RTX

Japan's JS Chokai destroyer successfully fired a Tomahawk cruise missile for the first time, part of a US-Japan collaboration to enhance long-range strike capabilities. Japan has purchased 400 Tomahawks, with deliveries expected to conclude next year.

Kalshi, led by Tarek Mansour, is launching prediction markets for flight cancellations at US airports, using data from FlightAware and the Transportation Department. FlightAware has refused to authorize its data for betting, citing terms of use violations, while lawmakers have criticized prediction markets for enabling insider trading.

President Donald Trump agreed to provide Ukraine with licenses to build Patriot missile interceptors during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the NATO summit in Türkiye. The decision, which involves companies like Lockheed Martin and RTX Corp., has not yet been communicated to the manufacturers, and production locations remain under discussion, with European officials suggesting alternatives to Ukraine to avoid targeting by Russia.

Donald Trump has told Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Ukraine may be allowed to manufacture Patriot missile interceptors to counter Russian attacks, though the commitment was vague and the process is likely expensive and complex. Trump has not consulted with manufacturers Lockheed Martin and RTX Corporation, and the timeline for scaling production remains uncertain.

Echodyne's CEO reports a surge in demand for its miniaturized radars in the counter-drone market, driven by conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The company is expanding production capacity tenfold with a new facility to meet growing global interest in affordable, effective anti-drone solutions.

U.S. President Donald Trump met with defense contractors to address depleted military stockpiles, emphasizing increased production of weapons like Patriot and THAAD interceptors. The meeting initially criticized industry progress but shifted to cooperation, with agreements to boost output through companies such as Lockheed Martin and RTX Corp.

The fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act allocates $1.15 trillion for U.S. military spending, driven by global conflicts and tensions. Morgan Stanley analysts recommend seven defense stocks, including GE Aerospace, RTX Corp, and Northrop Grumman, citing strong growth potential and government contract stability.

The US Army plans to procure 11,000 next-generation NGSRI missiles to replace aging Stinger missiles. Lockheed Martin and RTX are competing to build the new shoulder-fired weapon, which will counter aircraft, helicopters, and larger drones. The replacement is driven by modern air defense challenges and depleted Stinger stockpiles from conflicts and transfers to Ukraine.

The U.S. Army plans to order 11,000 next-generation short-range air defense missiles (NGSRI) starting in FY2028 to replace the aging Stinger missile system. The NGSRI, part of the M-SHORAD program, will feature Mach 3 speed and compatibility with existing launchers, aiming to counter modern threats like drones and hypersonic missiles. Contractors are invited to submit cost proposals for production over a ten-year period.

The U.S. Army received its first batch of lighter Javelin launchers, developed by RTX in collaboration with Lockheed Martin. The new Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LWCLU) is 30% smaller and 25% lighter, with improved target detection range and infrared technology. The system is being produced at an upgraded factory, with the U.S. having sent thousands to Ukraine for its defense against Russia.