/

Thales Group is a leading multinational technology conglomerate with a strong reputation in the defense and aerospace sector. While not the largest arms manufacturer globally, Thales Group stands out in defense technology, information systems, and electronics, significantly contributing to the defense capabilities of numerous countries worldwide.

Thales Group is headquartered in France and has developed a global network with a presence in over 56 countries. The company operates in various defense sectors, including missile systems, aerospace and space equipment, military communication systems, and security solutions. Thales Group not only provides high-end defense products and services but also focuses on innovation and technology development to ensure national security. With a history spanning over a century and a talented workforce with extensive knowledge, Thales Group is a vital supplier of comprehensive security and defense solutions. The mission of Thales Group is to ensure safety and protect the nation, and they are committed to contributing to maintaining peace and stability worldwide through advanced technologies and innovative solutions.

Website: https://www.thalesgroup.com/en

United Shipbuilding Corporation is one of the leading conglomerates in the global transportation and shipbuilding industry. Headquartered in Russia, USC has built a strong reputation in this industry and leads in the production and distribution of warships, submarines, commercial vessels, and related weapon systems.

The company is renowned not only for its ability to manufacture and distribute modern warships but also plays a crucial role in researching and developing deep-sea weapon systems. USC has been involved in numerous significant projects, contributing significantly to the maintenance and development of naval capabilities worldwide. With a combination of sophisticated technical capabilities and a commitment to national security, United Shipbuilding Corporation is one of the top names in the list of the world's largest arms companies and makes a significant contribution to the global military and security landscape.

Website: https://www.aoosk.ru/en/