The Top Defense Stock to Buy in May

Rheinmetall, Germany's leading defense contractor, is positioned to benefit significantly from Germany's rapid military rearmament. The country has increased its defense budget 24% from 2025 to 2026 and plans to build Europe's largest military by decade's end. After a rough 2025, Rheinmetall hit earnings targets in Q1 2026 with 8% sales growth and a 31% increase in backlog to €72.9 billion.

05/14/2026, 5:05 AM • The Motley Fool

Bulgaria Defense Market Data 2026-2035: Budget Allocations, Fleet Size, Program Forecasts | Bulgaria Focusing on Modernizing Armed Forces for NATO Operations, Heightened by Geopolitical Tensions

Bulgaria's defense budget reached $2.9 billion in 2026 with a projected CAGR of 6.5% through 2031, reaching $4 billion. The country is modernizing its armed forces for NATO operations through major procurement initiatives including F-16C/D aircraft, Stryker armored vehicles, and MMPV 90 frigates, driven by geopolitical tensions and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

05/13/2026, 4:58 AM • GlobeNewswire

Smart Weapons Market to Reach USD 31.89 Billion by 2031 with Airborne Systems Segment Projected to Grow at 9.86% CAGR, Says Mordor Intelligence

The global smart weapons market is projected to grow from USD 22.26 billion in 2026 to USD 31.89 billion by 2031, with a 7.45% CAGR. Growth is driven by increasing defense spending, adoption of precision-guided munitions, and AI-enabled targeting systems. North America and Europe lead the market, with NATO and EU defense initiatives supporting steady demand. Supply chain challenges including semiconductor shortages persist but are spurring innovation in modular systems.

03/27/2026, 3:59 AM • GlobeNewswire

Global Ammunition Market Size to Reach USD 42.65 Billion by 2035, Fueled by Rising Defense Spending and Military Modernization – SNS Insider

The global ammunition market is projected to grow from USD 29.94 billion in 2025 to USD 42.65 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 3.60%. Growth is driven by rising defense spending, geopolitical tensions, military modernization, and increasing civilian demand for self-defense and shooting sports. The U.S. market is expected to grow at 2.90% CAGR during the same period.

03/27/2026, 3:30 AM • GlobeNewswire

How Will Stocks React to the U.S. Attack on Iran?

Following a U.S. and Israeli joint attack on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stock index futures fell while oil and gold futures surged. The article analyzes expected market reactions: defense and energy stocks likely to gain, tech and smaller stocks under pressure, and potential rotation into safer assets like utilities and dividend stocks. Market impact duration depends on investor perception of conflict longevity and severity.

03/01/2026, 9:30 PM • The Motley Fool

Global Equities Advance as Diplomacy and Policy Signals Stabilize Risk Sentiment

Global equities gained modest traction in early European trading as geopolitical progress between the US and Iran, Japan's $36 billion US investment commitment, and a pause in tech sector weakness supported equity futures and major regional benchmarks. U.S. index futures rose modestly with Nasdaq futures up 0.4%, while European indices advanced led by defense stocks. However, persistent internal equity dispersion and thin trading conditions suggest fragile conviction, with risks tied to Fed rate expectations and diplomatic developments.

02/18/2026, 6:42 AM • Investing

2 Defense Stocks to Buy in February

With global defense spending reaching record levels, particularly in the U.S. and Germany, two defense contractors are positioned for significant growth. Lockheed Martin benefits from America's increased $1.48 trillion 2026 defense budget, while Rheinmetall capitalizes on Germany's rapidly expanding military spending, which is projected to reach 152 billion euros by 2029.

02/06/2026, 4:05 PM • The Motley Fool

Mine Disposal Vehicles Market Outlook Report 2026-2030 & 2035: Rising Defensive Needs Propel Market Expansion - Partnerships Boost Mine Disposal Vehicle Capabilities

The global mine disposal vehicle market is projected to grow from $2.06 billion in 2025 to $3.27 billion by 2030, driven by rising defense budgets, technological innovations in autonomous systems, and increased humanitarian demining initiatives. Key developments include Advanced Blast & Ballistic Systems' Dragon UGV and a strategic partnership between Rheinmetall AG and DOK-ING to develop advanced unmanned disposal systems. North America leads the market while Asia-Pacific shows the fastest growth potential.

01/29/2026, 10:54 AM • GlobeNewswire

$3+ Bn Maritime Simulators Global Market Opportunities And Strategies To 2034: Wartsila Leads With a 5.82% Share, Followed by Kongsberg Maritime, CAE, L3Harris, Thales, General Dynamics, Rheinmetall

The global maritime simulators market is projected to grow from $1.67 billion in 2024 to $3.03 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 6.1%. Ship bridge simulators lead by type (39.28% share), while engine room simulators show fastest growth. Wartsila Corporation leads the competitive landscape with 5.82% market share, followed by Kongsberg Maritime, CAE, L3Harris, and Thales. Key growth drivers include LNG demands, safety initiatives, maritime education expansion, and emerging market opportunities.

01/21/2026, 12:42 PM • GlobeNewswire

Leonardo DRS Stock Is Interesting, but I'd Look at This German Defense Giant First

While American defense stocks like Leonardo DRS are growing steadily, European defense stocks are booming. Germany's Rheinmetall AG significantly outperforms Leonardo DRS with a one-year return of 232% versus Leonardo's 24%, driven by Germany's pledge to spend 650 billion euros on defense over the next five years and NATO spending commitments.

01/09/2026, 10:15 AM • The Motley Fool

3 Growing European Defense Stocks

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, European NATO members are significantly increasing defense spending to as much as 5% of GDP. Three European defense companies—Rheinmetall (Germany), Kongsberg (Norway), and BAE Systems (UK)—are positioned to benefit from this secular trend with strong projected growth rates and reasonable valuations.

12/22/2025, 10:26 PM • The Motley Fool

Ballistic Protective Equipment Market Trends & Company Analysis Report 2025-2033

The global ballistic protective equipment market is projected to grow from $4.93 billion in 2024 to $7.6 billion by 2033, driven by defense modernization, increasing security risks, and technological advancements in materials and design.

11/14/2025, 6:49 AM • GlobeNewswire

EUAD vs. WDEF: Which ETF Is Best for a New Era of European Defense Spending?

Two European defense-focused ETFs, Select STOXX Europe Aerospace & Defense (EUAD) and WisdomTree Europe Defense Fund (WDEF), offer investors opportunities in the growing European defense sector, driven by increased military spending and geopolitical tensions.

10/15/2025, 5:31 PM • The Motley Fool

Unmanned Ground Vehicles Strategic Intelligence Report 2025: Expansion, M&A Activities, and R&D Initiatives are Crucial for Capitalizing on Emerging UGV Capabilities

The UGV market is experiencing significant growth, driven by warfare innovations in Ukraine and increasing adoption of ground robots for defense, logistics, and combat applications across multiple nations.

10/03/2025, 5:52 AM • GlobeNewswire

Russia, NATO Escalate Tensions As Moscow Tests Alliance's Defenses

NATO and Russia are experiencing heightened military tensions, with Russian aircraft and drones entering NATO member airspaces, raising concerns about potential broader conflict. European and US forces have responded by intercepting and warning against these incursions.

09/26/2025, 11:13 AM • Benzinga