# Hexcel cites temporary softness in a few fighter and space programs The composites supplier attributed lower third-quarter Defense, Space & Other sales to industrial exits and temporary program softness. Commercial aerospace sales grew year over year. Published 2026-10-23 by TGOs. Canonical: https://tgos.io/news/2026/10/23/hexcel-cites-temporary-softness-in-a-few-fighter-and/ Hexcel attributed its third-quarter 2026 Defense, Space & Other sales decline primarily to industrial business exits and temporary softness in a few fighter and space programs.[1] It cited the F-35, an unnamed international fighter program, launchers and rocket motors.[1] The company divested a non-core Austrian industrial business at the end of September 2025 and closed a non-core industrial business in Leicester, UK, earlier in 2026.[1] Defense, Space & Other sales totaled $166.1 million in the quarter ended Sept. 30, down from a year earlier.[1] Commercial aerospace sales rose year over year to $330.3 million, Hexcel reported Oct. 21.[1] Through September 2026, Defense, Space & Other sales fell 6.8% from a year earlier.[1] Sales for that period totaled $517.6 million.[1] Hexcel kept its full-year sales and adjusted diluted earnings-per-share forecasts unchanged.[1] **Also announced** Hexcel's board raised its share repurchase authorization to $750 million on Oct. 21.[2] The remaining authorization had been $380.6 million.[2] The company repurchased no shares during the third quarter.[1] ## Why it matters The combined category makes the decline an imprecise measure of Hexcel's defense and space sales: Hexcel's explanation does not quantify the separate effects of industrial exits and program softness.[1] ## Sources 1. Hexcel Q3 2026 earnings release, Exhibit 99.1 (Oct. 21, 2026) 2. Hexcel Form 8-K, Items 2.02, 7.01, 8.01 (Oct. 21, 2026)