Defense budgets are expected to reach $1 trillion by 2026 and $1.5 trillion by 2027. With the ongoing push for rearmament, Lockheed Martin and RTX are both building up massive backlogs. Lockheed is sitting on a record $194 billion backlog. Their F-35 sales secure long-term maintenance revenue, and missile demand is driving 14% growth in that segment. They are basically a pure defense play and a reliable dividend pick. RTX has a $268 billion backlog but operates with a more diversified model. They recently landed a $50 billion 20-year contract for Patriot missile systems, but they also get steady commercial aviation revenue through Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace. Both are solid options right now, but RTX might have a slight advantage since their commercial business offers a buffer if defense spending ever slows down.