Top Defence Technology Companies in 2027

Explore the defence technology companies shaping modern warfare through AI, autonomous systems, advanced weapons and next-generation military capabilities.

Top Defence Technology Companies to Watch in 2027 reflect how nations are responding to new security challenges and investing in advanced defence systems and military equipment. Governments are spending more on advanced aircraft, missile defence systems, drones, artificial intelligence and space technology to protect their countries and strengthen their military capabilities. These investments are changing defence markets and shaping how modern battlefields may look in the coming years.

There are several companies, which operates within the defence industry and takes part in the trends, mentioned above. Some of these companies are: Lockheed Martin, RTX, General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, Boeing, AVIC, L3Harris Technologies, Leonardo and Airbus. These companies offer various products and services within the defence industry, working alongside defence technology startup to support the development and production of future defence systems.

1. Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin Corporation is one of the top defence technology companies in the world. It designs and builds military aircraft such as the F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor, along with missiles, air defence systems and other military equipment. Its products are used by the United States military and allied countries for defence and security operations.

Moreover, the company produces radars, cyber security technologies, and space systems for military applications, thereby supporting the country’s defense capabilities and intelligence needs. In particular, their cutting-edge solutions enable the military to track and identify targets, protect defense systems, and bolster national security. As such, Lockheed Martin Corp is expected to be a critical defense company to watch out for in 2027.

2. RTX

RTX is a global aerospace and defence company that develops technology for aircraft, military equipment and national security. It operates through three main businesses: Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney and Raytheon. Collins Aerospace makes aircraft systems and equipment, Pratt & Whitney builds aircraft engines, and Raytheon develops defence systems used by the US military and its allies.

The company makes a range of products, including missile defence systems, radar, aircraft engines, sensors and flight control systems. Its technology serves both commercial aviation and military operations. As one of the leading defence contractors, RTX continues to play an important role in the global aerospace and defence industry as countries invest in stronger defence systems and modern military equipment.

3. General Dynamics

General Dynamics is a multinational aerospace and defense company that designs and makes military equipment, ships, combat vehicles and state-of-the-art technology systems. The company’s activities span across four areas: Aerospace, Marine Systems, Combat Systems and Technologies. The company makes nuclear submarines, military vehicles and systems, weapons systems and Gulfstream business jets.

The company also develops artificial intelligence, cyber-security, secure communication, and surveillance technology for military and government purposes. These systems allow for the sharing of information and monitoring between military members. General Dynamics is relevant to the Military Artificial Intelligence technology companies sector because of its expertise in artificial intelligence and defence technology as nations continue to modernize their armed forces and adopt new technologies.

4. Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is an American defence company that builds military aircraft, weapons, missile defence systems and space technology. Its products include warplanes, satellites, radar and electronic warfare systems. The company has four main business areas: Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems and Space Systems.

The company also designs radars, surveillance systems, satellites, and electronics warfare technology essential in reconnaissance and missile defense systems. Northrop Grumman also creates space-based systems and infrastructures that support missile warning and national security.

5. BAE Systems

BAE Systems is a UK-based defense and aerospace company that designs, builds, and supplies military aircraft, naval ships, combat vehicles, weapons, and electronic systems. The company provides equipment and technology to defense organizations and government agencies.

The company is set to expand manufacturing operations in Weld County, Colorado, and has acquired a 130,000-square-foot facility to produce space hardware and sensor systems. According to the company on its website, production is set to start in early 2028.

6. Boeing

Boeing is an American multinational corporation involved in aerospace and defense-related industries. The company’s products include commercial aircraft and various defense systems. The defense division of Boeing designs and produces military aircraft, space vehicles, and other technological equipment. Among other things, the division manufactures MQ-25, a.k.a. the Stingray, an unmanned aircraft developed for the US Navy.

The given aircraft is designed to take off and land on the carrier deck autonomously but with human assistance. In addition, MQ-25 can be used for reconnaissance, intelligence, and surveillance missions. Thus, Boeing’s project contributes to the development of autonomous technologies and the enhancement of the capabilities of naval aviation.

7. AVIC

AVIC, also known as Aviation Industry Corporation of China, is one of the leading companies in China that designs military aircraft, helicopters, and other aviation equipment, as well as related technologies. This corporation played a major role in China’s aircraft manufacturing industry as a key player in the field of engineering, research, and production of aircraft.

However, the website is AVIC International Hangzhou’s, which specializes mainly in industrial equipment and engineering. This company uses the AVICRYO trademark to manufacture air separation plants, industrial gas equipment, hydrogen production installations and cryogenic equipment.

8. L3Harris Technologies

L3Harris Technologies is an American defence and aerospace company that designs and manufacture equipment for military and national security operations. Its products include secure communication systems, radar, electronic warfare equipment, missile technology and space systems.

L3Harris also designs and makes satellites, sensors, missile warning systems and cyber security solutions that enable military forces to communicate securely, detect threats and coordinate their operations. In October 2026, the company announced the appointment of Kimberly Fields, Chair, President, and CEO of ATI, Inc., to its Board of Directors.

9. Leonardo

Leonardo is an Italian multinational aerospace and defense group that designs and manufactures military aircraft, helicopters, radars, and other military equipment. Moreover, the company also develops electronics, cyber security, and space technologies for military purposes.

In addition, Leonardo also provides electronic warfare systems, missile defense systems, space assets, and unmanned aerial vehicles for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. In other words, the company also provides defense and security solutions to detect, protect, and gather information about objects, people, areas, and threats. Ai-an artificial intelligence technology company offering AI image editing and generation tools.

10. Airbus

Airbus is an international company that produces commercial airplanes and transport, military aviation technology, helicopters and hardware for the space industry. The company’s aircraft include the Airbus A320neo and A321neo, which are widely used by airlines for short- and medium-haul flights.

In October 2026, the Aviation Capital Group signed the largest-ever contract in the history Airbus by ordering 75 A320neo Family aircraft. According to Airbus, these aircraft will help cut fuel burn and CO2 emissions by at least 20% compared to current single-aisle aircraft.

Business Honor observes that countries are increasing defense spending and investing in technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and missile defense to enhance national security.

FAQs

What are the top defence technology companies to watch in 2027?

Lockheed Martin, RTX, General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, Boeing and Airbus are among the major names in the global defence industry.

How are defence technology startups changing the industry?

Defence technology startups are developing drones, AI tools, robotics and advanced surveillance systems for modern military operations.

Who are the leading defence contractors in the world?

Lockheed Martin, RTX, BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman are leading defence contractors supplying military aircraft, weapons and defence systems.

How are military AI technology companies changing warfare?

Military AI technology companies develop tools for threat detection, surveillance, autonomous operations and faster military decision-making.

What technologies will shape the defence industry in 2027?

Artificial intelligence, autonomous aircraft, missile defence, cybersecurity and space-based surveillance are expected to remain key areas of development.