Boeing's board of directors has significantly strengthened with the addition of experienced aviation and aerospace executives under new CEO Kelly Ortberg. The board now includes leaders like David Joyce (former GE Aviation CEO), Akhil Johri (former United Technologies CFO), and David Gitlin (former Collins Aerospace president). This expertise is positioned as crucial for Boeing's long-term turnaround, including developing next-generation aircraft while managing a $715 billion backlog and restoring its balance sheet.

RTX (Raytheon Technologies), an aerospace and defense company, has demonstrated a consistent track record of beating earnings estimates with an average surprise of 15.48% over the past two quarters. The company's positive Earnings ESP of +0.15% combined with its Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) rating suggests another earnings beat is likely in its next quarterly report expected on October 20, 2026.

L3Harris Technologies (LHX) is investing $536 million in company-funded R&D in 2025 to develop technologies across communications, space, and missile propulsion. The company's platform-agnostic approach and flexible business model enable it to adapt to changing defense requirements. LHX ended 2025 with a $38.7 billion contractual backlog, up 13% year-over-year, and is trading at a discount relative to industry peers with expected earnings growth of 9.97% and 14.48% for 2026 and 2027 respectively.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (KTOS) has successfully tested its TDI-J85 turbojet engine across multiple launch configurations, demonstrating its capability for unmanned aircraft, cruise missiles, and decoy systems. The company plans to produce over 3,000 engines in 2027 and achieve annual capacity exceeding 10,000 by 2029. KTOS shares are trading at a discount with a forward 12-month Price/Sales of 3.55X compared to the industry average of 6.84X.

The global cyber warfare market is projected to grow from USD 14.99 billion in 2026 to USD 28.75 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 14.1%. Growth is driven by increasing cyber threats to military networks, AI-driven defense solutions, space-based security demands, and defensive cyber operations. The Middle East is positioned for the second-highest regional growth rate.

RTX closed down 1.95% on October 13, 2026, underperforming the S&P 500's 0.02% loss. The aerospace and defense company has declined 4.44% over the past month while outperforming its sector's 6.85% loss. RTX is scheduled to report earnings on October 20, 2026, with projected EPS of $1.75 (up 2.94% YoY) and revenue of $23.84 billion (up 6.06% YoY). The stock holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) rating but trades at a premium valuation with a Forward P/E of 25.85 versus the industry average of 21.16.

Zacks Premium offers investment research tools including Style Scores (Value, Growth, Momentum, and VGM) designed to complement the Zacks Rank system for stock selection. RTX Corporation is highlighted as a #2 (Buy) ranked stock with a B VGM Score and B Growth Score, forecasting 14.8% year-over-year earnings growth.

RTX Corporation's Raytheon business successfully completed three tests of its upgraded Coyote Block 2C+RM counter-drone system, which features a tactical rocket motor, new seeker, and warhead to address broader drone threats. The advancement progresses from concept to testing in 15 months and demonstrates integration with existing defense networks. Growing demand for counter-drone technologies from the U.S. and allies presents growth opportunities for RTX and other defense contractors.

GE Aerospace emerges as the better investment choice in 2026 compared to Boeing. While Boeing boasts a massive order backlog and leading position in commercial aviation, it struggles with negative free cash flow, a 10x debt-to-equity ratio, and declining profitability forecasts. GE Aerospace, conversely, demonstrates strong fundamentals with a 19% net margin, $7.3 billion in free cash flow, and a more reasonable valuation multiple, supported by recent major contracts from airlines and the U.S. military.

Howmet Aerospace (HWM) is experiencing strong momentum in commercial aerospace with Q2 2026 revenues from this segment jumping 28% year-over-year and accounting for 53% of total business. Engine Products revenues surged 32% to $1.37 billion and Fastening Systems rose 37% to $589 million. The company's $1.8 billion acquisition of Stanley Black & Decker's CAM business and continued production ramps from Boeing and Airbus are expected to sustain demand. However, HWM trades at a premium valuation of 36.63X forward P/E versus the industry average of 27.53X and carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating.

GE Aerospace shares have declined 15% in three months, but strong commercial engine demand, robust Q2 2026 revenue growth of 27%, and raised free cash flow guidance to $8.9-$9.2 billion support a positive outlook. However, elevated valuation at 34.79X forward P/E (above industry average of 27.16X), rising debt levels of $19.2 billion, and surging costs present risks. The stock maintains a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) rating despite trading below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages.

Escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia are expected to increase demand for air-defense systems, missiles, and radar technology. Following a $142 billion U.S. defense agreement and a $2 billion package approved in July 2026, major defense contractors are positioned to benefit from increased orders. Defense-focused ETFs offer diversified exposure to these contractors without single-stock risk.