7 Defense Stocks to Consider in an Unstable Global Landscape
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 23 2026
0mins
Source: Barron's
Geopolitical Tensions: Global security issues are increasingly prominent, with regions like Greenland, NATO, Venezuela, and Iran facing instability.
Impact on Defense Stocks: The ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, particularly during President Donald Trump’s second term, is expected to boost defense stock investments.
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Analyst Views on NOC
Wall Street analysts forecast NOC stock price to fall over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for NOC is 684.08 USD with a low forecast of 630.00 USD and a high forecast of 770.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
13 Analyst Rating
10 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 696.500
Low
630.00
Averages
684.08
High
770.00
Current: 696.500
Low
630.00
Averages
684.08
High
770.00
About NOC
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global aerospace and defense technology company. Its segments include Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems, and Space Systems. Aeronautics Systems is engaged in the design, development, production, integration, sustainment and modernization of military aircraft systems for the United States Air Force, the United States Navy, other United States government agencies, and international customers. Defense Systems is engaged in the design, engineering, development, integration, and manufacturing of deterrent systems, advanced tactical weapons, and missile defense solutions. Mission Systems is a provider of mission solutions and multifunction systems. Its products and services include command, control, communications and computers, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems. Space Systems delivers end-to-end mission solutions through the design, development, integration, production and operation of space, missile defense, and launch systems.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Northrop Grumman Officer Plans to Sell $14.18 Million in Common Stock via Form 144
Stock Sale Announcement: Northrop Grumman officer Kathy J intends to sell 20,000 shares of its common stock on February 6, with a total market value of approximately $14.18 million.
Reduction in Shareholding: Kathy J has reduced her shareholding in Northrop Grumman by 10,000 shares since January 5, 2026, with a total value of around $6.05 million.
See More
Defense Stocks Surge in 2026 Amid Geopolitical Tensions
- Surge in Defense Spending: Global defense spending is projected to reach $2.6 trillion in 2026, reflecting an 8.1% increase from 2025, driven by heightened geopolitical uncertainties prompting nations to boost military budgets, thereby fostering overall growth in the defense sector.
- Strong Performance by Major Firms: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Huntington Ingalls Industries have all seen their stock prices rise over 20% in early 2026, with Lockheed Martin leading at a 26% increase, indicating strong market confidence and investment enthusiasm in the defense industry.
- Increased NATO Spending Goals: Under pressure from the Trump administration, NATO's defense spending target has been raised from 2% to 5% of GDP by 2035, prompting major economies like Germany to significantly ramp up defense investments, with Germany expected to meet this target by 2030, further driving growth in the global defense market.
- Surge in U.S. Arms Sales: The Trump administration recently approved massive arms sales to Israel and Saudi Arabia, totaling $6.67 billion and $9 billion respectively, primarily benefiting U.S. defense firms, highlighting that in an increasingly dangerous global security environment, the defense industry will continue to thrive from government spending and investments.
See More
Japan Election Preview: High Probability of Policy Continuity
- Election Outlook: Japan is heading to the polls on February 8, with markets pricing in a 99% chance that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will remain in power, indicating strong expectations for policy continuity.
- Policy Impact Expectations: The market anticipates that Takaichi will continue aggressive fiscal stimulus and adopt a slower approach to interest rate hikes from the Bank of Japan, which will support economic growth and bolster market confidence.
- Yen Performance Analysis: Ahead of the election, the yen has been trading heavily, with USD/JPY hovering near the 157 level, reflecting market uncertainty about future policies and strong confidence in Takaichi's re-election.
- Governing Party Dynamics: The market shows a 99% support rate for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) while the Japan Innovation Party (JIP) stands at only 22%, suggesting that the LDP may govern without its coalition partner, providing Takaichi with a “clear runway” to implement more hawkish policies.
See More
Northrop Grumman Secures $249M Contract for Military Sales
- Contract Value and Scope: Northrop Grumman has been awarded a $249 million IDIQ contract for the production of joint threat emitter end-items, which includes spares, support equipment, testing, training, and additional support services, indicating ongoing demand in the defense sector.
