Geopolitical risks and supply issues affecting global energy and commodities have brought defense and aerospace spending back into sharp focus. Governments want resilient air, space, and security capabilities, and that can support steady demand for companies in the Aerospace And Defense screener. If you are looking for potential ballast for a broader portfolio, this article walks through 3 stand-out stocks from the screener to put on your watchlist.

The three stocks below are just a starting sample. The full screen surfaced 67 more Aerospace And Defense companies with equally compelling narratives that are not covered here. To go deeper into this space, head straight into the Aerospace And Defense screener to filter, analyze, and identify the highest conviction plays for your own watchlist.

Archer Aviation (ACHR)

Overview: Archer Aviation is developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft that aim to serve urban air taxi routes and short regional trips, targeting both commercial airlines and defense customers. The company focuses on aircraft design, supporting technologies and services that could plug into wider air mobility and security networks in the United States and abroad.

Market Cap: US$5.2 billion

Archer Aviation offers exposure to the early stages of urban air mobility along with a growing push into defense and aviation AI. The Midnight aircraft is moving through the final phase of FAA certification and has a multi billion dollar order book anchored by United Airlines. Recent Q2 results showed the cost of that progress with a reported loss of US$263.2 million. At the same time, Archer is building an AI platform through acquisitions from Boeing and the ZEE foundation model, which could provide higher margin software and services revenue. The stock is currently loss making with high funding risk and shareholder dilution, so it may appeal to investors who accept volatility in exchange for a mix of aircraft, defense and AI optionality.

Archer Aviation’s effort to combine urban air taxis, defense contracts and an emerging AI platform could be masking what really matters for long term investors. Go beyond the headlines with the 2 key rewards and 3 important warning signs

Build your own air mobility and defense shortlist

Archer Aviation and the two other stocks in this article all surfaced from a single screener, but the real opportunity is setting your own rules. Use our flexible Screener to mix filters on valuation, growth, risks and balance sheet strength, or tap into ready made themes through our Investing Ideas.

Voyager Technologies (VOYG)

Overview: Voyager Technologies is a defense and space company that supplies propulsion, guidance, communications and AI edge-computing systems, while also building out space infrastructure such as in-space propulsion, the Bishop Airlock on the ISS, and the commercial Starlab space station to support long term human presence in orbit.

Operations: Voyager Technologies reports segment level adjustments of about US$178 million, with additional segment level adjustments of about US$13 million within its reported US revenue base of roughly US$161 million.

Market Cap: US$2.6 billion

Voyager Technologies provides exposure to both current defense spending and the build out of commercial space infrastructure, including Starlab, which is intended to help replace the ISS and host research and manufacturing in low Earth orbit. Recent quarters featured record bookings, a higher 2026 revenue outlook and deeper ties with NASA and the U.S. Space Force. The Astrobotic deal pushes the company further into lunar logistics. The trade off is that the company is still loss making, has less than a year of cash runway and relies on external borrowing, which raises funding risk. For investors looking beyond traditional contractors, Voyager is positioned at the intersection of defense modernization and the emerging space economy.

Voyager Technologies sits at the crossroads of defense contracts and the emerging space economy, yet the real story may lie in the fine print of its funding needs and growth initiatives. Get the full context in the analysis report for Voyager Technologies

Rocket Lab (RKLB)

Overview: Rocket Lab designs and builds small and medium class rockets, satellites and related space systems, providing launch services, spacecraft components, mission software and on orbit management for commercial customers, aerospace contractors and governments worldwide.

Operations: Rocket Lab generates most of its revenue from Space Systems at about US$544 million, with Launch Services contributing roughly US$225 million.

Market Cap: US$47.9 billion

Rocket Lab provides direct exposure to the backbone of the space economy through a mix of launch services and higher margin space systems, supported by a record backlog of long term government and commercial contracts. The upcoming Neutron rocket is central to the company’s strategy because it is intended to move Rocket Lab into larger, national security grade missions, although any delay or technical setback could affect the stock and funding requirements. In parallel, the Iridium deal and other acquisitions are positioning the company as a broader space infrastructure platform. For investors who are comfortable with volatility and execution risk, the combination of contract visibility and expanding capabilities may make Rocket Lab a notable company to follow.

Rocket Lab’s expanding backlog and Neutron ambitions suggest a space infrastructure story that many investors may be underestimating. Get the analysis report for Rocket Lab before one key risk and upside twist come into focus.

Seeking Fresh Alternatives Before They Fly

Markets move fast and potential breakout ideas rarely stay under the radar for long. Review these fresh stock lists before momentum fully develops and consider your options.

• Identify cash rich companies that are holding up while others are dropping by scanning our curated list of solid balance sheet and fundamentals (49 results) before the crowd reacts to any valuation gap.
• Explore early momentum in miners that may be positioned for changes in gold demand by reviewing our hand picked 29 elite gold producer stocks while it remains less widely followed.
• Research opportunities in robotics by screening our curated 39 robotics and automation stocks before additional capital enters the space and changes the available entry points.

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.