Global powers rise and fall throughout history, making defense a key component to any nation’s infrastructure. As defense companies emerged, the government gave massive contracts to these corporations, causing a boom in the industry. Defense companies design and manufacture military grade weaponry, vehicles, and other military centric technologies, most often sold to the United States government. With looming threats in North Korea and the Middle East, the defense industry appears be aimed high for the next few years.
Defense stocks are often aerospace based, with corporations like Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) and Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) taking charge. However, companies such as Textron (NYSE:TXT) are at their heels by seizing market share drone technology and other new technologies. Either way, defense stocks add great protection to any portfolio and are beginning to take to the sky.