London, Jan 29, 2026, 08:28 GMT — Regular session
- BAE Systems shares held steady in early London trading, lingering close to the 2,000 pence level
- Data Link Solutions, a U.S. joint venture, secured a $248 million production contract from the Navy
- BAE revealed a modest share buyback that will be canceled
BAE Systems shares edged up 0.1% to 1,996.5 pence in early London trading Thursday, keeping the UK defence firm’s stock close to the £20 mark. Over the last year, the shares have climbed roughly 67%, with a 52-week range spanning 1,171 to 2,159 pence, per Investing.com data.
The move was modest, yet the tape showed a familiar pattern: another U.S. order linked to tactical communications, plus a fresh buyback announcement. With February results approaching, investors keep parsing these smaller updates for hints on cash returns and how quickly defence spending is ramping up.
Data Link Solutions, a joint venture between BAE Systems and Collins Aerospace (part of RTX), announced the U.S. Navy has awarded it a $248 million production contract. The deal covers hundreds of MIDS JTRS terminals, a software-defined radio designed for Link 16. This military data network is used by U.S., NATO, and partner forces to exchange real-time tactical info. According to the company, the systems enable voice, video, and data links across air, sea, and ground platforms. “This contract demonstrates the ongoing need to equip our warfighters with a high-performing, secure command and control solution,” said Brian Shadiack, director of Data Link Solutions. 1
BAE revealed it repurchased 107,347 shares on Jan. 27 at a volume-weighted average price of 1,993.50 pence, with trade prices between 1,977.50 and 2,011.00 pence. The shares were bought through Morgan Stanley as part of the second tranche of its 2023 buyback programme. So far, the company has bought back 15,751,657 shares in this tranche. 2
Neither update alone is expected to change forecasts. The Navy order falls under a joint venture, and BAE hasn’t specified how much of the contract value it will recognize.
The market remains fixated on two key issues: the speed at which orders turn into revenue and the cash returned to shareholders. Even modest daily buybacks chip away at the share count gradually, boosting per-share metrics—assuming cash flow stays strong.
Defence procurement seldom runs smoothly. Funding often spills over fiscal periods, while hardware programmes face cuts due to parts shortages, revised timelines, or budget constraints — risks that usually emerge late, sometimes without warning.
BAE’s preliminary results for the year ended Dec. 31 land on Feb. 18, marking the next key moment. Investors will zero in on updated guidance, free cash flow details, and the company’s approach to buybacks and dividends going forward. 3
