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White House to meet defense contractors on boosting weapons output

wpadmin — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:55:33 +0000

Senior Trump administration officials plan to meet Friday with executives from major U.S. defense contractors to discuss speeding up weapons production as the Pentagon moves to replenish stockpiles depleted by recent military operations.

Representatives from companies including Lockheed Martin (LMT) and RTX (RTX) are expected to attend the White House meeting, Reuters reported late Tuesday, citing people familiar with the plans.

The discussions come as U.S. weapons inventories have been strained by several conflicts in recent years. Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and Israel’s war in Gaza, the United States has supplied billions of dollars in arms to allies, including artillery systems, ammunition and anti-tank missiles. Recent strikes on Iran have also drawn heavily on longer-range munitions.

Officials are expected to push contractors to accelerate manufacturing timelines. At the same time, the Pentagon is preparing a supplemental budget request of about $50 billion that could be released as soon as Friday to replenish weapons used in recent conflicts.

The urgency has grown after U.S. forces deployed systems such as Tomahawk cruise missiles, F-35 stealth fighters and attack drones during the Iran operation.

The administration has also increased pressure on contractors to prioritize production. An executive order signed earlier this year directs the Pentagon to identify companies that may be lagging on contracts while continuing to return capital to shareholders, potentially opening the door to enforcement actions if performance does not improve.

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Hegseth says Iran campaign won’t become ‘endless’ war, calls mission decisive

wpadmin — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 14:02:14 +0000

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday pushed back against concerns that the U.S. military campaign against Iran could evolve into a prolonged conflict, arguing that the operation differs sharply from past wars that stretched on for years.

Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth said the administration is determined to avoid the kind of open-ended engagement that President Donald Trump has long criticized.

“Our ambitions are not utopian — they are realistic,” Hegseth told reporters.

He dismissed comparisons to previous Middle East conflicts.

“This is not Iraq, this is not endless,” Hegseth said. “Our generation knows better and so does this president. This operation is a clear devastating decisive mission.”

Hegseth also rebuked critics of Trump’s approach, emphasizing that the military effort is narrowly focused and not intended to reshape Iran’s political system.

The campaign is not “a democracy-building exercise,” he said.

Framing the threat as immediate, Hegseth argued that Tehran had constructed a conventional military deterrent to shield its nuclear program. Iran “had a conventional gun to our head,” he said.

Following Hegseth’s remarks, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine outlined the opening phase of the operation, describing initial actions taken by U.S. forces. He cautioned that the campaign remains in its early stages, saying “this work is just beginning and will continue.”

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U.S. deploys stealth bombers, cruise missiles, AI tools in sweeping strikes on Iran

wpadmin — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 13:53:18 +0000

The United States launched a broad assault on Iranian targets Saturday, deploying a mix of long-range cruise missiles, advanced fighter aircraft and, for the first time in combat, inexpensive one-way attack drones patterned after Iranian models.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) commenced Operation Epic Fury, Feb. 28 (U.S. Central Command)

U.S. Central Command released images of Tomahawk missiles along with F/A-18 and F-35 fighter jets, detailing the operation, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury,” which targeted Iranian military assets.

Artificial intelligence

The Pentagon incorporated artificial intelligence technology from Anthropic, including its Claude platform, during the operation, Reuters reported, citing a person familiar with the matter. It wasn’t immediately clear how the AI tools were used.

The disclosure comes shortly after the U.S. government designated Anthropic a supply chain risk, signaling potential national security concerns. President Donald Trump on Friday directed federal agencies to halt work with the startup.

Anthropic’s systems have previously been adopted across U.S. intelligence and defense agencies. The company was among the first AI developers to handle classified information under a cloud-based arrangement with Amazon (AMZN).

Bombers

As part of the escalation, the Pentagon dispatched B-2 stealth bombers from the United States to strike fortified, underground Iranian missile facilities using 2,000-pound bombs.

The B-2 Spirit, built by Northrop Grumman (NOC) at a cost of roughly $2 billion per aircraft, is designed to evade radar and penetrate heavily defended airspace. With a wingspan of 172 feet, the bomber can travel about 6,000 nautical miles without refueling, though most missions involve multiple aerial refuelings.

The aircraft previously carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure last June.

