GITNUXREPORT 2026

Aerospace Defense Industry Statistics

The global aerospace and defense market is a massive, growing industry valued at over $814 billion.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

U.S. aerospace and defense industry employed 2.2 million people directly in 2023.

Statistic 2

Aerospace manufacturing workforce in the U.S. grew by 4.7% to 1.1 million in 2023.

Statistic 3

45% of U.S. A&D jobs require STEM skills, with 320,000 engineers employed in 2023.

Statistic 4

Global A&D workforce totals 4.5 million, with 1.8 million in manufacturing roles as of 2023.

Statistic 5

Women represent 20.5% of the U.S. aerospace workforce in 2023, up from 18% in 2020.

Statistic 6

California hosts 1.3 million A&D jobs, 28% of U.S. total in 2023.

Statistic 7

Average U.S. A&D engineer salary $128,000 in 2023.

Statistic 8

150,000 skilled labor shortage projected in U.S. A&D by 2025.

Statistic 9

UK A&D sector employs 164,000 people directly in 2023.

Statistic 10

France A&D workforce at 205,000 in 2023.

Statistic 11

Texas A&D jobs 450,000 in 2023.

Statistic 12

12% growth in A&D apprenticeships U.S. 2023.

Statistic 13

Germany A&D employment 120,000 high-skill jobs 2023.

Statistic 14

Canada aerospace workforce 170,000 in 2023.

Statistic 15

Diversity: 15% underrepresented minorities in U.S. A&D 2023.

Statistic 16

Florida A&D employment 250,000 in 2023.

Statistic 17

25% of A&D jobs unfilled due to skills gap U.S. 2023.

Statistic 18

Italy A&D sector 85,000 jobs 2023.

Statistic 19

Australia defense workforce 60,000 direct 2023.

Statistic 20

Veteran hiring in A&D 18% of workforce U.S. 2023.

Statistic 21

U.S. DoD FY2024 budget for RDT&E is $145 billion, 14.5% of total $997 billion.

Statistic 22

Top 100 defense contractors received $465 billion in U.S. contracts in FY2023.

Statistic 23

Lockheed Martin secured $58.2 billion in U.S. DoD contracts in FY2023.

Statistic 24

F-35 program contract value exceeds $1.7 trillion over lifecycle, with $12B awarded in 2023.

Statistic 25

NATO allies spent $1.3 trillion on defense in 2023, 2.0% of collective GDP.

Statistic 26

U.S. DoD procurement budget FY2023 $168 billion.

Statistic 27

F-35 Joint Strike Fighter $428 billion total program cost to date.

Statistic 28

Boeing KC-46 tanker program $44.5 billion contract value.

Statistic 29

Virginia-class submarine program $348 billion lifetime cost.

Statistic 30

Global military spending $2.44 trillion in 2023, 6.8% increase.

Statistic 31

U.S. Army aviation contracts $32B FY2023.

Statistic 32

NGAD program $2.5B funding FY2024.

Statistic 33

Trident II missile sustainment $1.2B contract 2023.

Statistic 34

Constellation-class frigate $22B program cost.

Statistic 35

EU defense spending €270B in 2023.

Statistic 36

U.S. Navy shipbuilding contracts $40B FY2023.

Statistic 37

B-21 Raider bomber $203B program cost.

Statistic 38

Patriot missile system $14B exports since 2022.

Statistic 39

Columbia-class sub $132B total program.

Statistic 40

UK MoD budget £50.1B in 2023/24.

Statistic 41

Lockheed Martin reported $67.6 billion in net sales for 2023, with Aeronautics segment at $27.9 billion.

Statistic 42

Boeing's defense, space & security division generated $25.6 billion in revenue in 2023, down 10% YoY.

Statistic 43

RTX (Raytheon) achieved $68.9 billion total revenue in 2023, with Collins Aerospace at $27.3 billion.

Statistic 44

Northrop Grumman net sales were $39.3 billion in 2023, up 6.5% from 2022.

Statistic 45

General Dynamics reported $42.3 billion in 2023 revenue, with Aerospace at $10.5 billion.

Statistic 46

BAE Systems reported £25.3 billion revenue in 2023, up 10% YoY.

Statistic 47

Airbus Defence and Space revenue €11.8 billion in 2023.

Statistic 48

L3Harris Technologies $19.4 billion revenue in FY2023.

Statistic 49

Huntington Ingalls Industries shipbuilding revenue $11.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 50

Thales Group aerospace & defense sales €10.6 billion in 2023.

Statistic 51

Leonardo S.p.A. orders €15.4B in 2023.

Statistic 52

Saab AB revenue SEK 52.8B in 2023.

Statistic 53

Textron Inc. aerospace revenue $4.7B in 2023.

