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.

RTX shares declined 1.40% despite securing a DARPA contract for long-range X-ray imaging technology and a significant German Armed Forces contract worth over 193 million euros since August 2024. While the company advances military technology capabilities, short-term technical indicators show bearish pressure with the stock trading below its moving averages.

RTX Corporation shares rose in premarket trading after securing a significant contract with the German Armed Forces for Raytheon ELCAN Specter® DR sights. The company also announced a $200 million expansion at its Pratt & Whitney Columbus, Georgia facility to increase engine component production by 30% by 2028. RTX has appreciated 55.85% over the past 12 months and carries a Buy rating with an average price target of $186.43.

Iran announced a temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz for live-fire drills while conducting indirect nuclear talks with the U.S. Supreme Leader Khamenei issued a severe warning to Washington. The move has triggered alerts for shipping companies and U.S. defense contractors as regional tensions escalate. Oil prices rose slightly, with Brent crude at $67.63/barrel and WTI at $62.40/barrel.

RTX Corporation announced that its board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 68 cents per share, payable on March 19, 2026 to shareholders of record as of February 20, 2026. The company, with 2025 sales exceeding $88 billion, has maintained annual cash dividend payments since 1936.

Boeing announced its largest-ever landing gear exchange deal at the Singapore Airshow, agreeing to support over 75 Singapore Airlines Group aircraft across 737 MAX and 787 fleets with flexible exchange and overhaul services. The program aims to reduce aircraft downtime and spare inventory needs while strengthening Boeing's aftermarket services. Additionally, Singapore Airlines signed a separate maintenance deal with RTX Corp's Collins Aerospace for its 777 fleet.

RTX Corporation announced $139 million in investments at the Singapore Air Show to expand operations across its Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney divisions. The investments include new GTF engine maintenance capabilities, coating operations expansion, and multi-year service contracts with Singapore Airlines and All Nippon Airways.

Defense contractors delivered mixed Q4 2025 earnings results. Northrop Grumman and RTX exceeded expectations with strong revenue growth and positive outlooks, while General Dynamics disappointed with moderating guidance despite beating estimates. The defense sector could benefit from potential increased U.S. government defense spending.

RTX stock is surging in early 2026 driven by strong defense sector demand, a $260 billion backlog, and a beat-and-raise quarter with 12.1% YoY revenue growth and improved free cash flow. Analysts remain bullish with 15% upside potential, though institutional selling poses a headwind. The stock could consolidate or correct to $170-$180 before potentially reaching new highs.

GE Aerospace delivered exceptional Q4 2025 results with revenue of $12.72B (beating consensus by 14%), orders surging 74% to $27B, and a record $190B backlog providing nearly five years of revenue visibility. The company guided 2026 EPS of $7.10-$7.40 with low double-digit revenue growth, driven by LEAP engine dominance, defense momentum, and strong pricing power. However, at $330+ per share and 46x forward earnings, much of the excellence appears priced in.

Escalating US-NATO tensions over tariffs and Greenland's strategic resources are expected to drive increased defense spending and resource competition. Five stocks are positioned to benefit: Lockheed Martin and RTX from Arctic defense requirements, Critical Metals from rare earth mineral demand in Greenland, Teck Resources from strategic raw materials demand, and Caterpillar from Arctic infrastructure development.

The maritime surveillance and intervention market grew from $31.39 billion in 2025 to $34.64 billion in 2026 (10.4% CAGR) and is projected to reach $49.51 billion by 2030 (9.3% CAGR). Growth drivers include rising maritime security threats, offshore energy expansion, autonomous systems advancements, and increased military spending. Key players are developing advanced technologies like underwater surveillance systems and expanding through strategic acquisitions.