Many sectors have posted impressive gains over the past year, and the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) even reached an all-time high at one point. But three ASX stocks far outpaced the rest.
Here are among the three fastest-growing stocks on the planet, and they're all listed on the ASX.
Droneshield Ltd (ASX: DRO)
Droneshield shares skyrocketed 18.43% higher at the close of the ASX on Tuesday, to $3.92 a piece. For 2026 so far, the shares are 27.27% higher and they're a huge 429.73% higher than this time last year.
The ASX stock soared to a record-high in early-October last year, before crashing 74% within 6 weeks. But the counter drone operator clearly turned things at the end of 2025 and that growth has continued soaring through to 2026.
There was no news out of the company on Tuesday, but it's possible that investors believe the latest US-Venezuela situation translates to higher demand for counter drone solutions.
The company has a strong growth strategy ahead, too. In 2026 it plans to scale its manufacturing capacity, expand its global footprint and continue converting its huge sales pipeline into secured contracts.
Pantoro Gold Ltd (ASX: PNR)
The second-best performer is small-cap gold producer and explorer Pantoro Gold. Its shares climbed 0.57% at the close of the ASX on Tuesday, to $5.27 a piece. For 2026-to-date, the shares are 7.55% higher, and they're up a huge 219.39% from this time last year.
The pace of growth isn't quite as extreme as Droneshield, but Pantoro Gold's enormous share price surge was more stable. The stock peaked at an all-time high in early-October last year when it reported promising drill results at its fully-owned Norseman Gold Project in Western Australia.
It lost around 25% of gains by the end of the month. But the share price then fluctuated around the $5 mark for the remainder of the year.
Pantoro Gold has aggressive growth plans for 2026. It is focused on expanding its Norseman Gold Project in Western Australia. It plans to increase production to over 200,000 ounces, from 100,000 ounces per year.
4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)
4DMedical is a medical technology company focused on respiratory imaging and ventilation analysis for the treatment of lung and respiratory diseases.
The company is one of the fastest-growing stocks in the world. It rocketed to success in August last year following some successful partnerships and new commercial contracts. A run of positive financial results and achieved milestones followed throughout the remainder of 2025 and it sent the share price flying.
The ASX stock closed 2.7% higher on Tuesday, at $4.19 per share. For 2026 so far, 4DMedical shares have climbed 3.46% but they're up a staggering 1,645% from just six months ago.
In 2026, 4DMedical will focus on accelerating the rollout of its newly-FDA approved CT:VQ imaging product through strategic partnerships and new contracts. The company hopes that 2026 will be a transformative year driven by increased product adoption and long-term commercial growth.
