Companies in this industry manufacture military armored vehicles, combat tanks, and specialized military ground vehicle components. Major US companies include AM General, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, Oshkosh Corporation, Textron, and certain operations of UK-based BAE Systems.
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
Demand is driven by military budgets, which typically change with perceived threats to national security. The profitability of individual companies depends on the effective management of subcontractors and raw materials costs and technological expertise. Large companies enjoy economies of scale in design, manufacturing, and purchasing. While small companies often introduce innovation, large companies are often able to adapt more quickly to the evolving demands of modern warfare. Small companies can compete by providing niche products to prime contractors, and by forming joint ventures with larger contractors. The US industry is highly concentrated: the top four companies account for more than 80% of industry revenue.
PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY
Major products include self-propelled weapons and other full tracked combat vehicles (45%) and tanks (24%). Other major products includes trucks, truck tractors, and truck and bus chassis as well as guns, howitzers, mortars, and turrets, which both make up the about 14% of the industry revenue.