Capital expenditures and R&D investment by publicly traded defense companies
Source: Custom Research
Public Defense Companies - Capex & R&D tracks the annual capital expenditures and research & development investment by publicly traded defense and aerospace companies. This measures how much these companies are investing in facilities, equipment, and innovation to support future growth and capabilities.
Rising capex and R&D spending by public defense companies signals confidence in future demand and strategic positioning for major programs. These investments build manufacturing capacity, develop next-generation technologies, and modernize production facilities. Strong investment levels indicate a healthy, growing defense industrial base preparing for long-term demand. Declining investment may suggest caution about future budgets or industry consolidation reducing the number of major programs.
Units: Billions of Dollars