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

  • Sunnen is a leader in precision manufacturing, specializing in aerospace, defense, and firearms sectors. Combining cutting-edge automation with expert craftsmanship, the company delivers high-tolerance solutions for hydraulic components, valves, and military applications, ensuring optimal performance, durability, and efficiency through innovative in-house technology and tailored processes.

  • Veteran Equipment Sales delivers custom engineered dust mitigation systems, providing robust, encapsulated, and vented equipment tailored to project needs while leveraging advanced engineering and manufacturing to ensure superior control of harmful particles.

  • Lift-A-Loft specializes in durable, truck-mounted aerial lifts designed for industries like aerospace and construction. The company’s products offer reliable and safe solutions for accessing elevated workspaces, ensuring precision and efficiency in maintenance and inspection tasks. With a focus on innovation, Lift-A-Loft delivers high-quality equipment built for tough, overhead environments.

  • Defense Operations & Execution Solutions, Inc. d/b/a Defense Operations & Engineering Solutions (DOES) is a defense technology and innovation firm focused on sustainable design, manufacturing, and advanced technology development. Partnering with government, academia, and industry, DOES delivers critical capabilities in microelectronics, AI/ML, materials, and biotech, while strengthening HUBZone communities and ensuring predictable, scalable outcomes.

  • Global Filtration, Inc. is a leader in aerospace filtration solutions, pioneering advanced metal fiber and antimicrobial HEPA technologies. With three decades of expertise, the company partners with major airlines to deliver safer, cleaner, and more cost-efficient aircraft performance worldwide.

  • The Wing Group and its companies (Wing Inflatables, Henshaw Inflatables, Patten Company, Fabtek Industries and Mustang Survival) design and manufacture inflatable boats, life rafts, dry suits, technical apparel and survival systems for recreational, commercial and military clients. Its work is defined by advanced materials, precise engineering and a culture of accountability, creating products that deliver safety, durability and adaptability.

  • 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.

  • 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).

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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