Lockheed Martin vs. RTX: Which Defense Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026?

The article compares two major defense contractors: Lockheed Martin, which relies heavily on the F-35 program and U.S. government contracts (72% of sales), and RTX, which offers more diversification through commercial and military aerospace segments. Lockheed Martin is recommended as the better buy due to lower valuation multiples (forward P/E of 17x vs. RTX's 26.7x) and guaranteed long-term revenue from the F-35 program extending into the 2040s, despite RTX showing faster expected growth and lower debt levels.

06/19/2026, 11:34 AM • The Motley Fool

Which Defense ETF Is the Better Investment: Global X's SHLD or iShares' ITA?

The article compares two defense sector ETFs: iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA) and Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD). ITA offers a lower expense ratio (0.38% vs 0.50%), stronger 1-year returns (32.5% vs 7.4%), and more established track record, but has concentrated positions in GE Aerospace, RTX, and Boeing. SHLD provides broader diversification with technology exposure (12% allocation) and global defense tech companies, including Palantir. The author slightly favors SHLD for its growth potential and diversification despite higher recent underperformance.

06/16/2026, 4:08 PM • The Motley Fool

Archer Aviation vs. Karman: Which Aerospace Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026?

The article compares two aerospace companies: Archer Aviation, a high-growth eVTOL developer with minimal revenue and significant losses, versus Karman, a profitable defense contractor with strong revenue growth. While Archer offers speculative upside potential, Karman is recommended as the better 2026 buy due to its established profitability, record quarterly revenue growth of 51%, and attractive valuation following a recent stock price decline.

06/16/2026, 3:25 PM • The Motley Fool

General Motors Eyes Defense Expansion, In Talks With Lockheed Martin To Build Weapon Parts: Report

General Motors is in negotiations with Lockheed Martin to manufacture weapon components and parts, as the Pentagon seeks to expand domestic weapons production capacity amid global conflicts. GM CEO Mary Barra has engaged with Trump administration officials about expanding the automaker's defense business through its GM Defense subsidiary. Ford is also exploring military-related projects with the U.S. government.

06/16/2026, 8:25 AM • Benzinga

US And Iran Near Peace Pact As Pakistan Confirms Final Draft— JD Vance Slams 'Fake' Information On Terms: 'Iranians Are Not Receiving Any Cash...'

The US and Iran are nearing a peace agreement with Pakistan confirming a final draft. The deal would require Iran to dismantle its nuclear program, submit to inspections, and end funding of regional proxies in exchange for economic relief and sanctions easing. VP JD Vance dismissed leaked provisions as misinformation, clarifying that Iran receives no upfront cash. Trump administration officials estimate an 80-85% probability of signature within days.

06/12/2026, 10:43 PM • Benzinga

Trump Says Iran Took 'Too Long' And Will 'Pay The Price' — Markets Already Are

President Trump escalated rhetoric against Iran, declaring it a failing state and warning that stalled nuclear negotiations will carry consequences. His comments triggered market volatility, with equity futures declining and oil prices surging on geopolitical tensions. Defense stocks moved higher while broader markets declined in premarket trading.

06/10/2026, 9:15 AM • Benzinga

Iran Fires Back At US 'Self-Defense' Strikes— Hits Targets In Jordan, Kuwait And Bahrain

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched retaliatory strikes against U.S. military bases in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain following American strikes on Iranian targets in response to a downed Apache helicopter. Jordan intercepted five Iranian missiles aimed at Al Azraq with no reported casualties. The Trump administration stated the strikes will not disrupt ongoing war negotiations, with Trump expressing confidence in reaching an Iran nuclear deal within days.

06/10/2026, 3:04 AM • Benzinga

U.S. Launches Retaliatory Strikes Against Iran — Defense Stocks, ETFs On Watch

The U.S. military launched retaliatory strikes against Iran on Tuesday evening in response to the downing of an American Apache helicopter. Defense stocks and ETFs surged in after-hours trading, with the iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF jumping 10.41%, while major defense contractors showed mixed but mostly positive movement.

06/09/2026, 6:12 PM • Benzinga

Western Rare Earth Supply Chains Are Finally Taking Shape

REalloys is securing exclusive control of heavy rare earth metallization capacity outside China ahead of the Pentagon's January 2027 deadline to eliminate Chinese-origin rare earth materials from defense systems. The company has invested $20.6 million in Saskatchewan Research Council's processing facility and signed a 15-year offtake agreement with Critical Metals for Greenland's Tanbreez project, establishing a Western-aligned rare earth supply chain critical for defense manufacturing.

06/04/2026, 1:00 PM • Benzinga

The Oldest Name In Aerospace Just Became Wall Street's Newest Stock

Applied Aerospace & Defense Inc. (AADX) made its public debut on the NYSE, combining two aerospace suppliers with combined heritage dating back to 1900. The company supplies critical components to major defense and space contractors. Despite strong institutional demand and a 10x oversubscribed IPO priced at $20, shares declined 4.95% to $19.01 by Wednesday afternoon, signaling mixed market sentiment.

06/03/2026, 7:12 PM • Benzinga

Defense ETFs: SHLD Has Lower Fees, PPA Boasts More Holdings

The Global X - Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) offers lower fees (0.5% expense ratio) and higher dividend yield (0.5%), while the Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA) provides a longer track record with 61 holdings and stronger 1-year returns (32.1% vs 15.8%). Both funds concentrate in industrials and offer solid growth exposure to the defense sector, with SHLD favored by cost-conscious investors and PPA appealing to those prioritizing performance history.

06/01/2026, 10:34 AM • The Motley Fool

Viasat Selected by Lockheed Martin to Support NOAA Next-Generation Aircraft with Hybrid Satellite Communications Platform

Viasat has been selected by Lockheed Martin to provide satellite communications technology for NOAA's next-generation C-130J Hercules aircraft program. The line-fit integration of Viasat's Hybrid SATCOM Approach will deliver high-capacity, resilient connectivity for hurricane reconnaissance missions, with aircraft expected to enter service by 2030. This marks the first formal factory integration of the HSA technology on the C-130J platform.

06/01/2026, 8:00 AM • GlobeNewswire

US Fires Hellfire Missile At Fifth Ship Defying Iran Blockade As Nuclear Deal Talks Stall

The U.S. military disabled a fifth commercial vessel with a Hellfire missile as it enforced a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz against Iran. The blockade, imposed in April after nuclear negotiations collapsed, has cost Iran approximately $4.8 billion in oil revenue. Tentative ceasefire and nuclear deal talks remain stalled, with President Trump withholding approval pending resolution of key terms including uranium enrichment rules.

05/30/2026, 10:53 PM • Benzinga

India Military EO/IR Market Worth $1.78 Billion by 2030 – Research Report

India's military Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) market is experiencing rapid growth driven by geopolitical tensions, border surveillance needs, and AI integration. The market is projected to reach USD 1.78 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 8.9%. Key growth areas include unmanned systems, miniaturization, and indigenous defense manufacturing under initiatives like 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat.'

05/28/2026, 9:30 PM • GlobeNewswire

Best 2 Blue Chip Stocks to Buy After Last Week's Market Pullback

The article recommends two industrial blue chip stocks as buying opportunities following a market pullback. Lockheed Martin is highlighted for its strong defense backlog and F-35 fighter jet program, with expected 18% annual earnings growth and a 2.6% dividend yield. Deere & Company is suggested as a cyclical stock to buy during agricultural weakness, with analysts projecting 15% annual earnings growth as the sector recovers.

05/26/2026, 5:21 AM • The Motley Fool