Drones

CENTCOM said it deployed one-way attack drones resembling the LUCAS system, or Low-Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System, produced by Arizona-based Spektreworks.

Officials described the drones as modeled after Iran’s Shahed designs, marking the first time the U.S. has used similar systems in combat.

These so-called kamikaze drones are relatively inexpensive and intended for large-scale production. The LUCAS platform is estimated to cost about $35,000 per unit.

The growing reliance on low-cost drones reflects lessons drawn from Russia’s war in Ukraine, where both sides have emphasized “affordable mass” by deploying large numbers of cheaper systems.

In addition to the low-cost platforms, the U.S. employed MQ-9 Reaper drones and counter-drone technologies.

Tomahawk missiles

The Tomahawk Land Attack Missile is a long-range, precision-guided cruise missile typically launched from ships or submarines for deep-strike missions. It can reach targets roughly 1,000 miles (ca. 1,609 km) away and is designed to operate in contested airspace.

Manufactured by Raytheon, a unit of RTX (RTX), the missile measures about 20 feet (6.1 m) in length, weighs more than 3,300 pounds and carries a conventional warhead.

Pentagon budget documents show plans to purchase 57 Tomahawks in 2026 at an average cost of about $1.3 million each. The Defense Department is also investing in upgrades to guidance and other systems, while a recent agreement with Raytheon aims to expand annual production to as many as 1,000 missiles.

U.S. and allied forces have previously tested and used GPS-guided Tomahawks in operations, including joint U.S.-U.K. strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.

Fighter aircraft

Photographs and video released by CENTCOM show F/A-18 and F-35 jets taking part in the strikes.

The F-35, a fifth-generation stealth aircraft made by Lockheed Martin (LMT), is designed to evade detection while carrying precision munitions. The U.S. has positioned the jet widely across the Middle East. It can also deploy specialized missiles capable of targeting enemy radar systems.

The F/A-18, manufactured by Boeing (BA), serves as a multi-role platform capable of conducting air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with a range of bombs and missiles.

F-35 aircraft are also operated by Israel’s air force.

Operation Epic Fury: Equipment used in first 24 hours (U.S. Central Command)

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Quant check: Defense stocks volatile on rising U.S.-Iran tensions

wpadmin — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 07:17:56 +0000

Defense stocks had gained ground following the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran over the weekend, which killed Iran’s supreme leader and officials, sparking retaliation fears and oil surges.

Pre-markets on Monday previously pointed to defense outperformance versus the Dow/S&P plunge; however, the volatility later subsided. Large-cap primes like Lockheed Martin (LMT) and Northrop Grumman (NOC) moved higher in extended hours on Friday. Besides, AeroVironment (AVAV) climbed 8.5% last week as investors reacted to the real-world deployment of its LOCUST counter-drone laser system at a U.S. airport.

Over 150 U.S. military cargo flights transported weapons and ammunition to the Middle East, and dozens of additional fighter jets were deployed within 24 hours.

Intuitive Machines (LUNR), Redwire (RDW), Red Cat Holdings (RCAT), and Karman (KRMN) also remained volatile with rising defense bids.

Broadly, funds like State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR), iShares US Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA), Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD), and Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA) are used as vehicles for geopolitical plays.

The defense names have seen considerable gains so far this year, and here is a list of top defense names with their performance so far in 2026 and their Seeking Alpha Quant ratings:

Lockheed Martin (LMT), YTD +36%, Quant Rating: 4.62
Kratos Defense (KTOS), YTD +13.5%, Quant Rating: 4.44
RTX Corporation (RTX), YTD +10.5%, Quant Rating: 4.36
Karman (KRMN), YTD +20.4%, Quant Rating: 4.33
Rocket Lab (RKLB), YTD -0.9%, Quant Rating: 3.38
Redwire (RDW), YTD +19%, Quant Rating: 3.23
Intuitive Machines (LUNR), YTD +1.5%, Quant Rating: 3.21
Red Cat Holdings (RCAT), YTD +47%, Quant Rating: 3.14
Mercury Systems (MRCY), YTD +22%, Quant Rating: 3.14
Northrop Grumman (NOC), YTD +27%, Quant Rating: 3.02
L3Harris Technologies (LHX), YTD +24% Quant Rating: 3.01
General Dynamics (GD), YTD +6%, Quant Rating: 2.93
AeroVironment (AVAV), YTD +4.3%, Quant Rating: 2.70

