globalEDGE | international business information and research

Introduction: Aerospace and Defense Download PDF

The aerospace and defense industry is composed of companies manufacturing defense products, such as military aircraft, watercraft, weaponry, and information systems, and companies manufacturing spacecraft. Most of these products are purchased by federal governments for military purposes, or by federal space programs.

Main Sectors

The aerospace and defense industry is mainly composed of companies involved in the manufacture of products for the purpose of defense. This includes manufacturers of military ships, such as nuclear submarines or aircraft carriers, and aircraft, such as bombers or fighter jets, and the companies which manufacture and distribute the necessary parts and components. The production of aircraft or ships for commercial use is included in our transport manufacturing industry. Weaponry, such as missiles or ammunition, and other defense-related technological devices, such as radar, sonar, or satellites, are also a part of this industry. Spacecraft such as space shuttles, rockets, or space stations round out the industry.