U.S. Exchanges
List of Publicly Traded Aerospace & Defense Stocks
Comprehensive directory and performance data for Publicly Traded Aerospace & Defense Stocks across major U.S. markets.
This page is for informational and educational purposes only and does
not constitute investment advice. Always consult a qualified financial
professional before making investment decisions.
Navigating the landscape of Publicly Traded Aerospace & Defense Stocks requires a deep understanding of government contract cycles, global modernization efforts, and commercial aviation recovery. This sector is currently anchored by a total market cap exceeding $1.7 trillion, driven by massive defense backlogs and rising geopolitical demand. Investors often look toward large-cap defense stocks for stability and dividends, while seeking growth in emerging space and components industries. By examining this sector within the broader All Sectors & Industries framework, you can better identify market leaders and niche players. The following data highlights the primary revenue drivers and market valuations shaping the industry in 2026.
Key Takeaways
01
Dominant Market Leaders
RTX Corporation, Boeing, and GE Aerospace lead the sector with market caps exceeding $150B each. These giants provide a diversified mix of commercial and military revenue. Check the Boeing (BA) Profile for detailed metrics.
02
Unprecedented Backlogs
Top contractors like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman report massive backlogs of $194B and $96B respectively. These figures provide high revenue visibility for the next decade.
03
Sector Valuation Trends
The average P/E ratio for the sector stands at 43.5x in 2026. While high, this reflects strong growth projections and stable government-backed cash flows.
04
ETF Exposure Options
Investors seeking broad exposure often utilize the iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense (ITA) or SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense (XAR). You can Explore Defense ETFs to compare holdings.
Top Aerospace & Defense Stocks by Market Cap (2026)
The following leaders represent the largest entities in the sector by valuation, capturing over $1 trillion of total industry market cap.
| Rank | Ticker | Company | Industry | Market Cap | YTD % | P/E Ratio | Div Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RTX | RTX Corporation | Aerospace & Defense | $257.0B | +12.4% | 38.2x | 2.10% |
| 2 | GE | GE Aerospace | Aerospace & Defense | $185.2B | +15.1% | 42.5x | 0.85% |
| 3 | BA | Boeing Company | Aerospace & Defense | $155.0B | -2.3% | N/A | 0.00% |
| 4 | LMT | Lockheed Martin | Aerospace & Defense | $138.0B | +8.5% | 18.4x | 2.26% |
| 5 | NOC | Northrop Grumman | Aerospace & Defense | $74.5B | +5.2% | 29.1x | 1.68% |
| 6 | GD | General Dynamics | Aerospace & Defense | $78.2B | +6.7% | 22.5x | 1.94% |
| 7 | TDG | TransDigm Group | Aerospace & Defense | $68.9B | +18.3% | 48.2x | 0.00% |
| 8 | HWM | Howmet Aerospace | Aerospace & Defense | $42.1B | +22.5% | 35.7x | 0.38% |
| 9 | LHX | L3Harris Technologies | Aerospace & Defense | $40.8B | +4.1% | 24.6x | 2.12% |
| 10 | TXT | Textron Inc. | Aerospace & Defense | $18.5B | +3.2% | 15.8x | 0.92% |
Market data as of April 2026. Market caps and P/E ratios are subject to daily price fluctuations.
Publicly Traded Aerospace & Defense Stocks — Complete Company List
Aerospace and Defense Stocks
A full list of publicly traded defense companies can be found by scrolling down or you can access a list of the companies in each market capitalization group through the industry links on this page.
