Need a specific city or state? Want to email them directly?

Search, get contacts, and send outreach — all in one place.

Try Free Search

Defense Contractors Manufacturing

Last updated: January 2026

This directory lists 51 defense contractors manufacturing across the United States, from precision machining houses specializing in aerospace-grade alloys to complex electronics assemblers handling sensitive COTS integration.

Buyers in this space are often solving critical challenges related to compliance (e.g., ITAR, EAR), meeting stringent environmental testing requirements, or achieving first article inspection (FAI) approval on highly complex, mission-critical components. The need for absolute reliability under extreme conditions often drives the search.

Suppliers range from large, vertically integrated primes with extensive in-house capabilities for end-to-end system manufacturing, down to specialized small businesses focusing on niche processes like advanced composites fabrication or RF circuit board assembly. Distinguishing factors include their security clearances, capacity for concurrent engineering, and experience with specific material groups or weapon systems platforms.

Successful engagement requires buyers to present a highly detailed technical data package, including full dimensioned drawings, material specifications, and any applicable MIL-STDs or performance requirements. Suppliers, in turn, expect a clear understanding of program scope, target pricing, and the desired production cadence to properly assess their fit and provide accurate bids.

50 companies·36 emails·36 phones

Company Directory

50 companies nationwide

Chantilly, VA

Based in Chantilly, VA, The Aerospace Corporation serves as an architect for the nation's space programs, developing and advancing capabilities to ensure national security. They focus on space systems, including spacecraft development, astronaut monitoring technology, and integrating space-cyber threat knowledge with autonomous detection systems.

Albers Aerospace provides innovative aerospace and defense products and services, dedicated to the warfighter. The company focuses on delivering value and supporting national defense, with a commitment to American-made solutions. They offer a range of capabilities for defense and advanced programs.

Palm Springs, CA

Armtec Defense Technologies develops and manufactures state-of-the-art ordnance products, including infrared decoy flares, radar countermeasure chaff, and various pyrotechnic devices. With manufacturing facilities in California, Arkansas, and North Carolina, Armtec serves the expendable countermeasure and combustible ordnance needs of the United States and allied armed forces.

Dallas, TX

Based in Dallas, TX, ATI Defense Materials produces a wide range of military-grade titanium, specialty steels, and other high-performance materials. The company utilizes an extensive, integrated U.S.-based supply chain to support the armed services, generating substantial annual revenues. They are a recognized supplier to major defense contractors.

Davidson, NC

Based in Davidson, NC, Curtiss-Wright Corporation provides advanced technologies and engineered products for the defense, commercial aerospace, energy, and general industrial markets. They specialize in critical applications including motion control, power generation, and surface technologies, serving air, land, sea, and space platforms.

Rancho Cordova, CA

Based in Rancho Cordova, CA, Defense & Aerospace Manufacturing is a woman-owned aerospace CNC machine shop. They provide production machining, prototype manufacturing, and repair services to defense and aerospace customers, including the nation's warfighters. With over 35 years of experience, their team of experts delivers quality products.

Denison, TX

Based in Denison, TX, Denison Industries provides complex, close-tolerance aluminum casting services for military and defense components. This AS 9100 D & ISO 9001:2015 Certified American manufacturer produces custom cast parts for U.S. Army tanks, helicopters, Navy ship castings, and missile systems, ensuring critical precision.

Fort Worth, TX

Elbit America designs, engineers, and manufactures advanced defense technologies from its facilities in Fort Worth, TX. The company provides secure, reliable, and mission-ready solutions, supporting defense contractors with critical components and systems developed and produced entirely within the United States.

San Diego, CA

General Atomics develops and manufactures advanced technologies for defense, energy, and aerospace industries. The company specializes in unmanned aircraft systems, sensors, and precision-guided missiles for U.S. defense customers. They also onshore critical silicon carbide technology to support nuclear energy applications and contribute to combat aviation programs.

GE Aerospace manufactures jet and turboprop engines, alongside integrated systems for commercial, military, business, and general aviation aircraft. The company produces advanced combat propulsion systems, such as the XA100 adaptive cycle engine, contributing to the advancement of flight technologies for future generations.

Cincinnati, OH

Based in Cincinnati, OH, General Tool Company specializes in award-winning fabrication, precision machining, assembly, integration, and testing services. With a 75-year legacy, the company supplies mission-critical hardware and systems to leading aerospace and defense manufacturers, utilizing over 30 years of experience in these demanding programs.

GKN Aerospace manufactures airframe and engine structures, landing gear, electrical interconnection systems, and transparencies. The company supplies these critical components to aerospace and defense industries, operating as a tier-one supplier with its own manufacturing capabilities in the United States.

