Self-directed Individual Retirement Accounts can include alternative assets from the private space and defense sectors, according to information outlined in a blog article published by Next Generation Trust Company. The company provides full account administration and asset custody for self-directed IRAs and other retirement plans.
With space infrastructure becoming a vital national security and economic priority, investors have opportunities to build portfolio diversity through investments in private space and defense technology sectors within self-directed IRAs. Jaime Raskulinecz, CEO of Next Generation, emphasized that these growing investment opportunities allow investors to participate in sectors experiencing significant expansion.
The article details various aerospace-related investments suitable for self-directed IRAs, including private equity funding in private aerospace companies and specialized platforms focusing on venture-backed defense tech startups. Other eligible assets include space infrastructure and hardware, satellites, missile-defense systems, AI integration into space hardware and defense intelligence, cybersecurity and data analytics solutions, and companies involved in research, manufacture, or sale of defense or aerospace products and services.
Dual-use technologies with both military and civilian applications, along with on-airport real estate and aviation infrastructure, also qualify as alternative assets for self-directed retirement accounts. This broad range of investment options reflects the expanding nature of the aerospace and defense sectors.
Industry growth has attracted increasing investor interest, with Reuters reporting that investments in the sector reached record levels in 2025. Private investment grew 48% to $12.4 billion, including $3.8 billion in the final quarter alone. Morgan Stanley's Space Team, which tracks the space economy, estimates the global space industry currently at approximately $350 billion could expand to over $1 trillion by 2040.
Raskulinecz advised investors to thoroughly research governmental regulations before selecting aerospace-related investments. Due diligence remains essential for any private placements or private equity firms under consideration, consistent with standard practices for self-directed investments. The full article provides additional details at https://shorturl.at/WvJDu, while more information about Next Generation Trust Company's services is available at https://www.NextGenerationTrust.com.
The ability to include aerospace and defense assets in retirement accounts represents a significant development for investors seeking exposure to high-growth sectors. As national security concerns and technological advancements drive expansion in these industries, self-directed IRA holders now have access to investment vehicles previously unavailable through traditional retirement accounts. This expansion of eligible assets allows for greater portfolio diversification while participating in sectors with substantial growth projections over the coming decades.
