Israeli Defense Firms Rank Among World's Top 30

Israel is the only country with a population of 10 million to have three defense companies ranked among the top 30 global military manufacturers for 2026, according to Defense News. Only the United States and China have more companies in the top tier. Elbit Systems ranked 21st with $7.9 billion in revenue, 93% from defense, producing drones, munitions, and combat management systems. The Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) climbed to 27th place with $7.38 billion in revenue, 87% defense-related, manufacturing air defense systems like Arrow and Barak, drones, and robotic vehicles. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems secured the 30th spot, also up one place, with $6.28 billion in revenue, 100% from defense, producing Iron Dome, David's Sling, Spike anti-tank missiles, and Trophy active protection systems.

The global defense industry is experiencing high demand, with companies struggling to meet orders. Lockheed Martin remains the largest defense contractor globally with $71 billion in revenue, followed by Raytheon with $88.6 billion, whose revenue grew 7.5% due to significant U.S. government orders for Patriot and THAAD missiles amid conflicts in Ukraine and Iran. General Dynamics ranked third with $52.6 billion in revenue. China's AVIC is seventh with $86 billion in revenue. The U.S. leads with 13 companies in the top 30, while China has four. Israel's three companies place it ahead of countries like the UK (two companies), France, Italy, Germany, South Korea, and Sweden (one each).