In this article we are going to list the 30 Most Valuable Defense Companies In The World.
As long as humanity has existed, so has conflict and violence. Throughout times, societies and cultures often resorted violence, war and fighting to continue to exist and have resulted in the deaths of millions across the world. In fact, if there’s one thing the Walking Dead got right, and no it’s not that we’ll all become zombies one day, is that even when there is a singular menace threatening the existence of humanity, humans will still turn on each other.
After all, consider the pandemic. While there have been inspiring stories of donations made by rich countries to poor, including 1 billion vaccine doses to eradicate the virus, that doesn’t mean that conflict has taken a backseat. From increasing tensions between the United States and China, to the almost all out war between China and India, to the civil war in Ethiopia, to Israel-Gaza conflict, even in these trying times, there are more than enough conflicts in the world ongoing to fill several books.
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In today’s world, conflict and war are more technical than ever before. As advancements in technology have allowed countries to conduct war strategies without even having to venture to the battleground themselves, companies have popped up providing the required software, hardware and intelligence necessary to gain the advantage in such circumstances.
Make no mistake, these companies are in it not for patriotism or nationalism, but to earn huge profits for their shareholders. There is absolutely no doubt that you’ll have heard of some of these companies, and even used their products. Many entries in our list don’t engage in just defense but provide various other products and services as well.
Take for example Honeywell International Inc (NYSE:HON), which ranks at the top of our list of most valuable defense companies. Aside from being involved in the defense sector, Honeywell International Inc (NYSE:HON) also provides home automation products. Honeywell International Inc (NYSE:HON) also has safety, productivity and building technologies segments.
Other two of the most valuable defense companies in our list are US-based Boeing Co (NYSE:BA) and European Airbus SE. Both aerospace companies in addition to defense, are mainly known for their commercial jets. The two have been involved in quite a long dispute. The conflict between Boeing Co (NYSE:BA) and Airbus began back in 2004 and was related to government subsidies that each company accused the other of receiving. Only earlier this year, the US and EU have agreed to suspend tariffs caused by the dispute between Boeing Co (NYSE:BA) and Airbus.
Despite the fact that whole world is threatened by a pandemic, defense spending is still expected to increase by nearly 3% in 2021 as most countries have maintained or increased their defense budget. For these countries, the most valuable defense companies in the world are extremely important in ensuring their fight for supremacy.
In order to compile our list of most valuable defense companies, we took into account the market capitalization of these companies. Since only public companies could be considered, many defense companies which rank among the top in terms of revenue did not make our list.
30. Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd.
Total value of the company: $2.80 billion
Our list of most valuable defense companies in the world is started with Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. The South Korean aerospace and defense company is owned by the government of South Korea.
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29. Saab AB
Total value of the company: $4.0 billion
The Swedish aerospace and defense company also used to produce automobiles under the same brand. However, in 1990 the automobile division was spun off into Saab Automobile, a joint venture with General Motors Corp (NYSE:GM). The carmaker Saab was very proud of its legacy and relationship with the aerospace company, highlighting it in its promos. Currently, Saab AB focuses on fighter aircraft and is working with Boeing Co (NYSE:BA) on an advanced jet trainer for the US Air Force.
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28. Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings Inc. (NYSE:AJRD)
Total value of the company: $3.49 billion
Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings Inc (NYSE:AJRD) was initially known as the General Tire and Rubber Company. Soon, Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings Inc (NYSE:AJRD) will become a part of Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT). In 2020, Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings Inc (NYSE:AJRD) and Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) agreed on a deal worth $4.4 billion.
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27. Rheinmetall AG
Total value of the company: $4.15 billion
Next in line among most valuable defense companies in the world is Rheinmetall AG, a German company that was established in 1889. The company maintains a presence in both the aviation as well as defense sectors.
26. Leonardo SpA
Total value of the company: $4.84 billion
The only Italian entry in this list, Leonardo has 180 sites globally and is partially owned by the government of Italy.
25. Science Applications International Corp. (NYSE:SAIC)
Total value of the company as at June 2021: $5.05 billion
Science Applications International Corp (NYSE:SAIC) is a government contractor. Recently, Science Applications International Corp (NYSE:SAIC) has acquired UNISYS US Federal for $1.2 billion in 2020.
24. KBR, Inc. (NYSE:KBR)
Total value of the company: $5.67 billion
KBR Inc. (NYSE:KBR) is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Historically KBR (NYSE:KBR) had major contracts with the U.S. military. In fact, at some point former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson allegedly was involved in helping KBR (NYSE:KBR) obtain government contracts (the company was known as Brown & Root back then) when he was a Congressman.