In 2026, the defense industry stands at a rare inflection point as global military expenditure continues its multi-year expansion, outpacing GDP growth and civilian spending priorities. Record-high government contracts, rising demand for advanced systems and integrated technologies, and strategic rearmament drives are reshaping the aerospace & defense landscape. This article highlights four companies that benefit most from this structural shift and why investors are increasingly focused on defense equities amid heightened geopolitical risk and budget commitments.

The defense sector is in a state not seen in the markets since the Cold War. Global military spending is growing at a record pace and governments are reassessing their priorities in favor of security. According to available estimates, the global defence market will reach around US$2.75 trillion in 2026, with further growth expected towards more than US$4 trillion by 2035. This trend is driven by geopolitical tensions, increased…