Curtiss-Wright Selected by Boeing for C-17 Upgrade Contract
- Major Contract Award: Curtiss-Wright Corporation has been selected by Boeing to provide mission computer technology for the U.S. Air Force's C-17 Globemaster III, with an estimated contract value exceeding $400 million, highlighting the company's strong position in the defense electronics sector.
- Technology Upgrade Initiative: This upgrade aims to extend the operational life and capabilities of the C-17 aircraft by integrating Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) aligned mission computers, ensuring availability and performance for decades to come.
- Global Logistics Support: The C-17 has served as the cornerstone of the U.S. Air Force's strategic airlift since the early 1990s, and this technological enhancement will bolster its critical role in transporting heavy equipment, vehicles, and troops globally, supporting the modernization of the strategic airlift fleet.
- Strengthened Partnership: Curtiss-Wright's selection reinforces its long-term relationship with Boeing, showcasing the company's ability to deliver critical computing solutions for next-generation aerospace modernization efforts, thereby enhancing its competitiveness in the defense market.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Analyst Views on CW
About CW
About the author

- Significant Budget Increase: The U.S. Space Force secured a nearly $14 billion budget boost for fiscal 2026, raising its total allocation to approximately $40 billion, which is more than double its initial independent budget of $15 billion in fiscal 2021, indicating a strong governmental commitment to space defense.
- Military Spending Proposal: The administration has proposed increasing total annual military spending to $1.5 trillion by fiscal 2027, with a specific focus on expanding the Golden Dome space-based defense architecture and satellite constellations, aimed at enhancing national security and technological superiority.
- Operational Expansion: Starfighters Space is expanding its operations at Midland International Air & Space Port, planning to double its fleet of F-104 aircraft and GE J-79 engines within 18 months, which will enhance its mission flexibility and responsiveness across the U.S. Southwest, solidifying its position in the aerospace testing sector.
- Economic Impact and Job Creation: AeroVironment plans to invest over $30 million in New Mexico to establish a vertically integrated manufacturing campus, expected to generate over $670 million in economic impact and create more than 450 high-wage jobs over the next decade, thereby strengthening the domestic defense industrial base.

- Trump's Meeting with Defense Executives: President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with defense executives on Friday.
- Potential Increase in Weapons Spending: This meeting may lead to an increase in U.S. weapons spending.
Fund Performance: The iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF has increased by 12% this year, following a significant 47% rise in 2025.
Market Influences: The fund's growth has been driven by heightened expectations of global conflict, particularly concerning potential war in Iran.
Investor Sentiment: There is growing concern among investors about the implications of a potential shift towards peace, which could impact future gains.
Future Outlook: The current geopolitical climate continues to shape investor strategies and expectations regarding defense-related investments.
Fund Performance: The iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF has increased by 12% this year, following a significant 47% gain in 2025.
Market Influences: The fund's growth has been driven by heightened expectations of global conflict, particularly concerning potential war in Iran.
Investor Sentiment: There is growing concern among investors about the implications of a potential shift towards peace, which could impact future gains.
Future Outlook: The current geopolitical climate continues to shape investor strategies and expectations regarding defense-related investments.
- Drone Market Growth: Analysts indicate that the Ukraine-Russia war has driven demand for drone systems, which is expected to enhance the sector's attractiveness, particularly as U.S. investment in unmanned systems increases.
- Rising Demand for Counter-Drone Tech: With Iran deploying low-cost long-range drones against U.S. targets, BTIG analysts note that production and distribution of counter-drone systems are increasing to address escalating threats, with AeroVironment and Leonardo DRS positioned as primary beneficiaries.
- Increased Defense Budget: The fiscal 2025 National Defense Authorization Act raised the budget for counter-drone programs by approximately $336 million, reflecting the U.S. government's commitment to unmanned systems, especially in countering emerging threats.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: AeroVironment is projected to capture hundreds of millions in market opportunities, particularly after the U.S. military selected its counter-drone systems, and analysts' strong buy ratings reflect confidence in the company's future growth prospects.
- Stock Recommendations: Motley Fool contributors Jason Hall and Tyler Crowe advocate for Rolls-Royce and Curtiss-Wright as the top nuclear energy stocks to buy now, reflecting strong confidence in these companies amid a growing nuclear market.
- Market Performance: As of February 27, 2026, Rolls-Royce's stock price stood at $2.60, while Curtiss-Wright saw a 3.23% increase, indicating rising investor interest in the nuclear sector, which could drive future investment returns.
- Competitive Analysis: Although Oklo and NuScale Power are also recognized as pure-play nuclear companies, Motley Fool's analysis suggests that Rolls-Royce and Curtiss-Wright possess superior technology and market potential, likely offering better long-term returns for investors.
- Industry Outlook: With the global demand for clean energy on the rise, the potential of nuclear energy as a sustainable source is being reassessed, and investing in these two companies could benefit from policy support and increasing market demand in the coming years.










