Cyber security is considered a major national security threat by governments globally. Many countries, including India, China, the U.S., and others are actively taking critical measures to upgrade, redesign, and fortify their defense cyber security systems through hefty investments. Governments’ extensive IT expenditures to adopt and incorporate advanced technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), are aimed to enhance the security of military services and systems and strengthen the cyber security domain. According to a report published by Fortune Business Insights^TM, the defense cyber security market size is anticipated to reach USD 29.81 billion by 2028. 

COVID-19 Pandemic Resulted in Declined Investments & Delayed Contracts but Increased Cyber Attacks

The coronavirus pandemic affected the established long-term contracts of companies with governments of various countries. Delays, postponements, and cancellations of contracts observed during the pandemic have severely affected the installations of cyber security systems. However, a surge in cyber-attacks has also been witnessed, which is anticipated to cross above 350 per month. The growing cyber-attacks are likely to increase emphasis on strengthening the cyber security domain and military communication systems of several countries. Additionally, rising international and cross-border conflicts are projected to amplify defense modernization programs and augment the demand for productive defense cyber security systems.

Following are the Top 5 Companies in Defense Cyber Security: 

1. Leidos Holdings Inc.

Headquartered in Virginia, U.S., Leidos Holdings Inc. is a pioneering information technology, aviation, defense, and biomedical research company that works extensively with the U.S. Intelligence Community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Defense, and other U.S. government civil agencies. The company reported annual revenue of nearly USD 13.7 billion for the fiscal year ending 31^st December 2021. Leidos purchased Dynetics, a defense contractor, for nearly USD 1.65 billion in January 2020.

2. Accenture

Headquartered in Ireland, Accenture is a well-known Fortune Global 500 company specializing in IT consulting and services reported annual revenue of approximately USD 50.33 billion in 2021. It aids defense agencies with powerful communications and networking technologies. In April 2020, Accenture completed the acquisition of Symantec’s 200-person cyber security services from Broadcom for USD 200 million. 

3. IBM Corporation

Headquartered in New York, U.S., the company provides consulting and hosting services and holds the record for generating the most U.S. patents by a business for 28 consecutive years. IBM utilizes hybrid cloud, blockchain, and AI technologies for insight analysis for the defense sector. It generated annual revenues of nearly USD 16.70 billion during the fourth quarter of 2021.

4. General Dynamics Corporation

Headquartered in Virginia, U.S., this Fortune 100 company possesses products such as M1 Abrams tanks, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, Columbia and Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines, Stryker armored fighting vehicles, and Gulfstream business jets. In December 2020, the company announced that its subsidiary General Dynamics Land Systems received a contract worth USD 4.6 billion from the U.S. Army for M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams main battle tanks. 

5. BAE Systems PLC

Headquartered in London, England, the British multinational security, arms, and aerospace company is one of the sixth-largest suppliers to the U.S. Department of Defense and operates in other markets, including Sweden, Oman, Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, India, Canada, Australia, and others. The company received a 20-year USD 2.4 billion worth munitions contract from MoD in November 2020. The contract supersedes the 2008 MASS contract and implies manufacturing 39 different ammunitions for the U.S. Armed Forces. BAE Systems generated annual revenue of USD 19.52 billion in 2021.

Foremost Nations Emphasize Modern Technology Adoption for Robust Defense Solutions – 

The defense sector is advancing with the adoption of advanced technologies, thereby accelerating the pace of evolution for defense cyber security. The rising awareness of cyber security fuels the demand for modern defense cyber security systems. The surging defense expenditures of various nations and the adoption of cutting-edge technology-based equipment are likely to enhance defense cyber security solutions, creating a tremendous demand.