War is STILL a Racket

Written by Joe Marzo

Who Are America’s Largest Defense Contractors?

The defense industry in the United States is a cornerstone of national security, economic strength, and technological innovation. However, the immense influence and power held by these companies also raise concerns about their role in shaping U.S. and global policies. This dynamic brings to mind the famous words of General Smedley Butler, a highly decorated Marine Corps officer, who in his 1935 book, "War is a Racket," criticized the profit-driven motives behind warfare.

While modern defense contractors provide essential products and services that ensure the country’s defense capabilities, their significant lobbying efforts and political contributions suggest a complex interplay between corporate interests and government actions. This article will explore the largest defense contractors in America, their contributions, and their significance to the nation's security and economy, as well as the broader implications of their pervasive influence.

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is the largest defense contractor in the United States and the world. With its headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin specializes in aerospace, defense, arms, and security. The company is best known for its advanced aircraft, including the F-35 Lightning II, F-22 Raptor, and C-130 Hercules. Lockheed Martin also provides missile defense systems, naval systems, space systems, and cyber solutions.

Employees: Approximately 114,000

Worksites/Factories:

Bethesda, Maryland (Headquarters)

Fort Worth, Texas: Aircraft manufacturing (F-35 Lightning II)

Marietta, Georgia: Aircraft manufacturing (C-130 Hercules)

Sunnyvale, California: Space systems

Palmdale, California: Advanced development programs (Skunk Works)

Denver, Colorado: Space systems

Orlando, Florida: Missiles and fire control

Owego, New York: Rotary and mission systems

Revenue (2023): $67 billion

Profit (2023): $6.3 billion

U.S. Government Contracts (2023): $49 billion

Foreign Government Contracts: United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Israel, Canada, Italy, Norway, Denmark, Turkey, Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Greece, Switzerland, Poland, Romania, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, Singapore, India

Foreign Lobbying Efforts: Lockheed Martin actively lobbies in various foreign nations to secure defense contracts, particularly in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Their efforts include securing deals for the F-35 program and other defense systems in countries such as the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.

Raytheon Technologies

Raytheon Technologies, headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, is another major player in the defense industry. Formed from the merger of Raytheon Company and United Technologies Corporation in 2020, Raytheon Technologies provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military, and government customers. The company's defense portfolio includes missile systems, radar systems, cybersecurity solutions, and avionics.

Employees: Approximately 181,000

Worksites/Factories:

Waltham, Massachusetts (Headquarters)

Tucson, Arizona: Missile systems

Andover, Massachusetts: Integrated defense systems

El Segundo, California: Space and airborne systems

East Hartford, Connecticut: Pratt & Whitney aircraft engines

Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Collins Aerospace avionics

Richardson, Texas: Intelligence, information, and services

Revenue (2023): $64 billion

Profit (2023): $5.8 billion

U.S. Government Contracts (2023): $30 billion

Foreign Government Contracts: NATO countries, Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Australia, Qatar, Taiwan, India, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Turkey, Canada, Israel

Foreign Lobbying Efforts: Raytheon Technologies engages in lobbying efforts to promote its defense systems in various regions, including Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Notable lobbying efforts are in Saudi Arabia, Japan, and NATO countries for systems like the Patriot missile defense system and advanced radar systems.

Boeing Defense, Space & Security

Boeing, primarily known for its commercial airplanes, also has a significant presence in the defense sector through its Defense, Space & Security division. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, this division provides military aircraft, satellites, autonomous systems, and other defense technologies. Notable products include the F/A-18 Super Hornet, AH-64 Apache helicopter, and various space exploration systems.

Employees: Approximately 140,000 (total Boeing employees, including commercial aircraft sector)

Worksites/Factories:

Arlington, Virginia (Headquarters)

St. Louis, Missouri: Military aircraft

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Rotorcraft systems

Huntsville, Alabama: Space and missile systems

El Segundo, California: Satellite development

Seattle, Washington: Various defense programs

Revenue (2023): $62 billion

Profit (2023): $5.4 billion

U.S. Government Contracts (2023): $28 billion

Foreign Government Contracts: NATO countries, India, Australia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Canada, United Kingdom

Foreign Lobbying Efforts: Boeing conducts extensive lobbying in foreign nations to promote its aircraft and defense systems. Key regions include Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, with significant efforts in India, Australia, Japan, and Saudi Arabia.

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman, based in Falls Church, Virginia, is renowned for its contributions to aerospace and defense technology. The company specializes in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, and strike. Northrop Grumman is known for the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and the upcoming B-21 Raider, as well as its work on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Employees: Approximately 90,000

Worksites/Factories:

Falls Church, Virginia (Headquarters)

Redondo Beach, California: Aerospace systems

Baltimore, Maryland: Mission systems

Melbourne, Florida: Aerospace systems

Huntsville, Alabama: Defense systems

Clearfield, Utah: Aerospace structures

Revenue (2023): $38 billion

Profit (2023): $4.7 billion

U.S. Government Contracts (2023): $25 billion

Foreign Government Contracts: United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, Japan, NATO countries, Germany, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Italy, France, Spain, Israel, Norway, Sweden

Foreign Lobbying Efforts: Northrop Grumman's lobbying efforts focus on securing contracts in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, particularly in the United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, and Japan. These efforts are aimed at promoting advanced aerospace and defense systems.

General Dynamics

General Dynamics, headquartered in Reston, Virginia, operates in the defense, aerospace, and marine sectors. The company is known for its Gulfstream business jets, M1 Abrams tanks, and Virginia-class submarines. General Dynamics provides a broad range of products and services, including information technology, combat vehicles, and shipbuilding.

