RTX raises 2026 forecast on aircraft repairs and defense demand

• RTX's backlog reached $289 billion, including $170 billion in commercial aerospace and $119 billion in defense orders, up 22% from the prior year
• Pratt & Whitney sales rose 16% to $8.89 billion and Raytheon defense sales increased 18% to $8.27 billion, boosted by demand for Patriot, Standard, and AMRAAM missiles
• Second-quarter adjusted profit came in at $1.89 per share, with full-year profit guidance raised to $7.10-$7.25 per share amid President Trump's proposed record $1.5 trillion military budget for fiscal 2027

RTX Raises 2026 Forecast on Strong Aircraft Repair and Defense Demand

Key Highlights:

RTX Corporation increased its 2026 sales and profit forecasts, driven by robust demand for commercial aircraft maintenance and military systems. The Arlington, Virginia-based aerospace and defense company reported a 22% year-over-year increase in backlog to $289 billion, comprising $170 billion in commercial aerospace orders and $119 billion in defense.

Financial Projections:

• 2026 adjusted sales forecast raised to $95-96 billion (up from $92.5-93.5 billion previously)
• Full-year adjusted profit forecast: $7.10-$7.25 per share
• Q2 2026 adjusted profit: $1.89 per share
• Analyst consensus: $94.08 billion in sales

Business Unit Performance (Q2 2026):

• Pratt & Whitney: Sales rose 16% to $8.89 billion (from $7.63 billion in Q2 2025)
• Raytheon: Sales increased 18% to $8.27 billion (from $7.00 billion)
• Collins Aerospace: Sales reached $8.21 billion (from $7.62 billion)

Market Drivers:

Strong maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) demand continues as airlines extend the use of older aircraft due to supply chain constraints and delayed new aircraft deliveries. Defense spending remains elevated as governments replenish weapons inventories depleted by conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Raytheon benefited from increased demand for Patriot, Standard, and AMRAAM missile systems.

President Trump's proposed record $1.5 trillion military budget for fiscal 2027 and calls for expanded defense manufacturing capacity support the positive outlook. RTX's Pratt & Whitney manufactures engines for Airbus A320neo aircraft and Lockheed Martin's F-35 fighter jets.