Private military and security companies are commercial organizations that provide specialized services related to military operations, security, intelligence, military training, logistics, and defense. Some of the organizations on this list are traditional private military or security companies, while others are major defense contractors. Let’s take a closer look at ten of the best-known organizations.
1 Xe Services LLC (Blackwater)
An American private military and security company founded by former U.S. Navy SEAL officer Erik Prince. Blackwater was established in 1996 and became widely known for providing security and training services to the U.S. government and other clients. In 2009, the company was renamed Xe Services, and in 2011 its training and support operations became known as Academi. Blackwater gained international notoriety following the 2007 Nisour Square incident in Baghdad, in which its personnel killed 17 Iraqi civilians. In 2014, Academi became part of the larger Constellis group.
2 Kroll Security International
An American security and investigations company whose origins date back to 1972. Kroll initially specialized in corporate investigations and private intelligence, but its activities later expanded into risk management, security consulting, investigations, and crisis services. By the early 2000s, Kroll had become an international company operating in numerous countries. Its work has included security and investigative services for governments, corporations, and international organizations.
3 ITT Corporation
ITT has a long history in the industrial and defense sectors. The modern ITT Corporation was incorporated as ITT Industries in 1995 and became ITT Corporation in 2006. For many years, the company operated a major defense and information-systems business. In 2011, however, ITT spun off its defense and information-solutions division as Exelis, which later became part of L3Harris Technologies. Today, ITT is primarily an industrial manufacturer rather than a private military company.
4 MPRI
MPRI (Military Professional Resources Inc.) was an American private military contractor founded in 1987 by eight retired senior military officers. The company provided military training, strategic consulting, doctrine development, and other defense-related services to governments and military organizations. MPRI became particularly well known for its work in the Balkans, including assistance to Croatia, and later provided military training and assistance in other countries. In 2000, MPRI was acquired by L-3 Communications.
5 Northrop Grumman
One of the world’s largest American defense and aerospace companies. Northrop Grumman was created in 1994 through the acquisition of Grumman by Northrop. Its history includes the development and production of major military aircraft and advanced defense technologies, including the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. The company also develops advanced electronics, sensors, communications systems, spacecraft, and other military technologies. The Northrop A-17 was a much earlier aircraft, developed by Northrop Corporation in the 1930s, long before the formation of Northrop Grumman.
6 Raytheon
Raytheon was founded in 1922 and became one of the world’s major aerospace and defense companies. The company developed and produced missiles, radars, sensors, and other military technologies. Raytheon was the prime contractor for the Patriot air and missile defense system and has remained a major U.S. defense contractor. In 2020, Raytheon merged with United Technologies, creating Raytheon Technologies, which was renamed RTX in 2023.
7 Sharp End International
An Australian private security and military training company. Sharp End International provides military and law-enforcement training, security assistance, executive protection, counter-terrorism programs, and other services for government and private organizations. The company specializes in high-risk environments and has employed former Australian and New Zealand special forces personnel as instructors.
8 KBR
KBR is an American engineering, construction, technology, and government-services company with a long history of working for the U.S. government and military. KBR was created in 1998 through the merger of M.W. Kellogg and Brown & Root Engineering and Construction. The company has provided engineering, logistics, infrastructure, and support services for military operations, as well as work in the energy and industrial sectors. KBR separated from Halliburton in 2006.
9 Aegis Defence Services
A British private military and security company founded in 2002 by former British Army officer Tim Spicer and several other partners. Aegis provided security and risk-management services in countries including Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. In Iraq, the company received major U.S. government contracts to provide security services and protect personnel involved in reconstruction projects. Aegis became one of the better-known private security contractors operating in Iraq during the 2000s.
10 Sandline International
A British private military company associated with former British Army officer Tim Spicer and businessman and former officer Simon Mann. Sandline became famous for its involvement in Papua New Guinea in 1997 and Sierra Leone in 1998. The company provided military training, operational support, equipment procurement, and other services to governments. Its activities generated considerable controversy, particularly over arms supplies and its involvement in conflicts in Africa. Sandline ceased operations in April 2004.
