List of the 75 largest defense companies Germany [2025]

List of 3 large defense companies in Germany

The German armaments and defense industry has been strongly influenced by the war in Ukraine since 2022. In 2024, defence spending rose to the NATO target of 2% of GDP for the first time – made possible by a special fund of 100 billion euros for the modernization of the Bundeswehr. Arms exports reached an all-time high of 13.33 billion euros, of which over 60% went to Ukraine. At the end of 2024, the German government adopted a new security and defense industry strategy. It recognizes the industry as systemically relevant, promotes key technologies and promotes European cooperation. One central project is the Franco-German MGCS (Main Ground Combat System), for which MGCS Project Company GmbH was founded in Cologne in April 2025. Leading companies in the sector include Rheinmetall (€9.8 billion turnover in 2024), Airbus Defence and Space, Diehl Defence, Hensoldt and MBDA Deutschland. Technologically, the industry is increasingly focusing on digitalization (Software Defined Defence) and European armaments projects such as MGCS and FCAS. The aim is to expand Germany’s and Europe’s defense capabilities in the long term. Below, we take a closer look at three companies from our list of the largest defense companies in Germany.

1. Rheinmetall AG (Düsseldorf)

Rheinmetall AG, based in Düsseldorf, was founded in 1889 and is now one of the most important German technology groups in the defense sector. In 2024, the company achieved sales of 9.751 billion euros – an increase of 36% compared to the previous year – and a profit of 717 million euros. For 2025, Rheinmetall expects further growth of up to 30%, in the defense sector even up to 40%. The product portfolio includes armored vehicles such as the KF51 Panther and the Lynx IFV, air defense systems such as the Skyranger 30 as well as ammunition and electronic systems. One strategically important project is the planned production of fuselage components for the F-35A fighter aircraft in cooperation with Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin. Rheinmetall is also active in the civilian industry and has been a member of the DAX since 2023. The company is considered a key player in the German and European defense industry.

2. Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG (Überlingen)

Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG, based in Überlingen on Lake Constance, is a leading German defense company that emerged from the merger of several Diehl companies in 2004. Since 2017, it has bundled all defense technology activities of the Diehl Group. In 2023, the company achieved sales of 1.14 billion euros, an increase of 41% compared to the previous year. The increase is primarily due to the high demand for air defense systems such as the IRIS-T SLM. Diehl Defence employs over 17,600 people, 582 new jobs were created in 2023 in the defense sector alone. The company specializes in ground-based air defence, guided missiles, ammunition and protection and training systems. Key products include the IRIS-T system, which is used in various versions and is continuously being developed further. Lighthouse projects include the European hypersonic interceptor system HYDEF. Diehl is also investing in the expansion of its sites, for example in Nonnweiler and Röthenbach, in order to increase production capacities. Diehl Defence is thus consolidating its role as a central player in the German and European security and defense industry.

3. MBDA Deutschland GmbH (Schrobenhausen)

MBDA Deutschland GmbH, based in Schrobenhausen, is a leading manufacturer of guided missiles and air defense systems for the German Armed Forces. The company was founded in 2006 through the integration of LFK-Lenkflugkörpersysteme GmbH into the European MBDA Group and has borne its current name since 2012. MBDA Germany is part of the MBDA Group, which achieved a global turnover of around 4.9 billion euros in 2024 and employs over 15,000 people. Its most important products include the shoulder-launched Enforcer (“Lightweight 1800+”), the Taurus cruise missile, the Meteor air-to-air missile, the MEADS air defense system and the RAM Block 2 missile for the navy. The company is also involved in major European defense projects such as the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and the TLVS system. In order to meet the growing demand, MBDA Germany is investing around 250 million euros in the expansion of its Schrobenhausen site, including a new production line for Patriot GEM-T missiles.

This information is included in the product

• Company name
• General contact data (address, e-mail address, telephone number, URL)
• Name of the management
• Serial letter suitable for addressing the management (e.g. “Dear Dr. Müller”)
• Sales figures for the years 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (taken from the annual and consolidated financial statements)
• Employee figures for the years 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (taken from the annual and consolidated financial statements)
• Sector classification & Field of activity

Note: Our sales figures and employee numbers are always taken from publications in the Federal Gazette or the company register. If no annual financial statements/consolidated financial statements are published in the Federal Gazette or the company register — or if these financial statements do not contain sales figures and/or employee numbers — our list will also not contain any figures, which we will then indicate in the list with “n.a.”. If you would like to know the exact figures covered in the list, we will be happy to provide you with transparent information before you place your order. Simply send us an email contact [at] researchgermany.com.

Picture source: SaiKrishna Saketh Yellapragada; Michael Afonso