BAE Systems said it’s had a ‘strong operational and financial performance’ over the first four months of the year, with growing security threats leading governments to increase defence spending.
All full-year guidance was reiterated, with sales forecast to grow between 7-9% from 2025’s base of £30.7bn. Underlying operating profits are expected to outpace this, moving 9-11% higher from £3.3bn last year.
Free cash flow is expected to exceed £1.3bn (2025: 2.2bn).
The group has completed just over £0.9bn of its ongoing three-year £1.5bn share buyback programme, which started in July 2024.
The shares fell 3.2% in early trading.
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BAE Systems key facts
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