Major U.S. defense contractors reported some operational problems in the second-quarter. Even Lockheed Martin Corp. (LMT), the steadiest of performers in recent years, faltered in carrying out contracts in its fast-growing information technology business.

But the companies mostly affirmed their full-year financial outlooks, despite some headwinds from slowing growth of U.S. defense spending and rising pension costs.

The big three, Lockheed, Boeing Co. (BA), and Northrop Grumman Corp. (NOC), said they are on track with their previous earnings forecasts, although Boeing is expected to cut its earnings view when it gives an update on the much-delayed 787 commercial aircraft program. Boeing said it will provide new information sometime in the third quarter. Northrop has said earnings will fall this year as it takes steps to make results more predictable, including more conservative planning for its ship-building business. Some "bumps in the road" were baked into 2009 forecasts, the company said. Lockheed also is expected to report lower annual earnings this year, on planned shifts with major programs.

Raytheon Corp. (RTN) and L-3 Communications Holdings (LLL), on Thursday raised their earnings outlooks for the year. Raytheon cited strong growth in international, classified and homeland security revenue. Raytheon's chief executive, Bill Swanson, told analysts on a conference call Thursday that Raytheon is well-positioned to roll with changes in U.S. defense spending, as it generates revenue from hundreds of relatively small contracts, the largest worth $500 million.

At L-3, highlights include Project Liberty for the U.S. Air Force, equipping Hawker Beechcraft commercial planes with sensors and communications equipment to support ground troops.

Under U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, contracts that support old-style war fighting, such as for Lockheed Martin's F-22 fighter jets, and the Army's huge Future Combat Systems program, led by Boeing, are on the way out.

Emphasis now is on electronic surveillance, communications equipment and unmanned vehicles. Northrop is a leader in the unpiloted aircraft market.

Defense companies have hefty pension-funding needs as their investment portfolios have shrunk: Raytheon said it plans to contribute $1.1 billion in cash this year. Boeing, intent on keeping cash on its balance sheet, said it might not make a pension contribution this year, to a pension plan that is underfunded by some $8 billion.

-By Ann Keeton, Dow Jones Newswires; 312-750-4120;ann.keeton@dowjones.com