More about the arms companies

Our Clean Investment campaign focuses on the largest six UK-based arms exporting plcs, and this table provides a brief summary of information on each of these. More detailed information on the companies can be found in our publications section.

BAE Systems is the world's 3rd largest arms company and sells its weaponry around the globe. Its products include fighter aircraft, tanks, warships and missiles. Its markets include the US, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, India, Indonesia and Israel.

Cobham is a multi-national group of companies that produces aircraft components, avionics and missile components for a wide range of military aircraft.

GKN supplies military aircraft components to major arms companies such as Rolls-Royce and Lockheed Martin, including parts for the Joint Strike Fighter, Eurofighter, and F/A-22 Raptor fighter.

Rolls Royce's customer base includes 160 armed forces. Its engines are currently used in around 25% of the world's military aircraft, including BAE Systems Hawk jets. Rolls Royce also produces marine propulsion systems that are in use by 70 navies globally.

Smiths Group provide a multitude of components to aircraft manufacturers including flight controls and engine parts.

VT Group manufactures warships, military aircraft components and provides support services, including military flying training. Recent export contracts include providing products and services to Greece and Qatar.

*Amounts in millions of US dollars and refer to 2006. All figures from Defense News 2006 Top 100