Under the Radar, On the Rise: 5 Defense Stocks Worth Knowing

Discover the cutting-edge companies fueling the next generation of national security.

Modern defense isn’t just about tanks and missiles anymore. Today’s battlefield is digital, autonomous, and orbiting the Earth at 17,000 miles per hour. From AI-powered surveillance drones to next-gen satellite systems and cyber warfare tools, a new class of defense innovators is quietly reshaping the global security landscape—and creating serious wealth in the process.

While headlines focus on the biggest players, savvy investors are looking deeper.

In this report, we reveal 5 under-the-radar defense stocks that are tapping into powerful long-term trends—companies at the intersection of cutting-edge tech and national security. Whether you’re a cautious beginner or a seasoned investor looking for your next asymmetric play, these are the names worth researching now.

1. Voyager Technologies (NYSE: VOYG)

The “Space Arsenal” You’ve Never Heard Of

Voyager is a next-generation aerospace and defense innovator, helping shape the future of orbital infrastructure and national security. A major growth driver is Starlab — a next-gen commercial space station effort backed by a $217.5 million NASA development grant, with Voyager working alongside major partners including Airbus and Palantir. 

With government and military demand growing for sovereign space capabilities, Voyager is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of civil, commercial, and defense space.

Why it may be worth researching:

• Voyager’s IPO raised $382.8 million, signaling strong investor confidence. 

• The company reported a $179.2 million backlog as of March 31, 2025, suggesting meaningful near-term demand.

What to watch:

• Progress on the Starlab program (milestone execution and continued development). 

• Voyager’s pursuit pipeline, including programs it references such as “Golden Dome (f/k/a Iron Dome America)” as part of its identified opportunities. (SEC)

Bonus insight: With major partners and a first-mover advantage in commercial defense space, Voyager could emerge as a foundational name in orbital security.

2. AeroVironment Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV)

The Drone Innovator Flying Below Wall Street’s Radar

AeroVironment is a leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), offering combat-proven solutions like the Switchblade family. The company is also pushing deeper into autonomy with Red Dragon™, positioned for high-threat, GPS-denied and communications-degraded environments.

Why it may be worth researching:

• In fiscal Q4 2025 (ended April 30, 2025), AeroVironment reported $275.1M revenue (+40% YoY) and adjusted EPS of $1.61.

• Red Dragon™ expands its footprint into software-defined autonomy designed for contested environments. 

What to watch:

• Continued demand from U.S. allies for loitering munitions and tactical autonomy systems (and how that affects backlog/production cadence).

• Fielding and iteration cycles for Red Dragon and other autonomy-forward platforms.

Bonus insight: AeroVironment’s compact solutions fit modern warfare realities — scalable, rapidly deployable, and increasingly software-driven.

3. Crane Company (NYSE: CR)

Powering the Defense Sector’s Nuclear Backbone

Crane builds highly engineered components used in mission-critical aerospace, defense, and nuclear-adjacent applications. The company has also been expanding through acquisition — including the recently completed purchase of Precision Sensors & Instrumentation (PSI) from Baker Hughes. 

Why it may be worth researching:

• Crane closed the PSI acquisition (a concrete step deeper into aerospace/nuclear/process sensing applications). 

• In Q1 2025, Crane reported adjusted EPS up 24% YoY, alongside strong Aerospace & Electronics order/backlog growth (supporting the “quiet but essential” positioning). 

What to watch:

• Integration and synergy execution from the PSI acquisition. 

• Whether aerospace/defense order strength continues to translate into backlog and margin improvement. 

Bonus insight: Crane’s profile can appeal to investors who want defense-linked exposure that’s less headline-driven and more “infrastructure-like.”

4. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX)

The Secure Comms Giant With a Growth Catalyst

L3Harris specializes in secure battlefield communications and electronic warfare systems — critical force-multipliers in modern conflict.

Why it may be worth researching:

• A five-year contract worth up to $587.4M for Next Generation Jammer – Low Band pods supports long-term visibility.

• A nearly $1B IDIQ to deliver MIDS JTRS terminals (Link 16 portfolio) reinforces its role in resilient coalition communications.

What to watch:

• Delivery milestones and follow-on orders tied to the jammer program. 

• Task orders and international demand tied to coalition comms and interoperability systems. 

Bonus insight: L3Harris sits in the “must-have” layer of modern warfare: connectivity, electronic attack, and secure data flow.

5. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (NASDAQ: KTOS)

The “X-Factor” Innovator in Autonomous Warfare

Kratos focuses on “attritable” systems — more affordable unmanned platforms designed to scale faster than traditional hardware.

Why it may be worth researching:

• Kratos announced an additional $59.338M award for BQM-177A Subsonic Aerial Target systems (reflecting ongoing demand). 

• GE Aerospace and Kratos entered a formal teaming agreement to advance propulsion for affordable UAS / CCA-type aircraft.

What to watch:

• Whether propulsion collaboration expands into additional programs or new platforms over time. 

• Continued production/option exercises on programs like BQM-177A and adjacent unmanned target/training systems. 

Bonus insight: Kratos is built for speed — a useful trait in a defense environment increasingly focused on iteration cycles and cost-effective scale.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. The companies mentioned are examples of potential research opportunities and are not endorsements or recommendations to buy or sell any security. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Always do your own due diligence and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.