Top quant-rated defense ETFs:

iShares US Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA), YTD +13.5%, Quant Rating: 4.40
Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA), YTD +15.6%, Quant Rating: 4.39
State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR), YTD +17.3%, Quant Rating: 4.38
Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD), YTD +15.5%, Quant Rating: 4.04
Select STOXX Europe Aerospace & Defense ETF (EUAD), YTD +10.7%, Quant Rating: 3.67

Other defense ETFs: (XAR), (ARKX), (PPA), (CDP).

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Northrop Grumman’s B-21 production deal points to upside: UBS

wpadmin — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 15:07:04 +0000

An agreement to speed up production of the U.S. Air Force’s B-21 stealth bomber could lift long term free cash flow at Northrop Grumman (NOC), even as it requires billions of dollars in added capital spending, according to a report from UBS.

UBS analyst Gavin Parsons on Tuesday reiterated a Buy rating on Northrop Grumman (NOC) and set a 12 month price target of $778, implying about 7% upside from Monday’s closing price of $727.73.

Air Force agreement boosts yearly production capacity

Northrop Grumman (NOC) this week said it reached an acceleration agreement with the Air Force that will use $4.5 billion of reconciliation funding to increase annual B-21 production capacity by 25% and compress delivery timelines.

B-21 Raider (Northrop Grumman)

UBS said the faster ramp will require an estimated $2 billion to $3 billion of additional capital expenditures spread over several years. The firm is modeling $2.5 billion of capex allocated evenly between 2026 and 2029.

The approved program of record remains 100 aircraft, though some officials have advocated for 145 or more. UBS said higher production rates could allow Northrop (NOC) to reach higher margin units sooner, a potential positive for returns. However, pricing for full rate production has not yet been finalized, leaving uncertainty around ultimate profitability.

Scenario analysis points to 2030 free cash flow upside

UBS updated its B-21 financial model to reflect the higher capex. In both of its acceleration scenarios, the firm sees roughly 5% upside to free cash flow in 2030 and beyond, even assuming deflationary pricing tied to larger program quantities.

In its base case, which doesn’t assume acceleration, UBS models peak production of seven aircraft per year by 2029 and 105 total units. Low-rate initial production, or LRIP, lots one through five are assumed to generate no margin, with profitability beginning in LRIP six and beyond.

Under Scenario 1, UBS assumes accelerated production, $2.5 billion of added capex and an expanded program of record to 141 aircraft. Peak production would reach 10 aircraft per year by 2030, with seven per year achieved in 2028, one year earlier than in the base case. That scenario results in double digit free cash flow downside between 2026 and 2029, followed by about 5% upside in 2030.

Scenario 2 mirrors the faster build rates and higher aircraft total but assumes not to exceed pricing for LRIP lots three through five and partial capex offsets from the government. In that case, UBS sees low single digit average upside to free cash flow between 2026 and 2030.

Returns dependent on pricing, capex recovery

UBS said the acceleration agreement increases the probability of stronger free cash flow in 2030 and beyond, but pricing terms for full rate production and the extent of government support for capex will be key in determining ultimate returns.

While details remain limited, the firm views the move toward faster production and potentially larger quantities as strategically favorable for both Northrop Grumman (NOC) and the government, particularly if it allows inflation catch up after earlier fixed price LRIP lots.

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Northrop Grumman unveils YFQ-48A Talon Blue as autonomous wingman for U.S. Air Force

wpadmin — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:12:17 +0000

Northrop Grumman (NOC) on Monday said it’s moving forward in the race to field autonomous combat aircraft, announcing that its Talon Blue platform has been designated the YFQ-48A by the U.S. Air Force as part of the service’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.

The YFQ-48A Talon Blue is the Air Force variant within Northrop Grumman’s (NOC) internally funded Project Talon portfolio, which focuses on developing modular, lower-cost and rapidly deployable autonomous aircraft designed to operate alongside crewed fighter jets. The designation signals formal alignment between the company’s efforts and the Air Force’s push to accelerate acquisition of next-generation autonomous systems.