Ohio Ordnance Works Inc. is a veteran-owned small business and licensed Class 3 manufacturer. The company specializes in the production of firearms, accessories, and destructive devices. They directly provide manufactured products, catering to defense contractor requirements within the United States.

Islandia, NY

GSE Dynamics Inc., based in Islandia, NY, provides full-service engineering and manufacturing solutions for defense contractors and the US military. They specialize in precision machining, sheet metal fabrication, welding, and electronic systems integration, delivering mission-critical components and assemblies for aerospace, defense, marine, and space markets.

Ashtabula, OH

Based in Ashtabula, OH, Iten Defense engineers and manufactures advanced composite armor solutions for defense contractors. They provide lightweight, high-performance armor components for military vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, and personal protection. The company delivers mission-ready survivability through in-house capabilities and materials expertise.

San Antonio, TX

Based in San Antonio, TX, Knight Aerospace manufactures airworthy roll-on/roll-off modules, palletized systems, and ground support equipment. They provide customizable solutions for military cargo aircraft, including the C-130 and C-17. All US-made products support missions like VIP transport and medical evacuation, designed for safety and comfort.

Kratos Defense engineers and manufactures advanced technology and systems for national security applications. The company develops and deploys cost-effective, reliable defense solutions, ensuring military readiness with its specialized manufacturing capabilities and innovative system deployments for government and military clients.

Lockheed Martin is a global security, defense, and aerospace contractor that provides advanced technology systems, products, and services. The company develops and manufactures next-generation air dominance solutions for military applications, supporting defense readiness.

San Diego, CA

Maddox Defense is a US manufacturer of tactical and military equipment. Located in San Diego, CA, their facilities provide vertically integrated capabilities including waterjet cutting, machining, and welding. They produce metal products such as targets, racking, rails, and weapon cases, serving government agencies through various contracting vehicles.

Fountain Valley, CA

Based in Fountain Valley, CA, MTCcorp is an ITAR-registered and AS9100D certified aerospace company. It specializes in large format CNC machining, advanced composites, and transparencies. MTCcorp provides prototyping, tooling, and production parts manufacturing for defense contractors, including components for the Lockheed Martin F-22 Fighter and Sikorsky S-92 helicopter fleet.

Export, PA

Based in Export, PA, The National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) executes applied research and development projects for Department of Defense weapon and support systems. They integrate key technologies and breakthrough manufacturing processes, focusing on advanced and additive manufacturing to ensure U.S. warfighters maintain a decisive advantage.

Oshkosh, WI

Based in Oshkosh, WI, Oshkosh Defense engineers and manufactures mission-critical technology and vehicle solutions for military and delivery fleet operations. The company provides a family of tactical wheeled vehicles, combat vehicles, and delivery vehicles for government and business use. They offer full-service product lifecycle support.

Gilbert, AZ

Based in Gilbert, AZ, Phoenix Defense provides AS9100 certified aerospace manufacturing for defense and mission-critical customers. They design and build complex electronic cables, avionics subassemblies, and tight-tolerance machine parts for aircraft, space satellites, and missile systems. The company also offers military simulation and training platforms.

Roseville, CA

Based in Roseville, CA, PRIDE Industries provides ITAR-registered manufacturing, supply chain, and distribution services. The company serves aerospace, defense, and federal customers, leveraging a long history of partnership with government entities to meet complex project requirements.

Long Beach, CA

Based in Long Beach, CA, RBH Aerospace, Inc. manufactures high-quality steel, aluminum, and titanium alloy components for military and commercial aircraft. They specialize in brake & hand forming, tube bending, CNC machining, hydro forming, and deep draw forming. RBH Aerospace supplies essential parts for aircraft frames, fuselages, and wings.

East Hartford, CT

Based in East Hartford, CT, RTX is a major defense contractor, providing manufacturing services for advanced military systems. The company specializes in producing critical components like US Navy radars and the Patriot missile defense system, a battle-proven technology that has set standards for decades.

San Jose, CA

Sanmina Corporation manufactures electronics for defense applications, encompassing avionics, communications, encryption, mission control, guidance, radar, and night vision systems. They provide PCB, PCBA, cable systems, and machining services for military products. Their U.S.-based facilities hold AS 9100, NADCAP, and ITAR compliance.

Sparks, NV

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) delivers advanced technology solutions and open architecture integrations across aerospace and national security domains. As a lead systems integrator, SNC specializes in modernizing aerial military intelligence, providing innovative solutions like TRAX Edge for battlefield connectivity and the Freedom system for joint training. The company serves defense contractors and government agencies.

