---
title: "BAE Systems Backs 2026 Guidance, Citing Higher Defense Spending, Opportunities Ahead"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/285497670.md"
description: "BAE Systems has reaffirmed its 2026 guidance, anticipating a sales increase of 7% to 9% and underlying EBIT and EPS growth of 9% to 11%, driven by higher defense spending. The company reported strong operational performance in early 2026 and identified significant opportunities in sectors such as space, missile defense, and drones. Additionally, BAE declared a dividend of 22.8 pence, up from 20.6 pence last year, and completed GBP930M of its GBP1.5B share buyback program. First-half results are set to be announced on July 30."
datetime: "2026-05-07T06:45:44.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/285497670.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/285497670.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/285497670.md)
---

# BAE Systems Backs 2026 Guidance, Citing Higher Defense Spending, Opportunities Ahead

By Cristina Gallardo

BAE Systems confirmed its 2026 guidance, citing rising defense spending across all of its main markets and significant opportunities ahead.

The London-listed aerospace and defense company said Thursday that its operational and financial performance in the first four months of 2026 was strong.

Opportunities for BAE's business include space, missile and air defense systems, drones and counter-drone technology, electronic warfare, and other products.

BAE Systems continues to forecast an increase in sales this year between 7% and 9%, and a rise in underlying earnings before interest and taxes of 9% to 11%. Underlying earnings per share are also still expected to increase by 9% to 11%.

The company declared a final dividend for 2025 of 22.8 pence compared with 20.6 pence the year before.

Write to Cristina Gallardo at cristina.gallardo@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 07, 2026 02:34 ET (06:34 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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