Northrop Grumman shares surged 5.4% to $537.96 following a quarterly performance defined by $16.4 billion in net awards. The company’s total backlog now sits at a historic $109.6 billion. Chief Executive Kathy Warden cited a global environment of elevated demand, noting that allied defense budgets are currently locked in a long-term upward trajectory. RTX, despite showing volatility in early trading, maintained a massive $340 billion backlog after securing $81 billion in new defense and commercial contracts throughout the period.

The industry-wide momentum reflects a desperate need to accelerate missile production to meet U.S. and international requirements. With Lockheed Martin scheduled to release its quarterly figures this Thursday, investors are closely monitoring whether the broader sector can sustain this production pace against the backdrop of shifting geopolitical tensions.