Top 10 Most Sought-After US Arms Companies Worldwide, the Engines Behind Wars
Global geopolitical dynamics in March 2026 continue to be the primary driver of the surge in military spending across various countries. Currently, the world is facing massive escalations in armed conflicts in several regions.
In the Middle East, the war is no longer confined to Gaza but has expanded into an open regional conflict involving Israel, Iran, and Lebanon, which is even beginning to impact maritime traffic and energy infrastructure in Gulf countries.
The combination of these various conflicts positions the United States’ defence industry in a highly strategic position. US military contractors continue to benefit from a surge in long-term orders for top-class Main Defence System Equipment (alutsista) to respond to these global threats.
Based on the latest trade data, there are ten publicly traded US companies leading the market capitalisation in this industry.
All companies on this list have been classified as operating in the defence sector and are regulated to produce, supply, or develop military technology for the United States government and allied nations.
- GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE)
GE Aerospace holds the top position with a recorded market capitalisation of US$297.96 billion, or approximately Rp 5,056.38 trillion (US$1 = Rp 16,970). Although it has a strong track record in commercial aviation, GE is one of the main suppliers in the military industry.
Their primary focus in the defence sector is the development, production, and maintenance of fighter jet engines, military helicopters, and aviation systems for the US Department of Defense.
- RTX Corp (NYSE: RTX)
In second place, RTX Corp has a market capitalisation of US$266.72 billion. Previously known as Raytheon Technologies, RTX is a pure defence contractor that produces various strategic military equipment.
Their products include precision missile systems, air defence systems such as the Patriot system, military radars, and fighter jet engines through its subsidiary, Pratt & Whitney.
- Boeing (NYSE: BA)
Boeing has a market capitalisation of US$153.33 billion. The company has a dedicated division called Boeing Defense, Space & Security responsible for military contracts. Boeing’s military portfolio is massive, encompassing the production of fighter jets, bomber aircraft, aerial refuelling aircraft, Apache attack helicopters, strategic weapon systems, and defence satellites.
- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT)
Lockheed Martin is the world’s largest defence contractor in terms of revenue purely from the military sector, with a market capitalisation of US$144.41 billion. Regulatorily and operationally, this company is a mainstay of the US military industry.
Lockheed Martin is the primary producer of the fifth-generation fighter jet F-35 Lightning II, the HIMARS missile system, and various other tactical aerospace technologies.
- Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC)
With a market capitalisation reaching US$100.33 billion, Northrop Grumman focuses on cutting-edge military technology and advanced aerospace. The company produces the stealth bomber B-21 Raider, military drone systems, cyber radar technology, and various intercontinental ballistic missile defence systems.
- General Dynamics (NYSE: GD)
General Dynamics has a market capitalisation of US$93.34 billion and strong diversification in land and sea defence equipment. The company is the primary producer of the M1 Abrams battle tank and the Stryker armoured vehicle. Through its Electric Boat division, it is also a major contractor for building nuclear-powered submarines for the US Navy.
- Howmet Aerospace (NYSE: HWM)
Howmet Aerospace has a market capitalisation of US$92.70 billion. Although often seen as an industrial components supplier, Howmet has significant exposure in the military sector. The company produces specialised metal structural components, titanium materials, and fastening systems that are crucial for fighter jet structures and defence ammunition.
- TransDigm Group (NYSE: TDG)
TransDigm Group has a market capitalisation of US$66.49 billion. The company operates as a supplier of advanced components for military aircraft and defence vehicles. Regulatorily, TransDigm holds many US government defence contracts to produce specialised parts that are difficult to replace, making it a vital player in the military supply chain.
- L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX)
L3Harris Technologies, with a market capitalisation of US$66.18 billion, is a major innovator in tactical communications technology and electronic warfare. The company exclusively focuses on the defence market, providing military radios, night vision sensing systems, avionics, and satellite communication infrastructure for global military operations.
- Axon Enterprise (NASDAQ: AXON)
Rounding out the top 10, Axon Enterprise has a market capitalisation of US$39.66 billion. Although widely known as a provider of police equipment, Axon has a dedicated division serving the military and the US federal government. The company supplies tactical cameras, cloud-based software for operation evidence management, and non-lethal weapon technology to military units.