3 Aerospace Stocks To Own In September 2026

Fresh geopolitical risks around the Strait of Hormuz have pushed energy security and military readiness back into focus, which shines a light on businesses that build, maintain, and support aircraft, missiles, and critical defense systems. This renewed attention can create pockets of opportunity in a sector many investors overlook until headlines flare. This article highlights three U.S. aerospace and defense stocks from our specialist screener that may be worth a closer look.

The three stocks highlighted below are just a small sample, and the full screen surfaced 73 more aerospace and defense companies with equally compelling narratives that are not covered in this article. To go deeper on the sector, identify your own watchlist, and analyze potential high-conviction ideas, head straight into the Aerospace And Defense screener.

Redwire (RDW)

Redwire is a space and defense technology specialist that supplies spacecraft hardware, space infrastructure, and in-space services to government and commercial customers, earning roughly US$208 million from Space and US$217 million from Defense Tech, and carries a market value of about US$2.89b.

Redwire plugs directly into the Aerospace And Defense theme through the hardware and infrastructure that keep satellites, space stations, and uncrewed systems working. This gives it a front row seat to how future space projects are designed and operated.

"The growing use of space based infrastructure and commercial space stations, where ROSA arrays are already selected for multiple programs such as Axiom's Commercial Space Station, positions Redwire to benefit as customers expand capacity. This can support recurring revenue and a more stable contribution to cash from operations."

What happens if one underappreciated shift in higher value payload and services work changes the trajectory of Redwire's margins and cash generation?

If that shift matters to your thesis, read the full narrative for Redwire to understand how Redwire’s payload mix, contracts and capital needs could be quietly accelerating.

General Electric (GE)

General Electric, now operating as GE Aerospace, is a heavyweight in jet engines and services for commercial airlines and defense customers. This anchors its link to the Aerospace And Defense theme while the broader group still has other activities in the mix.

GE Aerospace generates about US$37.7b from Commercial Engines & Services and US$11.5b from Defense & Propulsion Technologies, with about US$1.4b reported under Corporate & Other, and the stock carries a market value near US$339.4b.

For investors tracking this theme, General Electric brings scale in engine programs, global MRO support, and deep defense relationships together in one platform. This makes its execution on capacity and reliability a key swing factor for long term returns.

"Acceleration of next generation engine programs such as adaptive cycle engines and CCA propulsion, supported by rising defense book to bill of 1.7x and a Defense & Propulsion Technologies backlog above US$30b, points to multi year visibility on future defense revenue and contribution to segment profit."

What happens if one unresolved supply chain pressure quietly resets how much of that future backlog actually converts into high margin aerospace cash flow?

If that supply chain risk feels like only half the story, go to the full narrative for General Electric to see how GE Aerospace’s backlog, pricing power, and cash profile intersect.

RTX (RTX)

RTX Corporation brings a full toolkit of aerospace hardware and defense electronics to the table, supplying aircraft systems, engines, and missile threat detection that tie directly into how commercial airlines, militaries, and governments keep fleets in the air and critical platforms mission ready.

RTX generates about US$35b from Pratt & Whitney engines, roughly US$31b from Collins Aerospace systems and interiors, and around US$30b from Raytheon defense technologies, while its equity value sits near US$255.3b.

RTX’s breadth across engines, aircraft systems, and defense electronics gives investors exposure to both sides of the Aerospace And Defense theme, with long lived platforms and service contracts that can extend well beyond the initial hardware sale.

"RTX’s record backlog of US$289b, supported by a Raytheon rolling 12 month book to bill of 1.77 and US$19.9b of quarterly awards for systems such as Patriot, AMRAAM, AIM 9X and LTAMDS, points to multi year conversion of contracted demand into revenue and segment operating profit that some investors may not yet fully reflect in valuations."

What happens if one unseen bottleneck in turning that contracted demand into delivered engines and defense systems changes the shape of RTX’s margins?

That bottleneck question is exactly what the full narrative for RTX unpacks, showing where RTX’s record backlog could still be masking upside in cash generation and resilience.

Seeking Alternatives Beyond Aerospace?

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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