Defence exports rise after Operation Sindoor. Jefferies names Solar, Astra, HAL and BEL as top stock picks

Jefferies initiated coverage on Solar Industries and Astra Microwave with Buy ratings, citing strong defence growth prospects and rising order books. It also maintained Buy ratings on HAL and Bharat Electronics while assigning a Hold rating to Bharat Dynamics. The brokerage expects robust earnings growth across these companies, supported by rising defence spending, indigenisation and export opportunities.