Germany: Top 10 Arms Manufacturing Companies with Highest Sales

According to our database (as of May 2023), a total of more than 5.3M businesses operate in Germany. 4.34% of them (more than 233 thousand) operate in Manufacturing. These companies generate 26.46% of total sales generated by all businesses registered in Germany and employ 19.35% of all employees in Germany. The TOP 10 Arms Manufacturing Companies in Germany generated EUR 101.6B in sales in 2021 - the largest company, Airbus SE, was responsible for 51% of the total.

All data used in this overview is available in individual companies’ annual reports. Not all companies on the TOP 10 list disclosed their profit.

Airbus SE reported the highest sales in 2021

Airbus SE was first with sales of EUR 52.1B (year-on-year increase of EUR 2.2B). The company produces military aircrafts, missiles, and communication systems and provides satellite and space exploration services. Airbus SE a subsidiary of Airbus. These financial results are consolidated - therefore, sales numbers include not only revenue from military equipment but also revenue from other industries. Only 18% of Airbus SE’s sales come from the military sector.

Thyssenkrupp AG was second with EUR 34B in sales in 2021 (a decrease of EUR 1.4B compared to the year before). It is a German multinational conglomerate that produces steel, automotive components, elevators, and industrial machinery. The company also offers services in the areas of marine technology and plant engineering. These financial results are consolidated - therefore, sales numbers include not only revenue from military equipment but also revenue from other industries. Less than 10% of thyssenkrupp AG’s sales come from the military sector.

Rheinmetall Aktiengesellschaft was third with EUR 5.8B in sales (a decrease of EUR 206M compared to 2020). It is a German defense and automotive company that develops and produces a wide range of products including weapons systems, ammunition, vehicles, and electronic solutions. Revenue from the sales of military equipment makes up 66% of total sales generated by Rheinmetall Aktiengesellschaft.

Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG was fourth with EUR 3.3B in sales in 2021 (year-on-year increase of EUR 226.6M). It is a German company that offers a variety of products including aviation and defense systems, control systems, and automotive parts. Revenue from the sales of military equipment makes up 25% of total sales generated by Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG.

Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG was fifth with reported sales of EUR 3B.  It is a German company that produces armored vehicles, artillery systems, and other defense products. We were only able to find financial data in The Sipri top 100 Arms Producing And Military Services Companies, 2021 report, which combined data for Nexter and Krauss Maffei Wegmann, due to restructuring of these companies in 2021.

HENSOLDT AG was sixth with EUR 1.5B in sales in 2021 (year-on-year increase of EUR 277.8M). It is a German company that specializes in the development and production of defense electronics including radar systems, sensors, and communication solutions. The company has a strong international presence and serves customers around the world.

L&O SIG SAUER Verwaltungs-GmbH was seventh with EUR 951.3M in sales. It is a German company that produces firearms, optics, and other related products.

MBDA Deutschland GmbH was eighth with sales of EUR 371.7M in 2021 (a decrease of EUR 84.2M compared to the year before). This company develops and produces a wide range of missiles and missile systems for military and defense applications. MBDA Deutschland GmbH is a German subsidiary of the European missile manufacturer MBDA (MBDA is owned by Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo).

H&K AG was ninth with EUR 291.9M in sales (an increase of EUR 15.4M compared to 2020). It is a German company that produces firearms including rifles, machine guns, and pistols.

UMAREX GmbH & Co. KG was tenth with reported sales of EUR 221.6M (year-on-year increase of EUR 53.3M). The company produces airguns, airsoft guns, and other related products.

Airbus SE reported the highest profit both before and after tax in 2021

Airbus SE had the highest profit before tax in 2021 - EUR 5.3B. Rheinmetall Aktiengesellschaft was second with EUR 581M. L&O SIG SAUER Verwaltungs-GmbH was third with EUR 198.1M, followed by thyssenkrupp AG (EUR 95M), HENSOLDT AG (EUR 84.9M), H&K AG (EUR 31.4M), UMAREX GmbH & Co. KG (EUR 21.2M), and MBDA Deutschland GmbH (EUR 6.8M). Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG reported a loss (EUR -23M). Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG did not disclose its profit.

Airbus SE also reported the highest profit after tax in 2021 - EUR 4.2B. Rheinmetall Aktiengesellschaft was second with EUR 332M. L&O SIG SAUER Verwaltungs-GmbH was third with EUR 149.2M, followed by HENSOLDT AG (EUR 62.7M), H&K AG (EUR 21.8M), UMAREX GmbH & Co. KG (EUR 17.7M), and MBDA Deutschland GmbH (EUR 1.5M). Two companies reported a loss - thyssenkrupp AG (EUR -25M) and Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG (EUR -84.4M).