These corporations represent the U.S.'s privatized military apparatus. We
know neither the extent to which they own or control our government but we
do know their existence hinges on an ever expanding military with an ever
expanding need for more elaborate and expensive weapons systems. Their
product is war, for without war they would cease to exist.

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Lockheed Martin is the world's largest defense contractor (by defense
revenue).[1] As of 2005, 95% of Lockheed Martin's revenues came from the
U.S. Department of Defense, other U.S. federal government agencies, and
foreign military customers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_Martin

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According to the Arms Trade Resource Center, Lockheed Martin gets $105 from
each U.S. taxpayer and $228 from each U.S. household. In 2002 the company
was effectively taxed at 7.7% compared to an average tax rate for
individuals of 21-33%.

In late 2001 the company was awarded the world's largest weapons contract
ever, a $200 billion deal to build the Joint Strike Fighter, a
"next-generation" combat jet that eventually will replace aircraft used by
the Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. In the last few years the SEC has
investigated Lockheed for insider trading and falsifying their accounts.

http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?list=type&type=9

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Military-industrial complex

This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms
industry is new in the American experience. The total influence - economic,
political, even spiritual - is felt in every city, every statehouse, every
office of the federal government. We recognize the imperative need for this
development. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our
toil, resources and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of
our society.

In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of
unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the
military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of
misplaced power exists and will persist.

We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or
democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and
knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial
and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals so
that security and liberty may prosper together.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military-industrial_complex