5 Best Performing Defense Stocks So Far in 2026

2. Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB)

YTD Return: 95%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 45

Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) is among the 10 Best Performing Defense Stocks So Far in 2026. On May 21, the company announced that it had received a $90 million contract from the U.S. Space Force for two geostationary satellites to host a space domain awareness payload.

Under the terms of the agreement, the company will be responsible for designing and building the spacecraft, integrating the Heimdall optical payload, launch integration, and on-orbit operations for a maximum period of five years post commissioning. Both satellites will be built on a Lightning bus, in line with geostationary requirements.

This is the first instance that Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) has been awarded a satellite production program for geostationary orbit and comes after the successful Space Systems Command initiative to build and deliver two Heimdall prototype payloads.

Markets on Friday responded positively to the contract, resulting in the company’s shares climbing over 8%, taking year-to-date returns to 95%.

On the other hand, institutional investors’ interest in the stock is seeing an upward trajectory. According to Insider Monkey’s database for Q4 2025, 45 hedge funds held a stake in the company, up from 34 in the prior quarter. When it comes to analysts’ sentiment, Wall Street has a Moderate Buy rating on RKLB.

Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) is a global leader in launch services and space systems with an established record of delivery success. The company designs and manufactures spacecraft and related components, rockets, and on-orbit management solutions required for the space economy.