This guide will explore the best defense stocks in Canada, helping you identify key global players, get a better understanding of the risks and hopefully be in a better position to make informed investment decisions about holding defense shares in your portfolio.
Key takeaways
Investors pay attention to defense stocks particularly when there’s increased defense spending due to the geopolitical climate and other factors.
If you want to buy defense stocks, consider diversifying your investments across Canadian stocks, international stocks and ETFs.
To invest in defense stocks, you’ll need to open a stock trading account and search for stocks or funds in the defense industry.
What are the best Canadian defense stocks in 2026?
Unfortunately it’s impossible to predict what will be the best defense stocks in any given year. But, to give you some starting inspiration, here are the largest Canadian aerospace and defense stocks by market capitalization as of March 28, 2025.
If you’re looking for defense stocks outside Canada, check out at indices like the MarketVector Global Defense Industry Index, which track the performance of national defense industry companies around the world like Palantir Technologies, Leonardo S.p.A., Thales S.A. and Leidos Holdings.
Open a stock dealing platform. The first step in finding the best trading app or platform that suits your needs.
Fund your account. Once your stock trading account is set up, you can deposit funds. Usually this can be done via a bank transfer, wire transfer or any other means allowed by your trading platform.
Research and choose defense stocks. Research your first investments, and then search them up on your chosen platform (by company name or stock ticker).
Place your order! Once you’ve found the stock(s), select the amount you want to invest and create an order to buy stocks. And just like that, you’re now officially an investor in defense stocks.
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Our selection of top picks is based on the same criteria as our annual Stock Trading Platform Awards. This is updated yearly to reflect changes in the market.
"Best for" picks are those we've evaluated to be best for specific product features or categories – you can read our full methodology here. If we show a "Promoted" pick, it's been chosen from among our commercial partners and is based on factors that include special features or offers, and the commission we receive.
This isn't an exhaustive list of all the trading platforms out there. What's best for you depends on your own investing strategy, budget and financial goals.
Bottom line
Investing in defense stocks from Canada can paradoxically offer potential long-term stability and steady, given the worldwide appetite for strong defense sector spending and global defense partnerships. With major firms like CAE and RTX listing on stock exchanges in Canada, Canadian investors can directly buy into key contributors to international defense and security.
However, investors should also consider stocks and ETFs listed outside Canada for more diversification. But it’s important to remember that the share price performance of defense stocks can depend on factors like government budgets, geopolitical risks and global conflict. Diversifying within the sector and staying informed on policy changes can help you stay ahead of the curve if you’re looking to buy defense stocks in Canada.
Frequently asked questions
It's important to be aware of the wider landscape and not simply how well a business is doing because it could be performing well based on old contracts and budgets. You need to think about government defense budgets, geopolitical risks, ethical considerations and a company's financial health. Since defense firms rely on government contracts, policy changes can heavily impact revenues and profit margins.
Global conflicts and rising tensions often drive increased defense spending, boosting share prices of defense stocks. However, these stocks can also be volatile due to unpredictable geopolitical developments.
It depends on your personal views and ethics. Some investors avoid defense stocks due to concerns about weapons manufacturing and military involvement at home or abroad. Ethical considerations vary, so it's important to align your investments with your personal values.
Sources
Important information: Powered by Finder.com. This information is general in nature and is no substitute for professional advice. It does not take into account your personal situation. This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of futures, stocks, ETFs, CFDs, options or any specific provider, service or offering. It should not be relied upon as investment advice or construed as providing recommendations of any kind. Futures, stocks, ETFs and options trading involves substantial risk of loss and therefore are not appropriate for most investors. You do not own or have any interest in the underlying asset. Capital is at risk, including the risk of losing more than the amount originally put in, market volatility and liquidity risks. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Tax on profits may apply. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination for the product on the provider's website. Consider your own circumstances, including whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money and possess the relevant experience and knowledge. We recommend that you obtain independent advice from a suitably licensed financial advisor before making any trades.
George is a deputy editor at Finder. He has previously written for The Motley Fool UK, Nasdaq, Freetrade, Investing in the Web, MoneyMagpie, Online Mortgage Advisor, Wealth, and Compare Forex Brokers.
He's focused on making personal finance and investing engaging for everyone. To do this he draws from previous work and his Level 4 Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA), sharing what he’s learnt. When he’s not geeking out about money, you’ll find him playing sports and staying active.
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