GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Defense Industry Statistics

Defense industry statistics provide key insights into the global defense sector's financial performance, market trends, and government spending on defense contracts.

Highlights: Defense Industry Statistics

  • In 2018, the US defense budget was $643 billion, making up 36% of global military spending
  • From 2002 to 2011, the defense sector industry in the United States saw an 85% growth
  • The US Department of Defense is the largest employer in the world, with 3.2 million employees
  • In 2019, Lockheed Martin, a leading defense industry company, reported approximately $59.81 billion in sales
  • In 2018, the world's top 100 defense companies sold arms and military services worth $420 billion
  • In 2020, Russia took 3rd place in world military spending, with $61.7 billion
  • In 2018, the US defense industry contributed $1.018 trillion to the nation’s GDP
  • In the UK, defense exports represented about 19% of total defense industry turnover in 2018
  • In 2018, the Middle East increased its military spending by 5.9%, the highest increase of any region
  • In 2019, Saudi Arabia was the largest arms importer, with an increase of 130% compared to 2015-2019
  • Global defense equipment market is anticipated to reach around USD 423 billion by 2026
  • The US defense sector directly employs more than 1.7 million people and supports 2.5 million jobs indirectly
  • Lockheed Martin captured 11% of all contracts from the Department of Defense in 2020
  • Boeing, a major player in the defence industry, reported a defense, space, and security division revenue of around $26 billion in 2020
  • China's defense budget in 2020 was about $252 billion, second only to the United States
  • As of 2017, five countries — United States, China, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and India — accounted for 60% of global military spending
  • Defense expenditures among NATO countries totaled about $1,029 billion in 2020
  • In 2019, The US defense budget was 3.2% of GDP
  • In 2019, China followed the US by spending an estimated $261 billion, or 1.9% of its GDP on defense

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The Latest Defense Industry Statistics Explained

In 2018, the US defense budget was $643 billion, making up 36% of global military spending

The statistic indicates that in 2018, the United States spent a total of $643 billion on defense, which accounted for 36% of the total global military spending for that year. This suggests that the US maintains a significant lead in terms of defense expenditure compared to other countries worldwide. The substantial amount allocated to defense highlights the importance and priority given to national security and military capabilities by the US government. Furthermore, this statistic underscores the considerable influence the United States wields in global military affairs, given its substantial financial commitment to defense compared to other nations.

From 2002 to 2011, the defense sector industry in the United States saw an 85% growth

The statistic highlights that between the years 2002 and 2011, the defense sector industry in the United States experienced significant growth of 85%. This growth rate suggests that during this period, the defense industry expanded substantially. The increase in output, revenue, employment, or other relevant metrics within the sector would have driven this growth. Factors such as increased government expenditure on defense, technological advancements, global political situations, or even shifts in defense policies could have contributed to this notable growth. The statistic signifies the industry’s growing importance and impact on the economy and potentially reflects the nation’s priorities and activities related to defense and security during those years.

The US Department of Defense is the largest employer in the world, with 3.2 million employees

The statistic that the US Department of Defense is the largest employer in the world, with 3.2 million employees, highlights the sheer scale and influence of the organization in terms of workforce size. With over 3 million individuals employed by the Department, it surpasses other major employers globally, exemplifying the significant role the US military plays in both national and international affairs. This statistic underscores the immense personnel resources dedicated to defense and security operations, reflecting the considerable investment made by the United States in maintaining its military capabilities and presence.

In 2019, Lockheed Martin, a leading defense industry company, reported approximately $59.81 billion in sales

The statistic that Lockheed Martin reported approximately $59.81 billion in sales in 2019 provides insight into the financial performance and scale of the company within the defense industry. This figure highlights the significant revenue generated by Lockheed Martin during that year, positioning it as one of the leading companies in the sector. The sales figure also reflects the company’s ability to secure contracts and deliver products and services that are in demand by governments and other customers globally. Analyzing this statistic can provide valuable information about Lockheed Martin’s market position, growth trajectory, and overall contribution to the defense industry’s economic landscape.

In 2018, the world’s top 100 defense companies sold arms and military services worth $420 billion

The statistic that the world’s top 100 defense companies sold arms and military services worth $420 billion in 2018 indicates a substantial global market for defense-related goods and services. The figure highlights the significant role these companies play in providing military equipment and technologies to various governments and organizations around the world. This level of sales underscores the ongoing demand for defense-related products, likely fueled by geopolitical tensions, military conflicts, and national security concerns. Additionally, the sheer scale of revenue generated by these companies emphasizes the economic impact and influence of the defense industry on a global scale.

