This methodology offers a clear, structured way to categorize defense technology companies and innovations. Our Defense Tech Classification System sorts the industry into simple categories and sectors, helping users quickly grasp and analyze the wide range of defense tech.
The Defense Tech Classification System gives each company one category and one sector based on its main job in defense tech. It’s simple and clear.
In essence, the category establishes the general field, while the sector delineates the precise niche within that field.
Categories are broad, high-level groupings that organize related areas of activity or technology within an industry based on their overarching function or type. They serve as the top-tier buckets in a classification system.
Category
Definition
Platform Systems
Companies in this group design, manufacture, and maintain large physical platforms used in military operations, such as aircraft, ships, and ground vehicles. These platforms are essential for mobility, force projection, and operational readiness, serving as the backbone of defense missions by transporting personnel, equipment, and weapons.
Weapon Systems
This group includes companies that develop and produce weapons and munitions for combat applications, ranging from missiles, small arms, and ammunition to advanced directed energy weapons. These systems are critical for equipping military forces with offensive and defensive capabilities in modern warfare.
Electronic Systems
Companies in this group provide electronic components and systems vital to defense operations, including radar systems, communication equipment, electronic warfare systems, and navigation and guidance tools. These technologies enable situational awareness, secure communication, and precision targeting in complex environments.
Software & IT Services
This group encompasses companies offering software, IT infrastructure, and digital services tailored to defense needs. Their solutions, such as defense-specific software, cybersecurity tools, IT infrastructure management, and AI-powered data analytics, enhance decision-making, mission planning, and operational efficiency.
Space Systems
Companies in this group focus on space-based technologies for defense purposes, including military satellites, launch services, space-based sensors for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and missile defense systems. These technologies are crucial for communication, reconnaissance, and strategic deterrence.
Support & Services
This group includes companies providing essential support functions to maintain and enhance defense capabilities. Their services, such as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), logistics and supply chain management, training and simulation, and consulting and engineering support, ensure the readiness, sustainability, and effectiveness of defense systems.
Sectors are more specific subdivisions within categories, focusing on particular industries, technologies, or operational niches. They’re the finer-grained levels of classification.
Sector
Parent Category
Description
Radar Systems
Electronic Systems
Companies specializing in radar technology for detection, tracking, and targeting.
Communication Equipment
Electronic Systems
Companies producing secure communication devices and networks for military use.
Electronic Warfare Systems
Electronic Systems
Companies focused on countermeasures, jamming, and signal intelligence technologies.
Navigation & Guidance Systems
Electronic Systems
Companies developing GPS, inertial navigation, and guidance systems for precise positioning.
Military Aircraft
Platform Systems
Companies producing fighter jets, bombers, transport planes, and other fixed-wing aircraft for military use.
Maritime Systems
Platform Systems
Companies building crewed and uncrewed maritime platforms for naval operations.
Armored Vehicles
Platform Systems
Companies manufacturing tanks, armored personnel carriers, and other ground combat vehicles.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
Platform Systems
Companies specializing in drones and unmanned systems for surveillance, combat, or logistics.
Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs)
Platform Systems
Companies manufacturing, and deploying autonomous or remotely operated ground vehicles for defense applications, including logistics, surveillance, combat support, and swarm operations.
Defense Software
Software & IT Services
Companies creating software for mission planning, simulation, and operational management.
Cybersecurity Solutions
Software & IT Services
Companies providing tools and services to protect defense networks and data from cyber threats.
Data Analytics & AI
Software & IT Services
Companies developing artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analysis tools for defense intelligence.
Military Satellites
Space Systems
Companies designing and manufacturing satellites for communication, reconnaissance, and navigation.
Launch Services
Space Systems
Companies providing launch vehicles and services for deploying defense payloads into space.
Space-based Sensors & ISR
Space Systems
Companies focused on space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems.
Missile Defense Systems
Space Systems
Companies developing systems to detect, track, and intercept ballistic missiles.
Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO)
Support & Services
Companies offering services to maintain and upgrade military equipment.
Logistics & Supply Chain
Support & Services
Companies managing the sourcing, transportation, and distribution of materials, components, and operational assets for defense operations.
Training & Simulation
Support & Services
Companies developing training programs, simulators, and virtual reality tools for military personnel.
Consulting & Engineering Services
Support & Services
Companies providing strategic consulting, systems engineering, and technical support.
Manufacturing Support
Support & Services
Companies producing components, materials, or tools to enhance defense manufacturing efficiency and scale.
Power & Energy Systems
Support & Services
Companies providing energy or power solutions for defense systems and operations.
Health & Biotech
Support & Services
Companies developing biotech and health solutions to enhance soldier performance and counter biological threats for defense.
Advanced Materials
Support & Services
Companies developing specialized materials to enhance performance and durability of defense systems.
Missiles & Guided Munitions
Weapons Systems
Companies creating precision-guided missiles, rockets, and smart bombs.
Small Arms & Light Weapons
Weapons Systems
Companies manufacturing firearms, grenades, and infantry weapons.
Ammunition & Explosives
Weapons Systems
Companies producing bullets, shells, bombs, and explosive materials.
Directed Energy Weapons
Weapons Systems
Companies developing advanced weapons like lasers or microwave systems.
Defense Metrics is committed to providing the most complete and accurate data on defense sector fundraising. We continuously monitor, update, and refine our dataset to ensure its accuracy. If you would like your investment firm or company’s information included or updated in our database, please contact us.
