Elbit Systems Delivers First Laser Defense System, Stock Doubles
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 30 2025
0mins
Should l Buy ESLT?
Source: CNBC
- Laser Defense System Delivery: Elbit Systems, in collaboration with the Israeli government, successfully delivered its first 'Iron Beam' laser defense system after extensive testing, which can effectively intercept drones, mortars, and short-range rockets, marking a significant breakthrough in defense technology.
- Market Expansion Potential: The successful delivery of this technology not only enhances Israel's defense capabilities but also opens up new international market opportunities for Elbit, which is expected to drive future revenue growth.
- Strong Stock Performance: Elbit Systems' stock has more than doubled in the past year, currently just 3% off its 52-week high, reflecting strong investor confidence in its innovative technologies.
- Competitive Advantage in Industry: By introducing the laser defense system, Elbit not only strengthens its competitive position in the defense sector but also has the potential to attract more procurement orders from various countries, further solidifying its market leadership.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy ESLT?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on ESLT
Wall Street analysts forecast ESLT stock price to fall
3 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 936.140
Low
531.00
Averages
553.67
High
580.00
Current: 936.140
Low
531.00
Averages
553.67
High
580.00
About ESLT
Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international technology company engaged in a range of programs across the world. The Company develops and supplies a portfolio of airborne, land and naval systems and products for defense, homeland security and commercial aviation applications. Its systems and products are installed on new platforms, and it also performs platform modernization programs. In addition, it provides a range of support services. The Company's activities include military aircraft and helicopter systems; helmet mounted systems; commercial aviation systems and aerostructures; unmanned aircraft and unmanned surface vessels; land vehicle systems; command, control, communications, computer and intelligence (C4I) systems; intelligence and cyber systems; electro-optic and countermeasures systems; electronic warfare and signal intelligence systems, and various commercial activities. It operates primarily in the defense and homeland security arenas.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
- Stock Price Surge: Circle Internet Group, Inc. (NYSE:CRCL) jumped 10.51% this week, indicating strong market confidence in its future performance, even as Mizuho analyst maintains a Neutral rating while raising the price target from $90 to $100, reflecting recognition of the company's potential.
- Strong Earnings Drive: Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:ESLT) rose 15.11% this week, showcasing its sustained growth in the defense sector and robust market demand, which enhances investor confidence in its long-term investment value.
- Repurchase Program Incentive: Pinterest, Inc. (NYSE:PINS) gained 16.54% this week after announcing a $3.5 billion share repurchase program, with Elliott Investment Management investing $1 billion, demonstrating strong confidence in the company's future development.
- Analyst Optimism: LyondellBasell Industries NV (NYSE:LYB) soared 17.65% this week as multiple analysts raised their price forecasts for the stock, reflecting a positive outlook on its strong performance and future growth in the chemical industry.
See More
- U.S. Stock Market Decline: Stock indexes in the U.S. experienced a decline on Friday, with significant drops across major indices.
- Specific Index Performance: The S&P 500 fell by 1.59%, the Dow Jones dropped by 1.33%, and the Nasdaq decreased by 0.95%.
See More
- Significant Budget Increase: The U.S. Space Force secured a nearly $14 billion budget boost for fiscal 2026, raising its total allocation to approximately $40 billion, which is more than double its initial independent budget of $15 billion in fiscal 2021, indicating a strong governmental commitment to space defense.
- Military Spending Proposal: The administration has proposed increasing total annual military spending to $1.5 trillion by fiscal 2027, with a specific focus on expanding the Golden Dome space-based defense architecture and satellite constellations, aimed at enhancing national security and technological superiority.
- Operational Expansion: Starfighters Space is expanding its operations at Midland International Air & Space Port, planning to double its fleet of F-104 aircraft and GE J-79 engines within 18 months, which will enhance its mission flexibility and responsiveness across the U.S. Southwest, solidifying its position in the aerospace testing sector.
- Economic Impact and Job Creation: AeroVironment plans to invest over $30 million in New Mexico to establish a vertically integrated manufacturing campus, expected to generate over $670 million in economic impact and create more than 450 high-wage jobs over the next decade, thereby strengthening the domestic defense industrial base.
See More
- Increased Market Volatility: Following the U.S. and Israel's attacks on Iran, the S&P 500 experienced significant fluctuations over three sessions, dropping sharply on Tuesday before recovering much of its losses on Wednesday, indicating investor sensitivity to geopolitical risks.
- Surging Oil Prices: The conflict has led to a sharp rise in oil prices, and while defense stocks have also gained, the market's reaction to short-term news may impact long-term investment strategies, necessitating cautious responses from investors.
- Investor Guidance: Prominent investor Steve Eisman advises investors to remain on the sidelines, suggesting that the market's short-term reactions may be overblown and that the situation could improve quickly, potentially leading to a drop in oil prices.
- Defense Investment Opportunities: Given the current situation, investing in defense ETFs like the iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA) is seen as a good way to gain exposure to increased defense spending, with individual stocks like Israeli drone maker Elbit Systems (ESLT) also worth considering.
See More
- Market Volatility Analysis: Since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, the S&P 500 has experienced significant volatility, plummeting on Tuesday before nearly recovering losses on Wednesday, indicating the market's sensitivity to geopolitical crises.
- Oil and Defense Stocks Surge: The war has led to soaring oil prices and rising defense stocks, reflecting heightened investor expectations for increased defense spending amid uncertain international conditions.
- Investor Advice: Notable investor Steve Eisman advises investors to remain on the sidelines during the current situation, believing that short-term market reactions should not dictate long-term investment strategies, emphasizing the importance of a long-term perspective.
- Geopolitical Impact: While geopolitical turmoil is common, Eisman points out that the war's impact on the stock market will primarily manifest in specific sectors rather than trigger a global recession, urging investors to focus on industry dynamics rather than short-term news.
See More
- Oil Price Surge: The attack on Iran, a major oil exporter controlling the Strait of Hormuz, has led to a significant spike in oil prices, adding uncertainty to global markets and potentially impacting the profitability of related energy companies.
- Defense Stocks Rise: Following the outbreak of war, defense stocks generally increased, with Ondas Holdings and Elbit Systems rising 10% and 7.66% respectively, reflecting strong market demand for defense technology and investor confidence.
- Ondas Holdings Financial Performance: Ondas reported $10.1 million in revenue for Q3, a sixfold increase year-over-year, and is targeting at least $110 million in revenue by 2026, indicating rapid expansion potential in the defense technology sector.
- Elbit Systems Order Backlog: Elbit's order backlog has risen to $25.2 billion, equivalent to over three years of revenue, suggesting that demand for its products may further increase amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, supporting its growth outlook.
See More










