

The order comes as the administration has ramped up efforts to break China's stranglehold on the mining and processing of rare earths needed for defense and autos.

Traditional defense stocks have lagged even as defense-tech startups command lofty valuations. Vertical Research says six established companies still offer attractive value.

Farnborough Airshow opens on Monday with Boeing and Airbus pursuing aircraft deals and defence firms vying for a share of booming military budgets fuelled by wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

German engine manufacturer Deutz said on Thursday it had agreed to acquire 100% of military vehicle maker FFG Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft for €1.6 billion, to be paid partly in cash and partly through newly issued Deutz shares.

Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X ETF offers leveraged daily exposure to U.S. aerospace and defense equities, currently yielding 7.4%. DFEN delivered a 70% one-year total return, benefiting from sector recovery and a robust U.S. defense budget outlook. Leverage amplifies both gains and losses; DFEN is best used tactically or as a complement to direct A&D holdings.

KNDS said it plans to list shares in Paris and Frankfurt. KNDS is one of Europe's largest military equipment producers.

Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X ETF offers amplified daily exposure to the aerospace & defense sector amid a projected $1.5 trillion 2027 defense budget. Growth catalysts include increased munitions procurement, drone and counter-drone investments, and accelerating space technology funding across civil, defense, and commercial domains. DFEN's 3x leverage introduces significant volatility, compounded performance risk, and NAV erosion, making it suitable only for experienced traders seeking short-term exposure.

Drone incursions disrupting airports in Europe and strikes on oil fields in the Middle East are spurring a fast-growing market for radars, jammers and defensive craft to defend airports and infrastructure against new aerial threats.