In 2020, Russia took 3rd place in world military spending, with $61.7 billion

In 2020, Russia ranked third globally in terms of military expenditure, allocating a total of $61.7 billion towards defense spending. This statistic highlights Russia’s significant investment in its military capabilities and defense infrastructure, positioning it as one of the top spenders in the world. The substantial financial resources allocated towards military purposes underscore Russia’s commitment to maintaining and modernizing its armed forces, potentially reflecting its strategic priorities and international security concerns. This ranking also indicates Russia’s role as a major player in global military affairs, influencing geopolitical dynamics and relationships with other countries around the world.

In 2018, the US defense industry contributed $1.018 trillion to the nation’s GDP

The statistic that in 2018, the US defense industry contributed $1.018 trillion to the nation’s GDP indicates the significant economic impact of the defense sector on the overall economy. This figure represents the total value of goods and services produced by the defense industry within the United States during that year. The defense industry includes companies involved in the manufacturing of weapons, aircraft, vehicles, and other military equipment, as well as those providing services such as maintenance, logistics, and technology development to the military. This statistic highlights the role of the defense sector as a major contributor to economic growth, job creation, and industrial output in the country, emphasizing its importance in driving economic activity and supporting national security priorities.

In the UK, defense exports represented about 19% of total defense industry turnover in 2018

In the UK, defense exports accounted for approximately 19% of the total turnover generated by the defense industry in 2018. This statistic highlights a significant portion of the revenue generated by the UK’s defense industry comes from exporting defense-related products and services. The figure indicates that the UK defense sector relies on international sales to sustain its economic performance, emphasizing the importance of global market competitiveness and export capabilities in driving growth within the industry. Understanding the proportion of defense exports in relation to total industry turnover provides valuable insights into the UK’s defense industry’s reliance on international markets and its contribution to the overall economy.

In 2018, the Middle East increased its military spending by 5.9%, the highest increase of any region

The statistic indicates that in 2018, the Middle East experienced the largest growth in military expenditure compared to other regions, with a notable increase of 5.9%. This suggests a significant shift in military investment and priorities within the Middle East during that period. The rise in military spending in the region could be attributed to various factors such as regional conflicts, geopolitical tensions, or efforts to modernize defense capabilities. This statistic underscores the region’s ongoing focus on security and defense, highlighting the importance placed on military preparedness and strategic interests in the Middle East during 2018.

In 2019, Saudi Arabia was the largest arms importer, with an increase of 130% compared to 2015-2019

The statistic states that in 2019, Saudi Arabia held the title of being the largest arms importer globally, surpassing all other countries in importing arms for military purposes. Furthermore, this surge in arms imports was a significant 130% increase compared to the previous five-year period from 2015 to 2019, indicating a substantial growth in the country’s military capabilities and expenditures within a relatively short time frame. This data sheds light on Saudi Arabia’s increasing reliance on foreign arms acquisitions to enhance its military strength and underscores the importance of arms trade in sustaining and strengthening national defense capabilities.

Global defense equipment market is anticipated to reach around USD 423 billion by 2026

The statistic ‘Global defense equipment market is anticipated to reach around USD 423 billion by 2026’ indicates that the total value of defense equipment sold worldwide is expected to increase to approximately USD 423 billion by the year 2026. This forecast suggests a significant growth in the defense equipment industry over the coming years, potentially driven by factors such as increasing defense budgets in various countries, geopolitical tensions, technological advancements, and the need for modernizing military capabilities. The projected figure provides insight into the scale and economic importance of the global defense equipment market and highlights the continued demand for defense-related products and services on a global scale.

The US defense sector directly employs more than 1.7 million people and supports 2.5 million jobs indirectly

The statistic highlights the significant impact of the US defense sector on employment, indicating that more than 1.7 million individuals are directly employed in this sector. Additionally, the defense industry has a ripple effect on the economy, supporting an additional 2.5 million jobs indirectly through related industries and supply chains. This substantial workforce demonstrates the importance of the defense sector in providing employment opportunities and contributing to economic stability in the United States.

