A proposed US$400m integrated military complex and drone port now sits in legal limbo, and that mix of potential contract work and Supreme Court risk has pulled a spotlight onto companies that help build and secure federal infrastructure. This kind of binary event can rapidly reshape expectations, which is why investors are watching closely. This article walks through 3 stocks exposed to this story and explains how the news could matter for each one.

The three stocks covered next are only a starting sample from this theme, and the full screen surfaced 24 more companies with equally compelling narratives that this article does not cover. To go deeper into the opportunity set right now, head straight into the U.S. Secure Government Infrastructure & Specialty Construction Plays screener to identify, filter, and analyze your highest conviction ideas.

AEVEX (AVEX)

Overview: AEVEX is a defense technology contractor that builds and operates unmanned aerial and maritime systems for the U.S. Department of Defense and allied governments, combining hardware such as drones and unmanned surface vessels with AI driven intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance services. The company also modifies and tests specialized aircraft and offers mission support capabilities that are closely tied to U.S. unmanned systems priorities.

Market Cap: US$2.38b

AEVEX sits at the center of the proposed drone port and integrated military complex story, because its autonomous systems and AI enabled ISR services are built for the kind of secure facilities now under discussion. Investors see a company with a large contract pipeline, recent U.S. Air Force and precision strike awards, and a business that analysts currently value above the share price. At the same time, there are notable pressure points. AEVEX depends on continued government spending on unmanned systems and carries a balance sheet funded entirely by external borrowing, with a young management team still proving itself in public markets. How these factors develop will be important for assessing this stock.

AEVEX’s contract pipeline and AI driven ISR focus could be masking a much bigger story for this drone port project. Get the full picture from the 4 key rewards and 2 important warning signs (2 are major!) and see what might change if the court outcome surprises.

Build your own unmanned systems shortlist

AEVEX and the other two stocks in this story all surfaced from a single screener, but the real value comes when you start building your own filters. Use our flexible Screener to mix metrics like valuation, growth, balance sheet strength, risks and income, or jump straight into our curated Investing Ideas for ready made starting points.

Sensata Technologies Holding (ST)

Overview: Sensata Technologies Holding supplies sensors, electrical protection components, and power management systems that sit inside mission critical equipment, from automotive and industrial machinery to aerospace and defense platforms. These products help customers monitor, control, and protect complex systems in harsh or high stakes environments.

Operations: Sensata Technologies Holding generates about US$2.1b of revenue from Automotive, US$791m from Industrials, and US$859m from Aerospace, Defense, and Commercial Equipment.

Market Cap: US$6.6b

Sensata Technologies Holding provides exposure to the secure infrastructure theme through the less crowded angle of sensors and electrical protection, which sit at the heart of high security facilities, drones, and power systems. Its Aerospace, Defense, and Commercial Equipment segment and work on UAVs are directly connected to any long term build out of drone ports and hardened military sites. At the same time, the stock carries tension. Earnings have been under pressure, and debt remains meaningful, even after debt retirement and a move to 2.4x net leverage. Investors may focus on a mix of improving cash generation, active buybacks and dividends, and a business that could experience higher demand if this type of federal build out accelerates.

Sensata Technologies Holding sits at the intersection of earnings pressure, debt and potential UAV demand, which raises fresh questions about the risk reward trade off. Scan the 2 key rewards and 2 important warning signs and see what detail might be missing from the headline story

Astronics (ATRO)

Overview: Astronics designs and manufactures lighting, power, avionics, and test systems that sit inside aircraft and defense platforms, supplying major airframe manufacturers, airlines, military customers, and prime government contractors worldwide. Its products and automated test systems support everything from commercial jets and military aircraft to training and simulation equipment.

Operations: Astronics generates the vast majority of its revenue from Aerospace at about US$863 million, with around US$79 million coming from its Test Systems segment.

Market Cap: US$4.0b

Astronics is drawing attention because it sits where aerospace demand, defense electronics, and secure infrastructure spending meet. Record quarterly revenue and bookings, a US$780.5 million backlog, and raised 2026 revenue guidance above US$1.0b give investors clearer line of sight on future work, including programs tied to U.S. Army radio testing and power distribution for new aircraft and eVTOL platforms. At the same time, a rich valuation, heavy use of debt, and a history of one off hits and tariff exposure mean execution on that backlog really matters. If federal projects such as the proposed drone port and integrated military complex move ahead, Astronics could be well placed to win more complex, higher margin systems work that is not fully reflected in the headlines yet.

Surging orders and a US$780.5m backlog put Astronics in rare company, yet the rich valuation and heavy debt tell a more complicated story. Start with the analyst forecasts for Astronics and consider what the backlog does not fully reveal.

Seeking Alternatives Before Momentum Flies

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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.