Aerospace and Defense
- Boeing Company (The) (BA)
- General Dynamics Corporation (GD)
- Honeywell International Inc. (HON)
- Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (HII)
- L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. (LLL)
- Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT)
- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC)
- Raytheon Company (RTN)
- Rockwell Collins, Inc. (COL)
- Transdigm Group Incorporated (TDG)
- United Technologies Corporation (UTX)
Aerospace
Publicly Traded Companies by Sector and Industry Mid-Cap Defense Small-Cap Defense FirearmsAerospace & Defense ETFs
- iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA)
- PowerShares Aerospace & Defense Portfolio (PPA)
- SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR)
- AAR Corp. (AIR) (Command and Control (C4) systems and airlift operations)
- Ability Inc. (ABIL) (Communications intelligence: interception, monitoring and cyber intelligence products)
- Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. (AJRD) (Holding company: Military, civil and commercial aerospace systems and components; real estate, products and services for in-space propulsion)
- AeroVironment, Inc. (AVAV) (Military and commercial markets: unmanned aircraft systems and electric transportation products)
- Air Industries Group (AIRI) (Military and commercial markets: structural parts and assemblies)
- Albany International Corporation (AIN) (Diversified: fabrics and belts; aircraft composite parts)
- American Outdoor Brands Corporation (AOBC) (Firearms and related products)
- Arconic Inc. (ARNC) (Precision engineering and advanced manufacturing: aerospace, automotive market)
- Arotech Corporation (ARTX) (Training and simulation; batteries and charging systems)
- Astro-Med, Inc. (ALOT) (Data recorders, digital color label printers, cockpit printer)
- Astronics Corporation (ATRO) (Aerospace: automated test systems, electrical power, high performance lighting and avionics databus products)
- Astrotech Corporation (ASTC) (Commercialization of space technology)
- Axon Enterprise, Inc. (AAXN) (Electronic weapons, body cameras)
- Ball Corporation (BLL) (Diversified: Glass canning jars, food and beverage metal containers; aerospace systems)
- Barnes Group, Inc. (B) (Aerospace products for the commercial and military markets: fabricated components, precision-machined components and assemblies for a range of turbine builders, jet engine component overhaul and repair services; industrial products)
- Boeing Company (The) (BA) (World’s largest aerospace company; commercial jetliners; defense, drones, space and security systems)
- Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp (BAH) (Governmental consulting services)
- BWX Technologies Inc. (BWXT) (Spin-off 2015: nuclear products and services to the U.S. government)
- CACI International Inc. (CACI) (Professional and IT services provided to the U.S. government)
- CAE Inc. (CAE) (Simulation and training)
- Comtech Telecommunications Corporation (CMTL) (Communications equipment used by the military and commercial markets)
- CPI Aerostructures, Inc. (CVU) (Structural aircraft assemblies)
- Cubic Corporation (CUB) (Air and ground combat training systems, C4ISR Systems and cyber solutions)
- Curtiss-Wright Corporation (CW) (Products for the commercial aviation, defense, energy and industrial markets; components, services to the nuclear power and nuclear navy markets)
- Ducommun Incorporated (DCO) (Military and commercial markets: components and assemblies)
- DXC Technology Company (DXC) (IT and professional services to U.S. government, state and local governments and commercial entities)
- Elbit Systems Ltd. (ESLT) (Israel: defense, homeland security and commercial markets: commercial aviation systems, helicopter systems, helmet mounted systems, homeland security systems, land vehicle systems, military aircraft systems, unmanned aircraft and unmanned surface vessels)
- Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica (ERJ) (Brazil)
- Engility Holdings Inc. (EGL) (Wide range of services to governmental agencies)
- Erickson Incorporated (EAC) (Military and commercial markets: rotary-wing and fixed wing aircraft that can provide supply and logistics services for military forces, provide humanitarian relief)
- ESCO Technologies Inc. (ESE) (Filtration and fluid control products to the aviation and space industries)
- Esterline Technologies Corporation (ESL) (Commercial and military aircraft markets: avionics & controls, sensors &systems, advanced materials)
- FireEye Inc. (FEYE) (Cybersecurity products used by corporations and the Department of Homeland Security)
- FLIR Systems, Inc. (FLIR) (Diversified: sensor systems used by military and law enforcement; thermal imaging equipment, cameras and video recording systems)
- General Dynamics Corporation (GD) (Jet aircraft, combat vehicles, communication systems, cyber security, information technology systems, mission support services, munitions, shipbuilding, submarines and weapons systems)
- Harris Corporation (HRS) (Military and commercial markets: communications and information systems; tactical radios; network solutions for air traffic control and systems)
- Heico Corporation (HEI) (Commercial and military markets: aircraft parts, electrical and electro-optical systems and components)
- Hexcel Corporation (HXL) (Composites company: composite materials, parts and structures used in commercial and military aircraft, helicopters, launchers and satellites)
- Honeywell International Inc. (HON) (Aerospace products and services for commercial and military markets: turbochargers; performance materials; sensing and security technologies)
- Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (HII) (Military shipbuilding: aircraft carriers, submarines, amphibious assault ships; nuclear services)
- Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc. (ISSC) (Flight Information Computers, Flat Panel Display Systems, Engine and Fuel Instrumentation Systems and Advanced Monitoring Systems)
- Kaman Corporation (KAMN) (Helicopter service, systems, components and support; engineering design analysis, aircraft bearings and components; industrial distribution)
- KEYW Holding Corporation (The) (KEYW) (Cybersecurity products for defense, intelligence and governmental agencies)
- KLX Inc. (KLXI) (Commercial and military markets: fasteners, consumables and logistics services)
- Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (KTOS) (Command, control, communications, combat systems, cyber warfare, cybersecurity, electronic warfare and missile defense)
