Who is actually making the most money from this war (it isn’t the countries fighting) #infopod #extendednews
Who is actually making the most money from this war (it isn’t the countries fighting).
This is actually one of the most interesting — and least talked about — aspects of any war.
The countries fighting usually lose money, sometimes enormous amounts.
But certain industries and states often profit financially or strategically.
Here are the main groups that tend to benefit.
Defence and weapons manufacturers
The biggest financial beneficiaries are usually arms companies.
For example, companies that produce missile defence systems, interceptors, and aircraft immediately see demand surge during conflicts.
Major examples include companies such as:
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Lockheed Martin
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Raytheon Technologies
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Northrop Grumman
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BAE Systems
Missile defence systems like Patriot interceptors can cost $3–4 million per missile. When large numbers are used, orders to replenish stockpiles quickly follow.
Wars often create multi-year production contracts.
Energy producers
Energy exporters can benefit when conflict threatens major shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
Even the risk of disruption pushes oil prices higher.
Countries that export oil — for example:
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Saudi Arabia
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United Arab Emirates
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Norway
can earn significantly more revenue per barrel when prices rise.
Shipping and insurance companies
War zones make maritime transport riskier.
This means shipping insurance premiums can surge dramatically, sometimes multiplying several times over.
Insurance firms and specialist maritime insurers may earn far higher fees when shipping passes through dangerous areas.
Some major powers strategically
Some countries may gain geopolitical advantages rather than direct financial profit.
For example:
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China may gain leverage if the U.S. becomes deeply tied down in Middle Eastern conflict.
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Russia can benefit from higher oil prices, which increase revenue for its energy exports.
These advantages are often indirect but very significant.
The economic paradox of war
Wars usually destroy wealth for the countries fighting.
But they can redirect money into certain industries and states, creating economic winners alongside enormous human and financial losses.
That’s why analysts sometimes say war reshapes the global economy rather than simply damaging it.
