Space and Defense Stocks: Rocket Lab, Lockheed, Northrop, RTX in Focus as China Sanctions and Space Force Awards Shape 2026
China announced sanctions late Friday against 20 U.S. defense firms, including Boeing’s St. Louis branch, Northrop Grumman Systems, and L3Harris Maritime Services, over arms sales to Taiwan. The move freezes assets in China and blocks business with Chinese entities. U.S. markets closed Friday nearly flat in light post-holiday trading. Investors are watching space and defense stocks ahead of Monday’s open.