- Execution Locations: Work under this contract will be performed in Buffalo, New York, and various foreign locations, with an expected completion date of February 1, 2033, highlighting the company's active involvement in international military sales.
- Initial Funding Source: The initial funding of $12,014 comes from the Royal Saudi Air Force, reflecting international clients' trust and reliance on Northrop Grumman's products, potentially laying the groundwork for future contracts.
- Contract Management Unit: The contract is managed by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Hill Air Force Base in Utah, underscoring the U.S. Air Force's significant role in global military cooperation.
See More
Kratos Defense Stock Falls 6.3% Amid Valuation Concerns
- Stock Performance Decline: Kratos Defense stock fell 6.3% by 12:30 p.m. ET on Monday, marking its fourth consecutive day of losses without any obvious negative news, indicating market concerns over its valuation.
- High Market Valuation: Currently, Kratos shares trade at nearly 800 times trailing earnings and over 200 times projected earnings for the next 12 months, suggesting that market expectations for future profitability may be overly optimistic, potentially leading to a decline in investor confidence.
- Cash Flow Issues: Despite Kratos's strong position in high-tech military hardware, the quality of its earnings is questionable as the company fails to generate positive free cash flow, resulting in ongoing cash burn that could impact its long-term financial health.
- Investment Recommendation: Given the current stock price levels, analysts suggest that Kratos stock should be viewed as a sell, reflecting a cautious outlook on its future growth potential and possibly prompting further investor withdrawals.
See More
Ondas Acquires Rotron to Enhance Defense Capabilities
- Acquisition Strategy: Ondas Inc. announced its acquisition of U.K.-based unmanned systems developer Rotron Aero, aiming to enhance its defense and security product lineup with long-range autonomous aircraft and strike capabilities to meet the rising demand for unmanned systems.
- Technology Integration: The acquisition will fold Rotron's technology into Ondas Autonomous Systems, expected to add 'attritable' one-way attack systems and expand options for long-range precision engagement, thereby enhancing the company's operational capabilities in contested environments.
- Market Positioning: Ondas CEO Eric Brock stated that this acquisition will accelerate the company's roadmap toward providing customers with end-to-end autonomous mission capabilities, covering the entire service chain from sensing and decision-making to long-range precision engagement, further solidifying its market position.
- Strategic Impact: Ondas corporate development lead Mark Green highlighted that this acquisition will secure a vital strategic footprint within the U.K. and NATO ecosystems, enabling fast-track access to major programs through deep-rooted relationships with the U.K. Ministry of Defence, thereby advancing the company's leadership in core defense markets.
See More
Northrop Grumman Officer Plans to Sell $14.18 Million in Common Stock via Form 144
Stock Sale Announcement: Northrop Grumman officer Kathy J intends to sell 20,000 shares of its common stock on February 6, with a total market value of approximately $14.18 million.
Reduction in Shareholding: Kathy J has reduced her shareholding in Northrop Grumman by 10,000 shares since January 5, 2026, with a total value of around $6.05 million.
See More
Defense Stocks Surge in 2026 Amid Geopolitical Tensions
- Surge in Defense Spending: Global defense spending is projected to reach $2.6 trillion in 2026, reflecting an 8.1% increase from 2025, driven by heightened geopolitical uncertainties prompting nations to boost military budgets, thereby fostering overall growth in the defense sector.
- Strong Performance by Major Firms: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Huntington Ingalls Industries have all seen their stock prices rise over 20% in early 2026, with Lockheed Martin leading at a 26% increase, indicating strong market confidence and investment enthusiasm in the defense industry.
- Increased NATO Spending Goals: Under pressure from the Trump administration, NATO's defense spending target has been raised from 2% to 5% of GDP by 2035, prompting major economies like Germany to significantly ramp up defense investments, with Germany expected to meet this target by 2030, further driving growth in the global defense market.