Lewistown, MT

Spika Industries, based in Lewistown, MT, manufactures USA-made access systems for the U.S. military. They specialize in equipment designed to build and maintain military aircraft, vehicles, missiles, and drones, serving the Defense, Aerospace, and Aviation sectors for over 20 years.

San Jose, CA

Based in San Jose, CA, WessDel is a tactical equipment manufacturer for national defense and military sectors. They provide comprehensive manufacturing solutions to government entities and defense contractors, offering CNC machining, precision fabrication, and turnkey solutions. The company specializes in working with high-strength alloys and specialty plastics for critical applications.

Austin, TX

AIM Photonics develops and fosters the integrated photonics ecosystem within the U.S. for national defense and economic security. The organization focuses on advanced photonic integrated circuits, including quantum dot laser integration and test methodologies for optical and RF applications.

Anduril Industries develops and manufactures advanced autonomous systems and defense technology for national security applications. The company specializes in creating integrated hardware and software solutions designed to protect US and allied forces. Their offerings include a range of sophisticated defense platforms.

Dallas, TX

Dallas-based UNION Technologies is dedicated to reindustrializing America's defense manufacturing base. The company utilizes a next-generation software-driven "Factories-as-a-Stockpile" model to provide advanced manufacturing capabilities. Their mission is to enhance national security by modernizing defense production processes with innovative solutions.

Akron, OH

Based in Akron, OH, American Engineering Group (AEG) provides innovative defense engineering services. The company specializes in product development, mechanical engineering design, manufacturing, and rapid prototyping. They offer comprehensive services including finite element analysis, product testing, and certification for the defense, medical, and automotive industries.

Mach Industries Inc. is a defense contractor partnering with the U.S. Army to develop advanced aerial systems. Their offerings include Viper, a VTOL strike aircraft engineered to redefine air combat, and Glide, a high-altitude glider designed for long-range munitions delivery.

Orlando, FL

Based in Orlando, FL, Safran is a prominent supplier in the aerospace and defense industry. The company provides a wide range of advanced systems, equipment, and components, leveraging its established relationships within the U.S. market to support defense contractors with manufacturing services.

Stow, OH

Based in Stow, OH, AML3D Limited provides advanced Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAM®) technology. The company's U.S. facility produces critical components for defense programs, including the Virginia-Class Submarine Program. It strengthens America's defense manufacturing capabilities, supporting national defense priorities and the AUKUS partnership.

Colorado Springs, CO

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense (EBAD) develops and manufactures reliable energetic solutions for critical aerospace and defense applications. Specializing in engineered tools and components, the company offers a full product line for various missions. EBAD operates manufacturing facilities across the U.S., including Colorado Springs, CO.

Allentown, PA

Mack Defense specializes in designing, engineering, and manufacturing robust military trucks and advanced defense vehicles. The company provides heavy-duty tactical vehicles for military and government applications, engineered to withstand rigorous conditions. Mack Defense focuses on delivering reliable performance in demanding operational environments, fulfilling diverse defense requirements.

West Point, MS

Based in West Point, MS, ND Defense provides precision manufacturing and engineering support for mission-critical systems and components. They serve defense and commercial sectors, offering expertise across land, sea, air, and advanced electronics. The company specializes in contract manufacturing for battle-tested, mission-ready solutions.

San Antonio, TX

Based in San Antonio, TX, Southwest Research Institute provides aerospace and aircraft technology and integration solutions for military and defense sectors. They offer electronics and systems engineering, structural design, and comprehensive testing services. Capabilities include fabricating hardware for aircraft, ground support equipment, microcircuits, and subsystems, alongside modernizing legacy systems.

Cleveland, OH

TransDigm Group designs, produces, and supplies highly engineered component parts. These critical components are essential for the operation of commercial and military aircraft globally. The company manufactures systems and subsystems, serving a wide range of aerospace applications for defense contractors.

BlueHalo develops and rapidly deploys purpose-built solutions for global defense and national security. The company provides advanced technologies in areas such as space operations, counter-UAS, directed energy, autonomous systems, electronic warfare, and cyber. Their mission is to protect national interests through cutting-edge defense manufacturing and technology.

Huntsville, AL

Based in Huntsville, AL, Butler Aerospace & Defense provides engineering support solutions specifically for the aerospace and defense industries. Their services include product development, structural design and analytics, manufacturing quality engineering and operations, and comprehensive testing and certifications. The company focuses on direct technical and operational support for defense contractors' manufacturing needs.

