Geopolitical tension, oil above $100 a barrel, higher Treasury yields and fresh tariffs are shaking up expectations across sectors, including US defense and aerospace stocks. Instead of treating this as background noise, it can be useful to look at which companies are most exposed to these headlines and how that risk profile fits your portfolio. This article walks through 3 stocks from our US Defense and Aerospace Stocks screener that appear positively exposed to the current news flow, helping you decide whether they deserve a closer look or a place on your watchlist as conditions evolve.

HawkEye 360 (HAWK)

Overview: HawkEye 360 is a US space-enabled defense technology company that operates its own satellite constellation to collect and analyze radio frequency signals, turning raw RF data into intelligence for defense, intelligence and national security agencies in the United States and allied countries.

Operations: HawkEye 360 generates about US$144.5m in revenue from Aerospace & Defense, with roughly US$85.7m from the United States and US$58.8m from international customers.

Market Cap: US$1.9b

HawkEye 360 sits at the intersection of space, RF intelligence and defense spending, which is why it stands out when geopolitical risk and defense budgets are front of mind. The company is still unprofitable, but analysts expect earnings to improve, and revenue is forecast to grow faster than the broader US market. Recent contracts and satellite launches point to growing customer demand for its RF data and analytics. At the same time, the stock has a high P/S multiple, a very volatile share price and relies on higher risk borrowing, so investors are paying up for a business that still needs to prove it can convert growth into sustainable profits.

HawkEye 360’s accelerating RF footprint, high P/S and unprofitable status raise a sharp question for investors. Before you decide whether the growth story justifies the risk, scan the 4 key rewards and 1 important warning sign

Ducommun (DCO)

Overview: Ducommun is a long standing US aerospace and defense supplier that engineers and manufactures complex electronic systems and structural components used in commercial and military aircraft, missiles and space programs.

Operations: Ducommun generates about US$471.2m in revenue from Electronic Systems and US$370.2m from Structural Systems.

Market Cap: US$2.6b

Ducommun gives you direct exposure to US defense and aerospace hardware at a time when rising geopolitical tension, higher oil prices and new tariffs are pushing governments to prioritize supply security. The company is tied into key missile and aircraft programs, has long term framework agreements and is pursuing its Vision 2027 and Vision 2032 plans to shift toward higher margin engineered products. Recent quarters show higher sales and improved EPS from continuing operations. On the flip side, Ducommun still carries funding risk through external borrowing, has a history of losses and faces potential budget pressure on legacy defense lines. The key issue for investors is whether its missile and aerospace content, cost savings and acquisition pipeline can offset those headwinds as the cycle plays out.

Ducommun’s accelerating shift toward higher margin content, long term missile programs and acquisition pipeline could be masking a very different risk reward profile than the headline story suggests. For a deeper understanding, start with the 2 key rewards and 1 important warning sign

Xometry (XMTR)

Overview: Xometry is an AI powered online manufacturing marketplace that connects buyers with a global network of suppliers for custom parts, providing instant pricing, lead times and access to processes like CNC machining, injection molding and 3D printing across industries including aerospace, defense, industrial and medical devices.

Operations: Xometry generates about US$740.8m in revenue from Internet Software & Services, with roughly US$618.2m from the U.S. and US$122.6m from international customers.

Market Cap: US$5.5b

Xometry sits at the intersection of AI, manufacturing and defense at a time when geopolitical risk, tariffs and supply chain resilience are pushing aerospace and defense buyers to source parts quickly and across regions. The Siemens partnership, equity investment and recent AI model upgrades highlight its ambition to become embedded in design and procurement workflows. At the same time, Xometry is still loss making, trades on a rich P/S multiple, has relied on external funding and has seen recent insider selling. The key question is whether its AI marketplace and defense exposure justify paying a premium for a business that still has to demonstrate durable margins at scale.

Xometry’s AI marketplace story is accelerating; however, the real tension is how long investors will tolerate rich P/S and ongoing losses before margins catch up. Get the full picture in the analyst forecasts for Xometry

The three defense and aerospace stocks covered here are just a starting point. The full US Defense and Aerospace Stocks screener surfaces 39 more companies that share similarly compelling narratives around contracts, financial strength and exposure to key programs. Use Simply Wall St to identify, filter and analyze the exact catalysts, risk profiles and business models that matter to you so you can focus on the highest conviction ideas in this space.

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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.