Statistic 54

Elbit Systems $6.0B revenue 2023.

Statistic 55

Dassault Aviation orders €14.8B backlog end-2023.

Statistic 56

Rolls-Royce aerospace revenue £13.8B 2023.

Statistic 57

Spirit AeroSystems $6.0B revenue 2023.

Statistic 58

Kratos Defense $1.08B revenue FY2023.

Statistic 59

Embraer revenue R$27.6B 2023.

Statistic 60

MBDA missile systems sales €4.2B 2023.

Statistic 61

The global aerospace and defense market was valued at $814.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $1,089.5 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.2%.

Statistic 62

U.S. aerospace and defense industry revenue reached $424 billion in 2023, accounting for 52% of the global market.

Statistic 63

Commercial aviation segment of aerospace market generated $452 billion in 2023, while defense was $362 billion.

Statistic 64

Asia-Pacific aerospace and defense market is expected to grow at 5.1% CAGR from 2024-2030, reaching $289 billion.

Statistic 65

European A&D market size stood at $178 billion in 2023, with 3.8% projected growth through 2028.

Statistic 66

Global A&D market projected to hit $1.1 trillion by 2028 at 5.2% CAGR from $778B in 2022.

Statistic 67

U.S. MRO segment in aerospace valued at $78 billion in 2023, growing 4% YoY.

Statistic 68

Defense electronics market size $221 billion in 2023, to $312B by 2030.

Statistic 69

Middle East A&D market at $62 billion in 2023, CAGR 6.1% to 2030.

Statistic 70

Space economy segment within A&D reached $447 billion globally in 2023.

Statistic 71

U.S. defense budget FY2023 $816 billion, up 4.1% real terms.

Statistic 72

Aftermarket services in A&D $250 billion globally 2023.

Statistic 73

Sustainable aviation fuel market in A&D $2.8B in 2023.

Statistic 74

Latin America A&D market $18.5B in 2023, 3.9% CAGR.

Statistic 75

Engines segment $85B in global A&D 2023.

Statistic 76

Global A&D IT spending $98B in 2023.

Statistic 77

eVTOL urban air mobility market $9.2B by 2030 from $1.1B 2023.

Statistic 78

Missile defense systems $15.4B U.S. market 2023.

Statistic 79

Africa A&D market $4.2B in 2023.

Statistic 80

Rotorcraft segment $52B global 2023.

Statistic 81

Global A&D R&D spending reached $135 billion in 2023, with U.S. at $75 billion.

Statistic 82

Hypersonic weapons R&D investments by U.S. DoD hit $4.7 billion in FY2023.

Statistic 83

Space domain awareness tech R&D funded at $1.2 billion by DARPA in 2023.

Statistic 84

Additive manufacturing adoption in A&D grew 28% YoY, with $2.5B market in 2023.

Statistic 85

AI integration in defense systems R&D spend: $12.4 billion globally in 2023.

Statistic 86

Directed energy weapons R&D budget $1.1 billion by U.S. in FY2024.

Statistic 87

Quantum tech for defense R&D $850 million globally in 2023.

Statistic 88

UAV/autonomous systems R&D spend $22 billion worldwide 2023.

Statistic 89

Digital twin tech adoption in A&D R&D valued at $3.2B in 2023.

Statistic 90

Cybersecurity R&D for A&D $8.7 billion in 2023.

Statistic 91

Sustainable propulsion R&D $5.2B global A&D 2023.

Statistic 92

Stealth tech R&D $3.8B U.S. DoD FY2023.

Statistic 93

Biotech for soldier performance R&D $450M 2023.

Statistic 94

5G/6G comms R&D in defense $2.1B 2023.

Statistic 95

Supply chain digitization R&D spend $4.3B A&D 2023.

Statistic 96

Electric propulsion R&D $1.9B A&D global 2023.

Statistic 97

Exoskeleton tech R&D $650M 2023.

Statistic 98

Swarm drone tech R&D $1.4B U.S. 2023.

Statistic 99

AR/VR training sims R&D $2.8B 2023.

Statistic 100

Materials science R&D for hypersonics $900M 2023.

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While surpassing an $800 billion valuation and hurtling towards trillion-dollar status, the global aerospace and defense industry is navigating a complex flight path defined by geopolitical tensions, technological arms races, and a fierce competition for talent.

