The biggest weapons and defense companies in the world

The arms industry is vital to a country’s defense, creating essential tools and technologies to support military operations. Its products range from weapons and munitions to advanced weapons platforms, communications systems, and surveillance technologies. Besides defense, many of these companies are innovation leaders. They are at the helm of space exploration, automotive engineering, global trade, and communication networks.

As geopolitical conflicts increase and military budgets grow, the industry faces both opportunity and responsibility. Its future will depend not only on its ability to meet evolving defense needs but also on how it addresses ethical challenges and drives responsible innovation. This gallery highlights some of the world’s leading defense companies and the technologies they create. Curious to know more? Click to explore.

15. SAAB AB, Sweden

The Swedish Aeroplane Corporation (SAAB) focuses on manufacturing defense, aviation, and aerospace technology. It is headquartered in Stockholm with design and production facilities in the city of Linköping.

In terms of market capitalization, it is valued at $27.48 billion. It is involved in making combat gear and equipment, aircraft, submarines, flight control systems, missiles, and other weapons.

14. Leonardo, Italy

Leonardo is an Italian defense contractor that manufactures security, defense, and aerospace products. It was founded in 1948 and is now located in Rome.

13 Bharat Electronics, India

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is an Indian defense and aerospace technology company. It comes under the administration of the Ministry of Defense of India, and is headquartered in Bengaluru.

13. Bharat Electronics, India

It has a market capitalization of $34.2 billion. It makes a wide range of equipment, such as radars, electronic systems for missiles, tanks, aircraft, and naval ships, tactical military gear, digital communication equipment, and electronic weapon components. 

12. Kongsberg Gruppen, Norway

Kongsberg Gruppen is one of the world’s leading producers of defense, aerospace, marine, oil, and gas industry technologies. It is a Norwegian technology company with its headquarters in Kongsberg.

11. Hindustan Aeronautics, India

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is India’s public sector company and one of the oldest defense and aerospace manufacturers in the world. The company was established in 1940 and has its headquarters in Bengaluru.

10. L3Harris Technologies, US

L3Harris Technologies is a technology company that makes products for the defense, aerospace, and communications sectors. It is located in Melbourne, Florida.

9. Thales, France

Thales Group is a French multinational company that specializes in developing electronics for aerospace and military applications. The company’s headquarters are located in Paris.

8. Northrop Grumman, US

Northrop Grumman Corporation is an American defense and technology manufacturer. It has its main office in West Falls Church, Virginia.

7. General Dynamics, US

General Dynamics Corporation is one of the world’s largest defense and aerospace manufacturers. The company operates from Reston, Virginia.

6. BAE Systems, UK

BAE Systems Inc. is an international arms, security, and defense company. It is Britain’s largest manufacturer, headquartered in London.

5. Rheinmetall, Germany

Rheinmetall AG is a major German manufacturer of defense vehicles, electronics, and weapons. It is Germany’s largest arms manufacturer, located in the city of Düsseldorf.

4. Lockheed Martin, US

Lockheed Martin is one of the largest defense and aerospace manufacturers in the world. It is located in North Bethesda, Maryland, United States.

3. Safran, France

Safran is the world’s third-largest defense and aerospace company. It is located in Paris, France.

2. Honeywell, US

Honeywell International Inc. ranks second on the list. It is an American multinational company with its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina.

1. RTX, US

RTX Corporation is the world’s largest defense and aerospace company in the world. It is located in Arlington, Virginia.