December 12, 2025 | Best Stocks |
Space and defense are entering a new build cycle — one driven by satellite constellations, ISR intelligence, unmanned systems, secure communications, and next-generation aerospace platforms. While mega-cap primes dominate headlines, much of the real innovation is happening one layer down: in infrastructure, components, avionics, and mission-critical systems.
Below are the Top 20 Space Infrastructure & Defense Tech Stocks for 2026 — ranked using our Best List medal system and scored across Innovation, Sector Importance, Future Potential, and Moonshot Energy.
🥇 Gold Pick — Kratos Defense (KTOS)
Innovation: ★★★★☆
Sector Importance: ★★★★★
Future Potential: ★★★★☆
Moonshot Energy: ★★★★☆
Kratos sits at the heart of modern defense transformation. Its unmanned systems, electronic warfare platforms, and hypersonic test infrastructure make it a force multiplier rather than a traditional contractor. As autonomous and attritable systems reshape military doctrine, KTOS remains one of the most strategically positioned mid-cap defense companies in the market.
🥈 Silver Pick — Redwire (RDW)
Innovation: ★★★★☆
Sector Importance: ★★★★☆
Future Potential: ★★★★☆
Moonshot Energy: ★★★★★
Redwire is building the industrial backbone of space. From in-orbit manufacturing and deployable structures to avionics and sensors, RDW profits regardless of which launch provider or satellite operator dominates. As space transitions from exploration to infrastructure, Redwire becomes increasingly indispensable.
🥉 Bronze Pick — Rocket Lab (RKLB)
Innovation: ★★★★☆
Sector Importance: ★★★★☆
Future Potential: ★★★★☆
Moonshot Energy: ★★★★☆
Rocket Lab has evolved into a vertically integrated space systems company. Beyond launch, it now supplies satellites, components, and mission services to both government and commercial customers. RKLB’s ability to execute across the full space stack earns it a permanent seat among the sector’s leaders.
4. Planet Labs (PL)
Innovation: ★★★★☆
Sector Importance: ★★★★☆
Future Potential: ★★★★☆
Moonshot Energy: ★★★★☆
Planet operates one of the largest Earth-imaging constellations in orbit. Its persistent, high-frequency data is becoming essential for defense, intelligence, climate monitoring, and global security applications.
5. BlackSky Technology (BKSY)
Innovation: ★★★★☆
Sector Importance: ★★★★☆
Future Potential: ★★★★☆
Moonshot Energy: ★★★★☆
BlackSky goes beyond imagery, delivering real-time geospatial intelligence and analytics. Its ISR-focused platform positions it as a next-generation intelligence provider rather than a traditional satellite operator.
6. Mercury Systems (MRCY)
Innovation: ★★★★☆
Sector Importance: ★★★★★
Future Potential: ★★★★☆
Moonshot Energy: ★★★☆☆
Mercury Systems provides defense-grade computing, signal processing, and secure electronics embedded deep inside modern military platforms. It benefits directly from rising complexity across radar, EW, and mission systems.
7. Astronics (ATRO)
Innovation: ★★★★☆
Sector Importance: ★★★★☆
Future Potential: ★★★★☆
Moonshot Energy: ★★★☆☆
Astronics supplies avionics, power systems, and aerospace electronics across both commercial and defense markets. As fleets modernize, ATRO remains a steady beneficiary of long-cycle aerospace demand.
8. TAT Technologies (TATT)
Innovation: ★★★★☆
Sector Importance: ★★★★☆
Future Potential: ★★★★☆
Moonshot Energy: ★★★☆☆
TAT Technologies specializes in aerospace maintenance, heat transfer systems, and lifecycle services. Its niche expertise supports both military and commercial aviation fleets globally.
9. CDRE
Innovation: ★★★★☆
Sector Importance: ★★★★☆
Future Potential: ★★★★☆
Moonshot Energy: ★★★☆☆
CDRE provides motion control, actuation, and defense electronics used across naval, ground, and aerospace systems. Its components are mission-critical but often invisible — a classic infrastructure play.
10. V2X (VVX)
Innovation: ★★★☆☆
Sector Importance: ★★★★☆
Future Potential: ★★★★☆
Moonshot Energy: ★★★☆☆
V2X delivers operational support, logistics, and mission services for defense and government agencies. As military operations grow more distributed, VVX’s role becomes increasingly central.