Reston, VA

CACI International Inc develops and delivers battle-proven RF-based solutions and modular, software-defined technology for national security missions. They also provide Gimbal Technology Suites for persistent imagery. CACI focuses on advanced space-based sensing and actionable intelligence to address evolving global defense challenges.

Cedar Park, TX

Based in Cedar Park, TX, Firefly Aerospace manufactures spacecraft and launch vehicles for national security and scientific missions. They produce the Alpha rocket, Blue Ghost lunar lander, and Elytra spacecraft, partnering with the U.S. Space Force, NASA, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman.

Huntington Beach, CA

Based in Huntington Beach, CA, Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for complex space and defense missions. The company specializes in missile systems, offering payload protection, aerodynamic interstage systems, and advanced propulsion solutions including rocket motor assemblies and launchers.

Arlington, VA

Leonardo DRS is a defense contractor specializing in the manufacturing and development of advanced technologies for military applications. They provide integrated products, services, and support across land, air, sea, and space domains. Their core offerings include sensors, network computing, and electro-optical systems, serving the US and allied defense sectors.

Northrop Grumman is a global aerospace and defense technology company providing advanced solutions in space, aeronautics, defense, and cyberspace. They specialize in areas such as hardening microelectronics for harsh environments, spacecraft semiconductors, future-ready command and control systems, and autonomous aircraft development for national security needs.

Repkon USA provides innovative manufacturing solutions for the defense, aerospace, and energy industries. The company specializes in producing American-made forged aerospace and defense products, including munitions and various aerospace components, utilizing advanced manufacturing processes within its facilities.

Found what you're looking for? Unlock 36 emails and 36 phones.

How to Choose a Company

  • Verify their capability for specific material processing, such as electron beam welding for refractory metals or five-axis machining for Inconel components, ensuring they meet the required dimensional tolerances and surface finishes critical for aerospace applications.
  • For components destined for DoD use, mandate suppliers possess current AS9100D certification and demonstrate active compliance with DFARS clauses, particularly 252.204-7012 (cybersecurity) and 252.225-7014 (specialty metals), ensuring supply chain integrity and data protection.
  • Be wary of suppliers who claim "ITAR compliant" without providing clear evidence of their internal Export Compliance Program, including training records, restricted party screening protocols, and their D-U-N-S number for DD2345 registration. Many simply have a statement, not an actionable program.
  • Confirm their in-house or readily available non-destructive testing (NDT) capabilities, such as radiographic inspection (RT) or fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI), performed by certified Level II or III personnel, to validate internal integrity of critical weldments or castings.
  • For startups, prioritize agile shops experienced with prototype to low-rate initial production (LRIP) runs and responsive to engineering changes, rather than large primes focused solely on high-volume production for established platforms. For enterprises, seek out those with robust quality management systems (QMS) and capacity for multi-year long-term agreements (LTAs) with robust obsolescence management plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What level of CMMC compliance should I expect from a defense contractor manufacturer?

The required Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) level depends directly on the sensitivity of the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI) involved in your project. Most contractors handling CUI will need to demonstrate CMMC Level 2, formerly CMMC 3, requiring robust implementation of NIST SP 800-171 controls, while basic FCI projects might only require Level 1. Always specify the necessary level in your RFQ.

How critical are MIL-SPECs and MIL-STDs when specifying materials for defense components?

MIL-SPECs (Military Specifications) and MIL-STDs (Military Standards) are paramount in defense manufacturing. They define precise material compositions, manufacturing processes, testing methodologies, and performance criteria that often exceed commercial standards. Deviation without proper authorization (e.g., through a waiver or substitute approval) can lead to catastrophic part failure, project rejection, and severe contractual penalties. Always provide the exact revision level of the MIL-SPEC.

What is a First Article Inspection (FAI) and why is it so crucial for defense contractors?

A First Article Inspection (FAI) is a formal verification process per AS9102 to ensure that a production process yields parts that conform to all engineering design requirements. For defense contractors, it's not just a quality check; it's a critical gateway for demonstrating process control and capability before commencing full-rate production. A successful FAI prevents costly rework and delays, solidifying confidence in the supplier's ability to consistently meet specifications for mission-critical components.

Can a smaller machine shop handle complex defense contracts, or should I only approach large primes?

A smaller, specialized machine shop often offers greater agility, faster turnaround for prototyping and lower-volume production, and a dedicated point of contact, making them ideal for innovative projects or niche components. However, verify their certifications (e.g., AS9100D, CMMC), their track record with similar defense projects, and their ability to manage export controls (ITAR/EAR). Large primes offer vast resources and established supply chains but can be less flexible for smaller engagements. The choice depends on your project's volume, complexity, and specific compliance needs.

Related Directories