- L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. (LLL) (Aerospace products and services for commercial and military markets; communication and electronic systems)
- Leidos Holdings Inc. (LDOS) (Engineering and technical services to U.S. government agencies)
- Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) (Aeronautical research, IT services, the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, naval systems, PAC-3 Missiles, satellites (commercial and government), space launch, strategic missiles, systems integration, training, tactical aircraft and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System)
- LRAD Corporation (LRAD) (Multiple markets: acoustic hailing devices)
- ManTech International Corporation (MANT) (Information technology and technical services to the U.S. government)
- Maxar Technologies Ltd. (MAXR) (Operates remote sensing spacecraft and provides space imagery and data to defense and commercial markets)
- Micronet Enertec Technologies, Inc. (MICT) (Military computer-based systems for missile defense systems, command and control)
- Moog Inc. (MOG.A) (Aerospace commercial and military markets: precision motion control products and systems)
- National Presto Industries, Inc. (NPK) (Housewares; ammunition)
- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC) (Cyber security, command and control, communications, intelligence, logistics, reconnaissance, strike aircraft, surveillance, unmanned systems)
- Oshkosh Corporation (OSK) (Specialty vehicles for multiple markets; defense vehicles include multiple tactical vehicles)
- Rada Electronics Industries Limited (RADA) (Israel: military avionics systems, ground debriefing systems, mission and display computers, navigation systems, radars and weapon management systems)
- Raytheon Company (RTN) (Aerospace products and services for commercial and military markets: integrated defense systems, cybersecurity, missile systems, space and airborne systems)
- Rockwell Collins, Inc. (COL) (Aerospace commercial and military markets: cabin electronics, communication systems, displays & surveillance systems, flight-deck avionics, mission communications, navigation and simulation and training solutions)
- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) (Governmental services and IT support)
- SIFCO Industries, Inc. (SIF) (Forged components)
- Spirit Aerosystems Holdings, Inc. (SPR) (Manufacture of aerostructures and components; include fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components)
- SuperCom Ltd (SPCB) (Israel: security and identification products used by a number of markets including smartcard and identification products for government markets)
- Sypris Solutions, Inc. (SYPR) (Aerospace and defense electronics; products for trucking and oil and gas industries)
- TAT Technologies Ltd. (TATT) (Israel: heat exchangers, cooling systems, air conditioning systems)
- Teledyne Technologies Inc. (TDY) (Industrial conglomerate: electronic components and subsystems for both the commercial and military markets)
- Tel-Instrument Electronics Corp. (TIK) (Avionic Test and Measurement Solutions)
- Textron Inc. (TXT) (Industrial conglomerate: helicopters, aircraft manufacturing; transportation vehicles for golf courses, industrial and electrical tools)
- Transdigm Group Incorporated (TDG) (Aerospace commercial and military markets: components, security systems and subsystems, displays, audio systems)
- Triumph Group, Inc. (TGI) (Aerospace commercial and military markets: aircraft components, accessories, subassemblies and systems)
- Ultralife Corporation (ULBI) (Batteries and energy products; products and accessories designed to support military communication systems)
- United Technologies Corporation (UTX) (Conglomerate: aircraft engines, helicopters, HVAC, and other industrial products)
- ViaSat Inc. (VSAT) (Commercial and military markets: communications and networking products)
- Wesco Aircraft Holdings, Inc. (WAIR) (Distributors of aerospace products; supply chain management services)
Risks & Considerations
Budget Reallocation
U.S. defense spending is subject to Congressional approval. Significant shifts in political priorities can result in program cancellations or funding delays for major contractors.
Supply Chain Sensitivity
The aerospace sector relies on complex global supply chains. Shortages in critical minerals or specialized electronic components can stall production and impact quarterly earnings.
Regulatory Compliance
Companies face intense oversight from the FAA and Department of Defense. Safety issues or failed audits can lead to heavy fines and grounded aircraft fleets.
Fixed-Price Contract Risks
Many defense programs use fixed-price contracts. If inflation or production delays increase costs beyond estimates, the company must absorb the losses, hurting margins.
Investing in sector-specific stocks carries concentrated risk; diversification is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Top picks for 2026 include Lockheed Martin (LMT), RTX Corporation (RTX), and Northrop Grumman (NOC) due to strong backlogs and government contracts. These large-cap leaders show robust revenue growth amid rising defense budgets. Always research financials and consult advisors before investing.
GE Aerospace (GE), RTX (RTX), and Boeing (BA) lead with market caps over $150B each as of early 2026. They dominate due to diversified commercial and military revenues. Market caps fluctuate; verify latest data.
The sector's total market cap exceeds $1.7 trillion across 78+ U.S.-listed stocks, with revenues around $542 billion. Growth is driven by modernization and geopolitical demand. Figures are aggregates and subject to market changes.
Popular ETFs include iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense (ITA), SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense (XAR), and Invesco Aerospace & Defense (PPA). They provide broad exposure to the sector's top performers. Check expense ratios and holdings for suitability.
Lockheed Martin, RTX, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and General Dynamics top the list by defense revenue, exceeding $30B each annually. They secure major government contracts for jets, missiles, and systems. Rankings update yearly.
Examples include SIFCO Industries (SIF), Astronics (ATRO), and Firefly Aerospace (FLY), often with higher growth potential but volatility. They focus on niche components or emerging tech. Suitable for risk-tolerant investors.
Last updated April 2026 · Data sourced from U.S. exchange filings