Key Takeaways

The global aerospace and defense market was valued at $814.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $1,089.5 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.2%.
U.S. aerospace and defense industry revenue reached $424 billion in 2023, accounting for 52% of the global market.
Commercial aviation segment of aerospace market generated $452 billion in 2023, while defense was $362 billion.
Lockheed Martin reported $67.6 billion in net sales for 2023, with Aeronautics segment at $27.9 billion.
Boeing's defense, space & security division generated $25.6 billion in revenue in 2023, down 10% YoY.
RTX (Raytheon) achieved $68.9 billion total revenue in 2023, with Collins Aerospace at $27.3 billion.
U.S. aerospace and defense industry employed 2.2 million people directly in 2023.
Aerospace manufacturing workforce in the U.S. grew by 4.7% to 1.1 million in 2023.
45% of U.S. A&D jobs require STEM skills, with 320,000 engineers employed in 2023.
Global A&D R&D spending reached $135 billion in 2023, with U.S. at $75 billion.
Hypersonic weapons R&D investments by U.S. DoD hit $4.7 billion in FY2023.
Space domain awareness tech R&D funded at $1.2 billion by DARPA in 2023.
U.S. DoD FY2024 budget for RDT&E is $145 billion, 14.5% of total $997 billion.
Top 100 defense contractors received $465 billion in U.S. contracts in FY2023.
Lockheed Martin secured $58.2 billion in U.S. DoD contracts in FY2023.

The global aerospace and defense market is a massive, growing industry valued at over $814 billion.

Employment and Workforce

U.S. aerospace and defense industry employed 2.2 million people directly in 2023.
Aerospace manufacturing workforce in the U.S. grew by 4.7% to 1.1 million in 2023.
45% of U.S. A&D jobs require STEM skills, with 320,000 engineers employed in 2023.
Global A&D workforce totals 4.5 million, with 1.8 million in manufacturing roles as of 2023.
Women represent 20.5% of the U.S. aerospace workforce in 2023, up from 18% in 2020.
California hosts 1.3 million A&D jobs, 28% of U.S. total in 2023.
Average U.S. A&D engineer salary $128,000 in 2023.
150,000 skilled labor shortage projected in U.S. A&D by 2025.
UK A&D sector employs 164,000 people directly in 2023.
France A&D workforce at 205,000 in 2023.
Texas A&D jobs 450,000 in 2023.
12% growth in A&D apprenticeships U.S. 2023.
Germany A&D employment 120,000 high-skill jobs 2023.
Canada aerospace workforce 170,000 in 2023.
Diversity: 15% underrepresented minorities in U.S. A&D 2023.
Florida A&D employment 250,000 in 2023.
25% of A&D jobs unfilled due to skills gap U.S. 2023.
Italy A&D sector 85,000 jobs 2023.
Australia defense workforce 60,000 direct 2023.
Veteran hiring in A&D 18% of workforce U.S. 2023.

Employment and Workforce Interpretation

While boasting a formidable 2.2-million-strong workforce and growing, the American aerospace and defense sector is simultaneously a high-flying economic engine and a frantic search party scrambling to fill a projected 150,000 skilled seats before takeoff.

Government Contracts and Spending

U.S. DoD FY2024 budget for RDT&E is $145 billion, 14.5% of total $997 billion.
Top 100 defense contractors received $465 billion in U.S. contracts in FY2023.
Lockheed Martin secured $58.2 billion in U.S. DoD contracts in FY2023.
F-35 program contract value exceeds $1.7 trillion over lifecycle, with $12B awarded in 2023.
NATO allies spent $1.3 trillion on defense in 2023, 2.0% of collective GDP.
U.S. DoD procurement budget FY2023 $168 billion.
F-35 Joint Strike Fighter $428 billion total program cost to date.
Boeing KC-46 tanker program $44.5 billion contract value.
Virginia-class submarine program $348 billion lifetime cost.
Global military spending $2.44 trillion in 2023, 6.8% increase.
U.S. Army aviation contracts $32B FY2023.
NGAD program $2.5B funding FY2024.
Trident II missile sustainment $1.2B contract 2023.
Constellation-class frigate $22B program cost.
EU defense spending €270B in 2023.
U.S. Navy shipbuilding contracts $40B FY2023.
B-21 Raider bomber $203B program cost.
Patriot missile system $14B exports since 2022.
Columbia-class sub $132B total program.
UK MoD budget £50.1B in 2023/24.

Government Contracts and Spending Interpretation

While the Pentagon's $145 billion R&D budget aims to invent the future, the real art lies in spending trillions of today's dollars to ensure that future arrives with enough stealth bombers, angry submarines, and eternally-overbudget fighter jets to make any adversary deeply regret their life choices.

