All four Korean defense majors make Defense News Top 100 for second year, Hanwha rises to No. 16

Hanwha, LIG Defense & Aerospace, Hyundai Rotem, and Korea Aerospace Industries were all ranked in the 2026 Defense News Top 100 list of the world's largest defense companies for a second consecutive year, according to Korea Times reporting on September 1, 2026. Hanwha climbed six places to No. 16 on sharply higher 2025 defense revenue, consolidating its position as the largest Korean defense group and one of the fastest-rising firms in the ranking. The showing reflects the export boom driven by Poland, the Middle East, and Australia, and places Korea alongside the US, Europe, China, and Japan among countries with multiple companies in the top tier.