Companies That Play Key Roles in the Defense Industry

There are countless private corporations that serve as defense contractors in the defense industrial complex. Some that come to mind might be Lockheed Martin or Raytheon, but even companies you interact with in everyday life play crucial roles in the defense sector. Here are three well-known commercial businesses that play significant roles in defense.

1. When you think of Boeing, you might only think of the vast amounts of commercial planes that Boeing produces so you can travel the world. The majority of Boeing’s revenue comes from commercial aircraft production like the 737, 777, 787 aircrafts—in 2017 they completed over 600 orders and received 900 more. However, they are also a major defense contractor for the Dept. of Defense. In 2017, Boeing made 26.9 billion in arms sales out 93.4 billion total sales. In 2017, Boeing received contracts for “27 P-8 Poseidon aircraft, 36 advanced F-15 fighters, and 268 Apache helicopters.”

2. Rolls Royce is infamous for expensive cars. Rolls Royce Holdings separated from the auto manufacturer in 1998 but remains a key commercial player in engine technology innovation. The majority of revenue comes from producing engines for "civil aerospace". They also produce “aero-engine products” and “maritime systems” for the defense industry globally. In 2017, 4.4 billion out of 19.3 billion in sales is accounted for arms sales. 

3. Honeywell international is a company that might sound familiar. They produce HVAC/ home efficiency technology, sensor tech, electronics, specialty chemicals, and tech that you might find in your own house. They are currently producing N95 masks for the coronavirus pandemic response. Honeywell is also a major producer of aerospace technology. They develop and produce technology used in defense products, including “Bell UH-1 Iroquois, Boeing AH-64 Apache, Boeing CH-47 Chinook, Boeing F-15 Eagle, General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper.” In 2017, 4.4 billion out of 40.5 billion in sales accounted towards arms sales.