Introduction of Velhawk: BAE Systems has launched Velhawk, a next-generation cybersecurity solution aimed at enhancing resilience, speeding up cyber response, and improving workforce efficiency for government clients by integrating AI, automation, and adaptive analytics.
Importance of Cybersecurity in Defense: With the rise of sophisticated cyberattacks, defense cybersecurity is crucial for national security, prompting governments to seek resilient and integrated solutions to protect military networks and sensitive data.
Market Growth Potential: The defense cybersecurity market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.87% from 2025 to 2030, presenting significant growth opportunities for BAE Systems and other companies like Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and Leidos Holdings.
Stock Performance and Recommendations: BAE Systems' shares have increased by 39.8% over the past year, outperforming the industry, and the company currently holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), with expert recommendations available for potential investment opportunities.
Wall Street analysts forecast NOC stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for NOC is 684.08 USD with a low forecast of 630.00 USD and a high forecast of 770.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
13 Analyst Rating
Wall Street analysts forecast NOC stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for NOC is 684.08 USD with a low forecast of 630.00 USD and a high forecast of 770.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
10 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 670.440
Low
630.00
Averages
684.08
High
770.00
Current: 670.440
Low
630.00
Averages
684.08
High
770.00
Seaport Research
Buy
maintain
$661 -> $772
2026-01-22
New
Reason
Seaport Research
Price Target
$661 -> $772
AI Analysis
2026-01-22
New
maintain
Buy
Reason
Seaport Research raised the firm's price target on Northrop Grumman to $772 from $661 and keeps a Buy rating on the shares. The firm believes Defense spending growth will be "far bigger and last longer" than expected, the analyst tells investors.
Truist
Buy
to
Hold
downgrade
$623
2026-01-09
Reason
Truist
Price Target
$623
2026-01-09
downgrade
Buy
to
Hold
Reason
Truist downgraded Northrop Grumman to Hold from Buy with a $623 price target.
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Truist
Buy
to
Hold
downgrade
$688 -> $623
2026-01-09
Reason
Truist
Price Target
$688 -> $623
2026-01-09
downgrade
Buy
to
Hold
Reason
Truist downgraded Northrop Grumman to Hold from Buy with a price target of $623, down from $688. Northrop Grumman is expected to retain its leading positions across the nuclear triad and key defense platforms, with potential upside from B-21 units and new program wins, however, current valuation appears to reflect these positives, and possible margin and free cash flow pressures may limit further financial upside over the next 12-24 months, the analyst tells investors in a research note.
Morgan Stanley
Kristine Liwag
Overweight
downgrade
$720 -> $714
2025-12-16
Reason
Morgan Stanley
Kristine Liwag
Price Target
$720 -> $714
2025-12-16
downgrade
Overweight
Reason
Morgan Stanley analyst Kristine Liwag lowered the firm's price target on Northrop Grumman to $714 from $720 and keeps an Overweight rating on the shares. The firm views Aerospace and Defense as attractive going into 2026 as demand continues to outpace supply growth, the analyst tells investors in a year-ahead note for the group.
About NOC
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global aerospace and defense technology company. Its segments include Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems, and Space Systems. Aeronautics Systems is engaged in the design, development, production, integration, sustainment and modernization of military aircraft systems for the United States Air Force, the United States Navy, other United States government agencies, and international customers. Defense Systems is engaged in the design, engineering, development, integration, and manufacturing of deterrent systems, advanced tactical weapons, and missile defense solutions. Mission Systems is a provider of mission solutions and multifunction systems. Its products and services include command, control, communications and computers, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems. Space Systems delivers end-to-end mission solutions through the design, development, integration, production and operation of space, missile defense, and launch systems.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
