NOC
RTX
A little more thrust for RTX
Raytheon, the RTX business unit that basically lives in the defense-tech gym, just landed a phase two contract from DARPA’s Burn n’ Go program. The goal? Build a more composable solid rocket motor design that can be scaled across weapon systems without turning every missile into a custom science project.
Why investors should care
This isn’t a giant headline like a mega-merger or a blockbuster earnings beat. But in defense, these contracts matter because they hint at future production, deeper program involvement, and a longer runway for revenue. If RTX keeps stacking wins like this, it strengthens the company’s role in the Pentagon’s modernization pipeline.
The Northrop factor
Northrop Grumman is in the mix as the collaboration partner, which means this is less “solo hero” and more “Avengers assemble, but with engineers.” That matters because shared development work can open the door to broader program adoption if the tech makes it out of the lab and into actual weapon systems.
Big picture: defense stocks don’t always get the drama of AI or biotech, but they do get paid when governments decide they want more capability, more flexibility, and more speed. RTX just added another brick to that wall.