Geopolitical conflicts, including the US and Israel's war on Iran and the Russia-Ukraine war, have fueled surging demand for US defense companies as the Pentagon races to replenish weapon and aircraft stockpiles.

First-quarter results from Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, RTX Corporation and Boeing showed limited growth as supply chain and production delays weighed on the industry.

Lockheed Martin reported a decline in net profit to $1.5 billion in Q1 2026 from $1.7 billion a year earlier, missing analysts' expectations. The company cited delays in F-16 fighter jet development and supply chain strains on C-130 transport aircraft.

Boeing posted a narrower loss of $7 million in Q1, compared to a $31 million loss a year earlier. Defense and space earnings rose 50% to $233 million. The company benefited from NASA's Artemis II mission and increased commercial aircraft deliveries.

Northrop Grumman's revenue rose 4.4% to $9.88 billion, driven by demand for the B-21 stealth bomber and the Sentinel ICBM program.

RTX Corporation raised its full-year forecasts after Q1 revenue surged 9% to $22.08 billion, fueled by demand for missile systems. In April, RTX secured a $3.7 billion contract to supply Patriot GEM-T interceptor missiles to Ukraine.

Source: www.aljazeera.com