Finance
Rtx Lifts Profit, Revenue Forecasts Amid Strong Demand for Weapons
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 21, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 21, 2026
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RTX has raised its full-year 2026 earnings and revenue guidance following strong Q1 performance, buoyed by defense demand—especially from a $3.7 billion Patriot GEM‑T contract for Ukraine—and a robust commercial aftermarket in engines.
RTX Increases 2026 Profit and Revenue Outlook on Weapon Demand and Aftermarket Growth
RTX's Financial Performance and Market Drivers
By Mike Stone and Aishwarya Jain
Rising Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Weapon Demand
April 21 (Reuters) - Defense contractor RTX on Tuesday lifted its 2026 profit and revenue forecasts, betting on sustained aftermarket sales and growing demand for its missile systems and other weapons amid rising geopolitical tensions.
The Pentagon has been seeking to replenish its weapons inventory, which has come under pressure due to the Iran war and other recent military operations.
Impact of Recent Conflicts on U.S. Weapons Inventory
The United States has used up billions of dollars worth of weapons, including artillery systems, ammunition and anti-tank missiles, since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, and during Israel's military operations in Gaza.
Defense contractors stand to benefit significantly from the Pentagon's rush to boost its stockpiles.
Key Contracts and Business Segments
Major Defense Contracts
In April, RTX secured a contract to supply Patriot GEM-T interceptor missiles worth $3.7 billion to Ukraine.
Raytheon Business Performance
Its Raytheon business, which makes air and missile defense, sensors and radars, as well as space-based systems, reported a 10% jump in first-quarter sales to $6.95 billion.
Commercial Aftermarket Growth
RTX has also gained from robust demand for aircraft maintenance and repair, as delivery delays and supply-chain disruptions keep airlines flying older, more maintenance-heavy jets.
Pratt and Whitney Segment
Commercial aftermarket sales rose 19% in its Pratt and Whitney segment, which has been in focus after Airbus alleged that the unit over-promised on engine shipments while diverting engines to repair shops.
The European planemaker is seeking potential damages, Reuters reported in March.
Financial Results and Updated Outlook
First-Quarter Results
RTX reported first-quarter revenue of $22.08 billion, rising 9% from a year earlier.
Its adjusted per-share profit rose 21% to $1.78.
Upgraded Full-Year and 2026 Forecasts
It now expects a full-year adjusted per-share profit of $6.7 to $6.9, up from $6.6 to $6.8 previously.
RTX lifted its 2026 revenue forecast to $92.5 billion to $93.5 billion from $92 billion to $93 billion previously.
(Reporting by Aishwarya Jain in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli)
Key Takeaways
- •RTX raised its full‑year 2026 adjusted EPS outlook to $6.70–$6.90 and lifted revenue guidance to $92.5–$93.5 billion, underpinned by strong weapons and aftermarket demand.
- •A $3.7 billion Patriot GEM‑T interceptor missile contract from Raytheon to Ukraine reinforces rising defense backlog amid global geopolitical tensions.
- •Commercial aftermarket strength—Pratt & Whitney’s segment saw 19 % sales growth—highlights dual-sector resilience as airlines keep older jets flying.
Frequently Asked Questions about RTX lifts profit, revenue forecasts amid strong demand for weapons
1What recent contract has RTX secured?
In April, RTX secured a $3.7 billion contract to supply Patriot GEM-T interceptor missiles to Ukraine.
2How did RTX perform in the first quarter?
RTX reported first-quarter revenue of $22.08 billion, up 9% year-over-year, and adjusted per-share profit rose 21% to $1.78.
3Why are commercial aftermarket sales increasing for RTX?
Commercial aftermarket sales rose due to strong demand for aircraft maintenance as airlines keep older jets flying amid supply-chain disruptions and delivery delays.
