Top A&D Manufacturers

Aerospace Defense Review is proud to present the Top A&D Manufacturers Companies, a prestigious recognition in the industry. These Top Companies have distinguished themselves through their stellar reputations and the trust they’ve earned among their customers, our subscribers. Their impact is evident in the overwhelming number of nominations received from our subscribers. Following a rigorous evaluation by an expert panel—comprising C-level executives, industry thought leaders, and our editorial board—these companies have been selected as recipients of the award, celebrating their leadership, and innovation.

    Top A&D Manufacturers

  • Aerol delivers high-performance casters, running gear and ground support equipment tailored for defense, aerospace and space exploration sectors. Serving DoD depots, military primes and leaders like Blue Origin and United Launch Alliance, Aerol combines in-house engineering and manufacturing to provide precision-built, mission-critical solutions with unmatched speed, quality and reliability.

  • Dayton T. Brown, Inc. (DTB) is a leading engineering and testing provider that offers comprehensive services, including environmental, structural and EMI/EMC testing, as well as engineering, technical publications and logistics support. Its state-of-the-art facilities and experienced professionals ensure high-quality results, making DTB a trusted partner for mission-critical projects.

  • GovParts LLC is a woman-owned small business based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, specializing in defense contract manufacturing. Established in 2017, the company focuses on producing metal defense components and Made-To-Print (MTP) items for the federal marketplace, particularly through the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).

  • Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) is a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations. Through two wholly owned subsidiaries, Teal Drones and Flightwave Aerospace, Red Cat has developed a bleeding-edge family of ISR and Precision Strike Systems.

  • Silvex is a second-generation family-owned and operated business that has been servicing leading manufacturers from all over the United States for over fifty years. Silvex specializes in the defense and silverware industries and platinum plating but also offers a wide variety of finishes.

  • Tekne designs and manufactures mission-ready defense and security systems, including anti-drone platforms, jamming technologies and armored 4x4 vehicles. With deep mechanical roots and advanced in-house electronics, it delivers fully integrated, rapidly customizable solutions for military and critical infrastructure, built for speed, reliability and evolving threats.

  • Vision Products, headquartered in Campbell, California, specializes in high-resolution, wide field-of-view head-worn display systems for military and commercial use. Originally a division of SA Photonics, it became an independent company in 2021. A leader in AR, VR, and MR technologies, it has leveraged small business innovation research (SBIR) and other DOD funding to drive innovation and rapid growth.

  • Advanced Structural Technologies (AST)

    Advanced Structural Technologies (AST)

    Advanced Structural Technologies (AST) is a leading manufacturer specializing in seamless metal forming for the space, defense, and automotive industries. Using advanced rotary forging, flow forming, and metal spinning techniques, the company produces premium components known for their precision, quality, and performance.

  • Knight Aerospace

    Knight Aerospace

    Knight Aerospace specializes in customized aerospace solutions, offering innovative products and services for military, government, and commercial clients. With over 30 years of experience, the company leads in specialty air transportation and Medevac technologies, delivering reliable solutions that meet the needs of each sector.

  • Leonardo DRS

    Leonardo DRS

    Leonardo DRS is a leading defense technology provider, delivering innovative solutions across military domains. Committed to integrity and leadership, the company supports both defense and commercial sectors globally, offering advanced technologies that enhance operational capabilities, security, and performance across defense and industrial applications.

  • Lockheed Martin

    Lockheed Martin

    Lockheed Martin is a global leader in defense, aerospace, and security, specializing in advanced technologies across aeronautics, missiles, space, and rotary systems. The company is committed to delivering innovative solutions that enhance safety and security worldwide, supporting defense and national security needs.

  • MERRILL

    MERRILL

    MERRILL is a U.S.-based manufacturer with resident expertise in designing and manufacturing custom prototypes through high-volume production. The company provides these innovative solutions through efficient, vertically integrated processes, thereby delivering top-quality products by using the latest innovations in precise measuring systems.

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