Orders for long-lasting factory goods fell more sharply than expected in May, amid a huge drop in defense aircraft orders.

Durable goods orders tumbled 2.2 percent in the month, steeper than the 0.5 percent drop expected and following a revised 3.3 percent in April.

Defense aircraft orders plunged 34 percent, while orders that excluded transportation were down 0.3 percent. Excluding defense, orders fell 0.9 percent.