Major Companies and Performance

Lockheed Martin reported $67.6 billion in net sales for 2023, with Aeronautics segment at $27.9 billion.
Boeing's defense, space & security division generated $25.6 billion in revenue in 2023, down 10% YoY.
RTX (Raytheon) achieved $68.9 billion total revenue in 2023, with Collins Aerospace at $27.3 billion.
Northrop Grumman net sales were $39.3 billion in 2023, up 6.5% from 2022.
General Dynamics reported $42.3 billion in 2023 revenue, with Aerospace at $10.5 billion.
BAE Systems reported £25.3 billion revenue in 2023, up 10% YoY.
Airbus Defence and Space revenue €11.8 billion in 2023.
L3Harris Technologies $19.4 billion revenue in FY2023.
Huntington Ingalls Industries shipbuilding revenue $11.5 billion in 2023.
Thales Group aerospace & defense sales €10.6 billion in 2023.
Leonardo S.p.A. orders €15.4B in 2023.
Saab AB revenue SEK 52.8B in 2023.
Textron Inc. aerospace revenue $4.7B in 2023.
Elbit Systems $6.0B revenue 2023.
Dassault Aviation orders €14.8B backlog end-2023.
Rolls-Royce aerospace revenue £13.8B 2023.
Spirit AeroSystems $6.0B revenue 2023.
Kratos Defense $1.08B revenue FY2023.
Embraer revenue R$27.6B 2023.
MBDA missile systems sales €4.2B 2023.

Major Companies and Performance Interpretation

The giants are eating, with RTX leading the table, but Boeing’s sneeze reminds everyone this feast is in a very fragile dining room.

Market Size and Revenue

The global aerospace and defense market was valued at $814.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $1,089.5 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.2%.
U.S. aerospace and defense industry revenue reached $424 billion in 2023, accounting for 52% of the global market.
Commercial aviation segment of aerospace market generated $452 billion in 2023, while defense was $362 billion.
Asia-Pacific aerospace and defense market is expected to grow at 5.1% CAGR from 2024-2030, reaching $289 billion.
European A&D market size stood at $178 billion in 2023, with 3.8% projected growth through 2028.
Global A&D market projected to hit $1.1 trillion by 2028 at 5.2% CAGR from $778B in 2022.
U.S. MRO segment in aerospace valued at $78 billion in 2023, growing 4% YoY.
Defense electronics market size $221 billion in 2023, to $312B by 2030.
Middle East A&D market at $62 billion in 2023, CAGR 6.1% to 2030.
Space economy segment within A&D reached $447 billion globally in 2023.
U.S. defense budget FY2023 $816 billion, up 4.1% real terms.
Aftermarket services in A&D $250 billion globally 2023.
Sustainable aviation fuel market in A&D $2.8B in 2023.
Latin America A&D market $18.5B in 2023, 3.9% CAGR.
Engines segment $85B in global A&D 2023.
Global A&D IT spending $98B in 2023.
eVTOL urban air mobility market $9.2B by 2030 from $1.1B 2023.
Missile defense systems $15.4B U.S. market 2023.
Africa A&D market $4.2B in 2023.
Rotorcraft segment $52B global 2023.

Market Size and Revenue Interpretation

The global aerospace and defense industry, a trillion-dollar playground where the relentless engines of commerce and the sharp tools of geopolitics are equally serious business, is soaring on a trajectory fueled by everything from sustainable fuel dreams to missile defense realities.

R&D and Innovation

Global A&D R&D spending reached $135 billion in 2023, with U.S. at $75 billion.
Hypersonic weapons R&D investments by U.S. DoD hit $4.7 billion in FY2023.
Space domain awareness tech R&D funded at $1.2 billion by DARPA in 2023.
Additive manufacturing adoption in A&D grew 28% YoY, with $2.5B market in 2023.
AI integration in defense systems R&D spend: $12.4 billion globally in 2023.
Directed energy weapons R&D budget $1.1 billion by U.S. in FY2024.
Quantum tech for defense R&D $850 million globally in 2023.
UAV/autonomous systems R&D spend $22 billion worldwide 2023.
Digital twin tech adoption in A&D R&D valued at $3.2B in 2023.
Cybersecurity R&D for A&D $8.7 billion in 2023.
Sustainable propulsion R&D $5.2B global A&D 2023.
Stealth tech R&D $3.8B U.S. DoD FY2023.
Biotech for soldier performance R&D $450M 2023.
5G/6G comms R&D in defense $2.1B 2023.
Supply chain digitization R&D spend $4.3B A&D 2023.
Electric propulsion R&D $1.9B A&D global 2023.
Exoskeleton tech R&D $650M 2023.
Swarm drone tech R&D $1.4B U.S. 2023.
AR/VR training sims R&D $2.8B 2023.
Materials science R&D for hypersonics $900M 2023.

R&D and Innovation Interpretation

The global aerospace defense industry's 2023 R&D ledger paints a picture of a sector sprinting on two tracks: one foot pushing for AI-swarmed, hypersonic, quantum, and space-fighting supremacy, while the other steps toward a future of sustainable, additive-manufactured, and digitally-twinned resilience, all on a budget that could make a small planet blush.

Sources & References

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