- Surge in U.S. Arms Sales: The Trump administration recently approved massive arms sales to Israel and Saudi Arabia, totaling $6.67 billion and $9 billion respectively, primarily benefiting U.S. defense firms, highlighting that in an increasingly dangerous global security environment, the defense industry will continue to thrive from government spending and investments.
See More
Japan Election Preview: High Probability of Policy Continuity
- Election Outlook: Japan is heading to the polls on February 8, with markets pricing in a 99% chance that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will remain in power, indicating strong expectations for policy continuity.
- Policy Impact Expectations: The market anticipates that Takaichi will continue aggressive fiscal stimulus and adopt a slower approach to interest rate hikes from the Bank of Japan, which will support economic growth and bolster market confidence.
- Yen Performance Analysis: Ahead of the election, the yen has been trading heavily, with USD/JPY hovering near the 157 level, reflecting market uncertainty about future policies and strong confidence in Takaichi's re-election.
- Governing Party Dynamics: The market shows a 99% support rate for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) while the Japan Innovation Party (JIP) stands at only 22%, suggesting that the LDP may govern without its coalition partner, providing Takaichi with a “clear runway” to implement more hawkish policies.
See More
Northrop Grumman Secures $249M Contract for Military Sales
- Contract Value and Scope: Northrop Grumman has been awarded a $249 million IDIQ contract for the production of joint threat emitter end-items, which includes spares, support equipment, testing, training, and additional support services, indicating ongoing demand in the defense sector.
- Execution Locations: Work under this contract will be performed in Buffalo, New York, and various foreign locations, with an expected completion date of February 1, 2033, highlighting the company's active involvement in international military sales.
- Initial Funding Source: The initial funding of $12,014 comes from the Royal Saudi Air Force, reflecting international clients' trust and reliance on Northrop Grumman's products, potentially laying the groundwork for future contracts.
- Contract Management Unit: The contract is managed by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Hill Air Force Base in Utah, underscoring the U.S. Air Force's significant role in global military cooperation.
See More
Kratos Defense Stock Falls 6.3% Amid Valuation Concerns
- Stock Performance Decline: Kratos Defense stock fell 6.3% by 12:30 p.m. ET on Monday, marking its fourth consecutive day of losses without any obvious negative news, indicating market concerns over its valuation.
- High Market Valuation: Currently, Kratos shares trade at nearly 800 times trailing earnings and over 200 times projected earnings for the next 12 months, suggesting that market expectations for future profitability may be overly optimistic, potentially leading to a decline in investor confidence.
- Cash Flow Issues: Despite Kratos's strong position in high-tech military hardware, the quality of its earnings is questionable as the company fails to generate positive free cash flow, resulting in ongoing cash burn that could impact its long-term financial health.
- Investment Recommendation: Given the current stock price levels, analysts suggest that Kratos stock should be viewed as a sell, reflecting a cautious outlook on its future growth potential and possibly prompting further investor withdrawals.
See More
Ondas Acquires Rotron to Enhance Defense Capabilities
- Acquisition Strategy: Ondas Inc. announced its acquisition of U.K.-based unmanned systems developer Rotron Aero, aiming to enhance its defense and security product lineup with long-range autonomous aircraft and strike capabilities to meet the rising demand for unmanned systems.
- Technology Integration: The acquisition will fold Rotron's technology into Ondas Autonomous Systems, expected to add 'attritable' one-way attack systems and expand options for long-range precision engagement, thereby enhancing the company's operational capabilities in contested environments.
- Market Positioning: Ondas CEO Eric Brock stated that this acquisition will accelerate the company's roadmap toward providing customers with end-to-end autonomous mission capabilities, covering the entire service chain from sensing and decision-making to long-range precision engagement, further solidifying its market position.
- Strategic Impact: Ondas corporate development lead Mark Green highlighted that this acquisition will secure a vital strategic footprint within the U.K. and NATO ecosystems, enabling fast-track access to major programs through deep-rooted relationships with the U.K. Ministry of Defence, thereby advancing the company's leadership in core defense markets.
See More