11. Innovative Solutions & Support (ISSC)
Innovation: ★★★★☆
Sector Importance: ★★★★☆
Future Potential: ★★★★☆
Moonshot Energy: ★★★☆☆
ISSC focuses on avionics modernization and defense electronics with sticky OEM relationships. Its growing exposure to military platforms makes it a quiet compounder in aerospace upgrades.
12. AST SpaceMobile (ASTS)
Innovation: ★★★★★
Sector Importance: ★★★★☆
Future Potential: ★★★★★
Moonshot Energy: ★★★★★
AST SpaceMobile is building direct-to-device satellite connectivity — a capability with both civilian and defense implications. If execution continues, ASTS could redefine global communications.
13. Red Cat Holdings (RCAT)
Innovation: ★★★★☆
Sector Importance: ★★★★☆
Future Potential: ★★★★☆
Moonshot Energy: ★★★★☆
Red Cat integrates drone platforms into military ISR and battlefield intelligence operations. As unmanned systems proliferate, RCAT’s defense focus gives it asymmetric upside.
14. Draganfly (DPRO)
Innovation: ★★★★☆
Sector Importance: ★★★☆☆
Future Potential: ★★★★☆
Moonshot Energy: ★★★★☆
Draganfly develops unmanned aerial platforms used in public safety, defense, and industrial applications. It remains volatile but highly levered to drone adoption trends.
15. Horizon Aircraft (HOVR)
Innovation: ★★★★★
Sector Importance: ★★★☆☆
Future Potential: ★★★★☆
Moonshot Energy: ★★★★☆
Horizon Aircraft’s hybrid eVTOL design targets defense logistics and mobility use cases. Its unconventional approach offers significant optionality if military adoption materializes.
16. Silynxcom (SYNX)
Innovation: ★★★☆☆
Sector Importance: ★★★☆☆
Future Potential: ★★★☆☆
Moonshot Energy: ★★★☆☆
Silynxcom provides tactical communication headsets and soldier-level systems. While small, its products operate at the edge of modern battlefield connectivity.
17. Satellogic (SATL)
Innovation: ★★★★☆
Sector Importance: ★★★☆☆
Future Potential: ★★★★☆
Moonshot Energy: ★★★★☆
Satellogic focuses on low-cost satellite imaging constellations. Its economics-driven approach could reshape global Earth observation markets.
18. Sidus Space (SIDU)
Innovation: ★★★☆☆
Sector Importance: ★★★☆☆
Future Potential: ★★★★☆
Moonshot Energy: ★★★★☆
Sidus Space operates across satellite manufacturing and space services. High risk, but with meaningful upside tied to government space demand.
19. AIRO Group (AIRO)
Innovation: ★★★★☆
Sector Importance: ★★★☆☆
Future Potential: ★★★★☆
Moonshot Energy: ★★★★☆
AIRO operates across defense aerospace systems with asymmetric optionality. Still emerging, but positioned for niche defense opportunities.
20. Ondas Holdings (ONDS)
Innovation: ★★★★☆
Sector Importance: ★★★☆☆
Future Potential: ★★★★☆
Moonshot Energy: ★★★★☆
Ondas develops secure wireless networks and autonomous systems for defense and industrial markets. Its technology sits at the intersection of connectivity and autonomy.
Final Ranking Table
| Rank | Company | Ticker |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kratos Defense | KTOS |
| 2 | Redwire | RDW |
| 3 | Rocket Lab | RKLB |
| 4 | Planet Labs | PL |
| 5 | BlackSky Technology | BKSY |
| 6 | Mercury Systems | MRCY |
| 7 | Astronics | ATRO |
| 8 | TAT Technologies | TATT |
| 9 | CDRE | CDRE |
| 10 | V2X | VVX |
| 11 | Innovative Solutions & Support | ISSC |
| 12 | AST SpaceMobile | ASTS |
| 13 | Red Cat Holdings | RCAT |
| 14 | Draganfly | DPRO |
| 15 | Horizon Aircraft | HOVR |
| 16 | Silynxcom | SYNX |
| 17 | Satellogic | SATL |
| 18 | Sidus Space | SIDU |
| 19 | AIRO Group | AIRO |
| 20 | Ondas Holdings | ONDS |
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