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This paper addresses the innovation process of defense companies from the specific perspective of the integration of scientific knowledge. While analyses of the contribution of science to technological innovation focus mainly on the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor industries, our article proposes an original approach by dealing with companies in the defense industry. By mobilizing non-patent literature data from 1,722 innovative companies between 2010 and 2016, this article shows that defense activity negatively impacts the integration of scientific knowledge into firms’ technological innovations.JEL classification: L64, 033, L16.