Lockheed Martin captured 11% of all contracts from the Department of Defense in 2020

The statistic that Lockheed Martin captured 11% of all contracts from the Department of Defense in 2020 indicates that this particular company secured a significant portion of the total contract value awarded by the Department of Defense during that year. This suggests that Lockheed Martin was successful in bidding for and winning a substantial share of defense-related projects and services contracted by the government in 2020. The statistic reflects Lockheed Martin’s strong presence and competitiveness within the defense industry, highlighting their ability to secure lucrative contracts and solidify their position as a major player in providing products and services to the Department of Defense.

Boeing, a major player in the defence industry, reported a defense, space, and security division revenue of around $26 billion in 2020

The statistic provided states that Boeing, a prominent company in the defence industry, generated approximately $26 billion in revenue from their defense, space, and security division in 2020. The financial figure showcases the significant contribution of this specific division to Boeing’s overall business operations. It indicates the substantial scale of financial transactions and activities within the defense, space, and security sector for Boeing during the specified year. This statistic offers insight into the company’s diversified revenue streams and highlights the importance of their defense-related operations in contributing to their overall financial performance and market presence in 2020.

China’s defense budget in 2020 was about $252 billion, second only to the United States

The statistic that China’s defense budget in 2020 reached approximately $252 billion positions China as the country with the second largest defense budget globally, only behind the United States. This significant allocation of resources towards defense underscores China’s growing military capabilities and ambitions on the world stage. The magnitude of this budget highlights China’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military forces, enhance its strategic position, and assert its influence in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Furthermore, the size of China’s defense budget compared to other countries signifies the competitive nature of global military spending and highlights the importance of defense investment in international relations and security considerations.

As of 2017, five countries — United States, China, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and India — accounted for 60% of global military spending

The statistic indicates that as of 2017, five countries – the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and India – collectively accounted for 60% of global military spending. This implies that a significant portion of the world’s defense budget is concentrated among these five countries, reflecting their substantial investments in military capabilities. The high levels of military expenditure by these nations suggest a focus on strengthening defense capabilities, potentially driven by various geopolitical considerations, security threats, and strategic interests. The concentration of military spending among these key players underscores their significant roles in shaping global security dynamics and highlights the disparity in defense resources compared to other countries around the world.

Defense expenditures among NATO countries totaled about $1,029 billion in 2020

The statistic “Defense expenditures among NATO countries totaled about $1,029 billion in 2020” represents the combined amount spent by member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on defense-related activities during the year 2020. This figure provides insight into the considerable financial investment made by NATO members to maintain defense capabilities and ensure collective security. The total amount reflects the significant resources allocated towards military preparedness, equipment acquisition, personnel training, and other defense-related expenses across a group of countries committed to mutual defense and cooperation. The statistic highlights the magnitude of defense spending within the NATO alliance and underscores the importance placed on security and defense cooperation among its members.

In 2019, The US defense budget was 3.2% of GDP

The statistic “In 2019, the US defense budget was 3.2% of GDP” indicates that the total amount of money allocated for defense spending by the United States government in 2019 equated to 3.2% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This means that a relatively small proportion of the country’s economic output was directed towards military expenditures during that year. The statistic serves as a measure of the prioritization of defense within the broader economic context of the nation, providing insight into the level of resources devoted to national security and military capabilities compared to the overall size of the economy.

In 2019, China followed the US by spending an estimated $261 billion, or 1.9% of its GDP on defense

In 2019, China allocated an estimated $261 billion towards its defense budget, which accounted for approximately 1.9% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This statistic illustrates China’s significant investment in military capabilities, positioning it as the second-largest spender on defense worldwide following the United States. The substantial defense expenditure reflects China’s growing emphasis on strengthening its military capacity and influence on the global stage, signaling its commitment to bolstering national security and defense capabilities in line with its strategic objectives and geopolitical priorities.

Conclusion

Understanding defense industry statistics is crucial for analyzing trends, identifying opportunities, and making informed decisions in the realm of military and security technologies. By examining data on defense spending, arms trade, and technology development, stakeholders can gain valuable insights that drive innovation and strategic planning in this complex and rapidly evolving sector.

References

0. – https://www.www.aia-aerospace.org

1. – https://www.www.bloomberg.com

2. – https://www.www.heritage.org

3. – https://www.www.macrotrends.net

4. – https://www.www.gov.uk

5. – https://www.www.defensenews.com

6. – https://www.chinapower.csis.org

7. – https://www.www.statista.com

8. – https://www.www.sipri.org

9. – https://www.www.prnewswire.com

10. – https://www.www.asiapacific.ca

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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