Employees: Approximately 100,000

Worksites/Factories:

Reston, Virginia (Headquarters)

Groton, Connecticut: Submarine shipyard

Bath, Maine: Shipbuilding

St. Petersburg, Florida: Mission systems

Sterling Heights, Michigan: Combat systems

Savannah, Georgia: Gulfstream aerospace

Revenue (2023): $40 billion

Profit (2023): $3.8 billion

U.S. Government Contracts (2023): $22 billion

Foreign Government Contracts: NATO countries, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Japan, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Israel, South Korea

Foreign Lobbying Efforts: General Dynamics actively lobbies in various foreign nations to promote its combat vehicles, submarines, and aerospace products. Key regions include Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, with significant efforts in NATO countries, Saudi Arabia, and Japan.

L3 Harris Technologies

L3Harris Technologies, based in Melbourne, Florida, is a relatively new entrant formed by the merger of L3 Technologies and Harris Corporation in 2019. The company provides communications, electronic warfare, and surveillance systems. L3Harris is known for its advanced communication systems and avionics, which are critical for modern military operations.

Employees: Approximately 47,000

Worksites/Factories:

Melbourne, Florida (Headquarters)

Rochester, New York: Communication systems

Greenville, Texas: ISR systems

Palm Bay, Florida: Space and airborne systems

Salt Lake City, Utah: Communication systems

Revenue (2023): $18 billion

Profit (2023): $1.9 billion

U.S. Government Contracts (2023): $14 billion

Foreign Government Contracts: NATO countries, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, Israel, Germany, Italy, Spain, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan

Foreign Lobbying Efforts: L3Harris Technologies focuses its lobbying efforts on securing contracts in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Significant lobbying activities occur in NATO countries, Saudi Arabia, and Japan, promoting communication and ISR systems.

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, is the largest military shipbuilding company in the United States. HII builds more ships for the U.S. Navy than any other company and is responsible for constructing aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, and nuclear submarines.

Employees: Approximately 44,000

Worksites/Factories:

Newport News, Virginia (Headquarters)

Pascagoula, Mississippi: Shipbuilding (Ingalls Shipbuilding)

Avondale, Louisiana: Shipbuilding

San Diego, California: Fleet support services

Honolulu, Hawaii: Ship repair and maintenance

Revenue (2023): $9 billion

Profit (2023): $0.8 billion

U.S. Government Contracts (2023): $8 billion

Foreign Government Contracts: Saudi Arabia, Australia, India, Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea

Foreign Lobbying Efforts: Huntington Ingalls Industries' lobbying efforts are primarily focused on securing shipbuilding contracts in the Middle East and Asia. Significant activities occur in Saudi Arabia, Australia, and Japan, promoting their shipbuilding and fleet support services.

Political Contributions

The influence of major defense contractors extends beyond their contributions to national security. They also play a significant role in shaping U.S. political policies through lobbying and political contributions. Here’s an overview of their political involvement:

Lockheed Martin

Political Contributions (2023): Approximately $5 million

Lobbying Expenditures (2023): $14 million

Key Recipients: Members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, various political action committees (PACs)

Raytheon Technologies

Political Contributions (2023): Approximately $4 million

Lobbying Expenditures (2023): $12 million

Key Recipients: Members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, defense-related PACs

Boeing

Political Contributions (2023): Approximately $3.5 million

Lobbying Expenditures (2023): $13 million

Key Recipients: Members of the House and Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committees, defense-related PACs

Northrop Grumman

Political Contributions (2023): Approximately $3 million

Lobbying Expenditures (2023): $11 million

Key Recipients: Members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, various PACs

General Dynamics

Political Contributions (2023): Approximately $2.5 million

Lobbying Expenditures (2023): $10 million

Key Recipients: Members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, defense-related PACs

L3Harris Technologies

Political Contributions (2023): Approximately $2 million

Lobbying Expenditures (2023): $8 million

Key Recipients: Members of the House and Senate Intelligence Committees, various PACs

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Political Contributions (2023): Approximately $1.5 million

Lobbying Expenditures (2023): $6 million

Key Recipients: Members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, various PACs

Conclusion

The largest defense contractors in America are integral to the country's national security and defense infrastructure. Companies like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Technologies, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, L3Harris Technologies, and Huntington Ingalls Industries lead the way in developing and producing cutting-edge defense technologies. Their contributions ensure that the United States remains a dominant force in global defense, providing advanced systems and solutions to address the ever-evolving threats and challenges in today's world.

The scale of their operations, both in terms of workforce and facilities, underscores their critical role in the defense ecosystem. These companies also benefit from substantial U.S. government contracts, reinforcing their pivotal position in maintaining and enhancing the country's defense capabilities. Furthermore, their significant political contributions and lobbying efforts, both domestically and internationally, highlight their influence on defense policies and priorities worldwide.

References

• Lockheed Martin. (2023). Annual Report. Retrieved from Lockheed Martin Annual Reports

• Raytheon Technologies. (2023). Annual Report. Retrieved from Raytheon Technologies Annual Reports

• Boeing. (2023). Annual Report. Retrieved from Boeing Annual Reports

• Northrop Grumman. (2023). Annual Report. Retrieved from Northrop Grumman Annual Reports

• General Dynamics. (2023). Annual Report. Retrieved from General Dynamics Annual Reports

• L3Harris Technologies. (2023). Annual Report. Retrieved from L3Harris Technologies Annual Reports

• Huntington Ingalls Industries. (2023). Annual Report. Retrieved from Huntington Ingalls Industries Annual Reports

• U.S. Department of Defense. (2023). Contracts. Retrieved from U.S. Department of Defense Contracts

• OpenSecrets.org. (2023). Defense Contractors Lobbying. Retrieved from OpenSecrets Defense Contractors

• Federal Election Commission. (2023). Political Contributions. Retrieved from FEC Political Contributions