Lockheed Martin vs. RTX: Which Defense Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026?

The article compares two major defense contractors: Lockheed Martin, which relies heavily on the F-35 program and U.S. government contracts (72% of sales), and RTX, which offers more diversification through commercial and military aerospace segments. Lockheed Martin is recommended as the better buy due to lower valuation multiples (forward P/E of 17x vs. RTX's 26.7x) and guaranteed long-term revenue from the F-35 program extending into the 2040s, despite RTX showing faster expected growth and lower debt levels.