Pentagon’s Big Five Took $771 Billion in Contracts From 2020–2024

WASHINGTON — From fiscal year 2020 through 2024, the Pentagon awarded an extraordinary $771 billion in contracts to just five companies: Lockheed Martin, RTX (formerly Raytheon), Boeing, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman. Data compiled from federal contracting records and independent analysis shows these firms accounted for roughly one-third of all Department of Defense contract obligations during the period — a concentration that raises questions about competition, cost control, and strategic dependence. Lockheed Martin topped the list, securing $313 billion in awards — much of it tied to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, missile defense systems, and classified programs. RTX, emerging from the Raytheon–United Technologies merger, claimed $145 billion, driven by…