For investors, the shift toward autonomous military systems signals a potential multiyear growth cycle for defense contractors with strength in software, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and scalable production.

As militaries around the world prepare for more contested, data-driven battlefields, autonomous systems are increasingly seen as essential force multipliers rather than experimental add-ons. From Ukraine to the Indo-Pacific, drones and AI-enabled platforms have demonstrated how lower-cost, unmanned systems can extend reach, absorb risk and accelerate decision-making without putting pilots or soldiers directly in harm’s way.

The U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program reflects this shift, aiming to pair crewed fighters with autonomous “wingmen” that can conduct surveillance, electronic warfare or strike missions in tandem. Similar initiatives across Europe and Asia underscore a broader strategic pivot: autonomy is becoming central to airpower doctrine, procurement strategy and deterrence planning in an era defined by speed, scale and survivability.

Digital backbone

Northrop Grumman (NOC) said Talon Blue is designed to function as an autonomous “wingman,” supporting piloted aircraft in contested environments. The aircraft leverages advanced modular manufacturing methods intended to reduce part counts and weight, allowing for faster production without compromising operational capability.

Project Talon also emphasizes software development, with Northrop building digital infrastructure and autonomous testbeds that the broader industry can use to help develop future capabilities. The company said this digital backbone is central to delivering aircraft that are operationally ready from the outset.

Talon Blue (Northrop Grumman)

Tom Jones, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems, said in the announcement that the company has focused on building speed and flexibility into the program from the earliest stages. He described the approach as investing ahead of demand, anticipating future mission requirements and establishing the manufacturing capacity to respond quickly.

The YFQ-48A’s inclusion in the Air Force’s CCA initiative highlights the service’s broader strategy to integrate lower-cost, highly capable autonomous aircraft with existing fighter fleets. The program aims to expand combat capacity, increase operational flexibility and reduce risk to human pilots in high-threat scenarios.

With Talon Blue, Northrop Grumman (NOC) seeks to position itself as a key contender in the emerging market for autonomous combat systems, as the Pentagon prioritizes scalable, software-driven platforms capable of adapting to evolving mission demands.

Programs such as the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft initiative suggest procurement budgets may increasingly favor lower-cost, attritable platforms that can be fielded in larger numbers, expanding total addressable markets beyond traditional high-end fighter jets.

Companies able to integrate autonomy with digital engineering and rapid manufacturing could capture disproportionate share, while suppliers of sensors, propulsion, secure communications and AI-driven mission systems may also benefit as militaries prioritize speed, survivability and cost efficiency.

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Pentagon is said to flag risks of prolonged Iran strike as Trump weighs military options

wpadmin — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 19:26:36 +0000

Senior Defense Department officials are cautioning President Trump about the potential consequences of a drawn-out military operation against Iran, warning that some of the plans under review could expose U.S. and allied forces to casualties, strain air-defense resources and stretch the military thin, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday.

According to current and former officials cited by the news outlet, Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has been among those voicing concerns during internal Pentagon discussions and National Security Council meetings. Other defense leaders have echoed similar reservations about the scope and sustainability of certain proposals.

Officials familiar with the deliberations emphasized that such assessments are a routine part of contingency planning. Military leaders, particularly the Joint Chiefs chair, are expected to outline likely casualty estimates, logistical demands and other operational costs before any action is taken.

The options under consideration reportedly range from limited, targeted strikes to a multi-day air campaign that could aim to destabilize or even topple Iran’s leadership. While each scenario carries inherent risks, defense officials say an extended operation could significantly drain U.S. munitions stockpiles and air-defense systems, potentially complicating efforts to shield American partners in the region if Tehran retaliates.

There are also broader strategic concerns. Heavy use of air-defense interceptors and other high-demand weaponry, already in finite supply, could affect U.S. readiness for other contingencies, including a potential future confrontation with China.

According to the Journal’s reporting, officials said the issues raised by Caine, who is widely regarded as a trusted adviser to the president, will factor into Trump’s ultimate decision. The president has not yet reached a conclusion, they added.

In the meantime, the United States has amassed substantial air and naval forces in the Middle East, marking the region’s largest concentration of U.S. air power since the 2003 Iraq invasion. An aircraft carrier strike group is operating in the area, and a second carrier has been positioned in the Mediterranean.

