The 12 Largest Defense Companies In The United States
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The largest defense company in the U.S. is Raytheon Technologies, with a revenue of $67.07 billion.
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As of 2026, the U.S. defense industry has a market size of $740.4 billion.
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Over 7 million firearms are manufactured in the U.S. each year.
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The defense market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.37% through 2030.
The United States is recognized globally for possessing advanced defense systems, a fact often overlooked is that the U.S. government relies heavily on private companies for a significant portion of its defense needs. This outsourcing encompasses research, development, and manufacturing of various defense-related equipment and systems.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) maintains contracts with numerous organizations worldwide, with a substantial focus on American companies that specialize in defense products and services. This article presents an updated list of the 12 largest defense companies in the U.S., ranked based on defense contract values awarded by the DOD in recent fiscal years.
12 Largest Defense Companies in the U.S.
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Raytheon Technologies. Waltham, Massachusetts
2022 Annual Revenue: $67.07 billion
Raytheon Technologies was formed in 2020 through the merger of Raytheon Corporation and United Technologies Corporation, emerging as a leader in aerospace and defense manufacturing.
The company operates across aviation, space, and defense sectors through four major divisions: Collins Aerospace, Pratt and Whitney, Raytheon Intelligence and Space, and Raytheon Missiles and Defense.
With a workforce of over 195,000, Raytheon Technologies is engaged in researching, designing, and manufacturing aircraft engines, avionics, cybersecurity solutions, data analytics, missiles, and air defense systems, serving both military and commercial clients globally.
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2022 Annual Revenue: $66.61 billion
Boeing stands as the world’s largest aerospace company, renowned for its commercial airplanes as well as its design and manufacturing of rockets, satellites, missiles, and military aircraft.
In addition to physical products, Boeing provides professional support services in engineering, digital analytics, and supply chain management, serving government and commercial customers globally.
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Lockheed Martin. North Bethesda, Maryland
2022 Annual Revenue: $65.98 billion
Lockheed Martin, formed from the 1995 merger of Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta, employs approximately 110,000 individuals across its global operations.
The company focuses on aeronautics, missiles and fire control, rotary and mission systems, and space, engaging in the entire lifecycle of technology systems from research to sustainment.
Lockheed Martin generates a significant portion of its revenue through contracts with the DOD and other government agencies while also catering to international and commercial markets.
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General Dynamics. Reston, Virginia
2022 Annual Revenue: $39.41 billion
General Dynamics, established through several mergers in 1952, is recognized for its innovation, including the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear-powered submarine.
The company employs over 100,000 individuals and operates across numerous defense sectors, including Aerospace, Marine Systems, Combat Systems, and Technologies.
Key products include Gulfstream business jets, combat vehicles, command and control systems, and IT services.
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Northrop Grumman. Falls Church, Virginia
2022 Annual Revenue: $36.60 billion
Northrop Grumman specializes in space, aeronautics, defense, and cybersecurity, serving the U.S. Department of Defense and international clients across over 25 countries.
The company is known for innovative defense technologies, including the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and various unmanned aircraft systems.
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BAE Systems. Falls Church, Virginia
2022 Annual Revenue: $26.29 billion
Though BAE Systems is a British company, its U.S. subsidiary employs approximately 35,000 professionals, delivering products and services for both commercial and military sectors.
The company specializes in intelligence systems, electronic systems, armored combat vehicles, and munitions, offering both development and service support.
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2022 Annual Revenue: $17.06 billion
L3Harris, formed in 2019 from the merger of L3 Technologies and Harris Corporation, operates in various defense sectors globally, employing about 48,000 individuals.
Specializing in surveillance, electronic warfare, and IT services, L3Harris serves both defense and commercial markets across multiple domains.
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2022 Annual Revenue: $14.4 billion
Leidos, with a workforce of 38,000, focuses on aviation, defense, energy, and healthcare, predominantly emphasizing research and development.
Originating as Science Applications International Corporation, Leidos serves a diverse global client base with its engineering, digital, and biomedical services, including several notable subsidiaries.
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Huntington Ingalls Industries. Newport News, Virginia
2022 Annual Revenue: $10.7 billion
Since its spin-off from Northrop Grumman in 2011, Huntington Ingalls Industries has become the largest military shipbuilding company in the U.S., contributing significantly to the Navy’s fleet.
In addition to shipbuilding, HII also engages in producing unmanned systems and nuclear submarines, employing over 42,000 personnel across its divisions.
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Booz Allen Hamilton. McLean, Virginia
2022 Annual Revenue: $8.36 billion
Booz Allen Hamilton, an IT and management consulting firm founded in 1914, has played a pivotal role in supporting defense initiatives since World War II.
Today, the company focuses on modernizing defense systems and integrating information across the U.S. Armed Forces, while also providing services to various sectors, including intelligence and commercial industries.
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2022 Annual Revenue: $8.28 billion
Oshkosh Corporation, established in 1917, specializes in manufacturing tactical vehicles and access equipment for defense applications.
The company’s defense division is known for producing high-performance tactical vehicles and offering parts and services for military use.
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Science Applications International. Reston, Virginia
2022 Annual Revenue: $7.70 billion
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), a spin-off from Leidos, primarily serves the defense, space, civilian, and intelligence sectors with a strong emphasis on government contracts.
SAIC employs over 25,000 individuals, focusing on enterprise IT, software, cybersecurity, and engineering solutions for its governmental clients.
Defense Industry FAQ
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What is the largest defense company in the United States?
The largest defense company in the U.S. is Raytheon Technologies. With a 2022 revenue of $67.07 billion, Raytheon Technologies leads the defense industry, closely followed by Boeing and Lockheed Martin, which reported revenues of $66.61 billion and $65.98 billion, respectively.
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How big is the U.S. defense industry?
Over $400 billion in defense contracts are awarded to U.S. companies annually. This contributes to a current market size exceeding $740 billion, underscoring the defense industry’s significant impact on the U.S. economy.
Author
Abby is a writer who is passionate about the power of story. Whether it’s communicating complicated topics in a clear way or helping readers connect with another person or place from the comfort of their couch. Abby attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she earned a degree in writing with concentrations in journalism and business.