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said the president values input from across his national security team. She described Caine as a respected and capable adviser and noted that Trump considers a range of perspectives before determining what best serves U.S. security interests.

Diplomatic efforts continue alongside military planning. The administration is engaged in talks with Iran aimed at curbing Tehran’s potential pathways to a nuclear weapon, an objective Iranian officials deny pursuing, as well as limiting its ballistic missile program and support for regional militant groups. Another round of negotiations is scheduled for Thursday in Geneva, where Iranian representatives are expected to present their positions to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner.

Iran has warned it would respond forcefully to any American strike. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently suggested Iranian forces could target U.S. naval assets if attacked.

While any military action entails risk, officials say a sustained campaign against Iran would rank among the most complicated and perilous operations of Trump’s presidency, with the potential to escalate into a broader regional conflict, the Journal reported.

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Pentagon is said to ready 2nd carrier for Middle East as Trump weighs Iran options

wpadmin — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 13:58:13 +0000

The U.S. Department of Defense has directed a second aircraft carrier strike group to prepare for deployment to the Middle East as military planners position forces amid rising tensions with Iran, The Wall Street Journal reported late Wednesday, citing unnamed U.S. officials.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he was considering sending another carrier to the region to prepare for possible military action if nuclear negotiations with Iran fail.

“I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a Deal can be consummated,” Trump wrote in a social-media post following a White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and said that if a deal cannot be reached the outcome is uncertain.

Officials caution that Trump has not yet formally ordered a deployment. One official cited by the Journal said such an order could come “in a matter of hours,” and that plans may still change.

Carrier likely from East Coast

The Pentagon is readying the USS George H.W. Bush carrier strike group to depart, with training off the U.S. East Coast potentially accelerated to support a deployment within about two weeks, according to the news report.

The carrier would join the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group, which has already been repositioned to the Middle East as part of a broader military presence that includes warships, air defenses and fighter units.

Diplomacy and pressure

Trump’s comments came after his meeting with Netanyahu, where he expressed a preference for reaching a negotiated settlement with Iran while underscoring that military preparation continues.

The possible deployment of a second carrier would mark a rare dual carrier presence in the Middle East and signals heightened U.S. readiness should diplomatic efforts falter. Military planners and U.S. officials have not publicly confirmed specific operational decisions.

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Northrop Grumman, Polish partner are said to plan 180K-shell-a-year ammo plant

wpadmin — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 21:19:36 +0000

Northrop Grumman (NOC) and Poland’s Niewiadow-PGM plan to produce more than 180,000 155-mm artillery shells annually at a new facility in Poland, Reuters reported Wednesday, citing company executives.

The companies signed a framework agreement to jointly manufacture the ammunition, which is widely used in Ukraine’s war with Russia and has faced supply shortages across Europe.

Quinn Canole, Northrop Grumman’s (NOC) managing director for Poland, said the company’s technology can support output at Niewiadow’s target level of 180,000 rounds a year. Production is expected to begin later this year and will serve the United States, Poland and other European markets. He did not exclude potential sales to Ukraine.

The partnership will deploy Northrop’s (NOC) Austempered Ductile Iron technology, a casting and heat-treatment process designed to speed up production and reduce costs compared with traditional forging methods. Executives said the approach should allow for future capacity increases as the technology scales.

Northrop (NOC) officials described Poland as a strategic hub for expanding its European manufacturing footprint, citing the country’s rising defense budget and industrial base. Poland plans to spend 4.8% of its GDP on defense this year, the highest share among NATO members.

Separately, Northrop (NOC) is in advanced discussions with Polish state-owned manufacturer Mesko on potential co-production of 30-mm and 120-mm ammunition, further deepening its presence in the region, Reuters reported.

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Northrop Grumman declares $2.31 dividend

wpadmin — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 22:13:16 +0000

Northrop Grumman (NOC) declares $2.31/share quarterly dividend, in line with previous.
Forward yield 1.35%
Payable March 11; for shareholders of record Feb. 23; ex-div Feb. 23.
See NOC Dividend Scorecard, Yield Chart, & Dividend Growth.

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