Israel Approves Acquisition of Two Fighter Squadrons
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 03 2026
0mins
Source: seekingalpha
- Military Modernization Plan: Israel has approved the acquisition of two additional combat squadrons from Lockheed Martin and Boeing, including a fourth squadron of F-35 stealth jets and a second squadron of F-15IA aircraft, as part of a broader 350 billion shekel ($119 billion) defense modernization initiative aimed at preserving air dominance and preparing for future regional threats.
- Domestic Production Strategy: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that a significant portion of the expanded defense budget will focus on producing more munitions domestically to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers while also investing in the development of next-generation aircraft, demonstrating the nation's commitment to defense autonomy.
- Importance of Air Power: Defense officials emphasized that the recent conflict with Iran highlighted the necessity of advanced air power and the strategic relationship between Israel and the United States, underscoring the need to continue strengthening the air force for decades to come.
- Ongoing Military Operations: Israeli aircraft have remained active across multiple fronts since the October 2023 Hamas attacks, including operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and during the recent confrontation with Iran, indicating a persistent demand for air combat capabilities and the urgency of continued investment.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy LMT?" 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 LMT
Wall Street analysts forecast LMT stock price to rise
12 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
7 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 512.410
Low
430.00
Averages
535.50
High
605.00
Current: 512.410
Low
430.00
Averages
535.50
High
605.00
About LMT
Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global aerospace and defense company. The Company is engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. Its segments include Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control (MFC), Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) and Space. Aeronautics segment is engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, sustainment, support and upgrade of advanced military aircraft. MFC segment provides air and missile defense systems, manned and unmanned ground vehicles, energy management solutions, and others. RMS segment designs, manufactures, services and supports various military and commercial helicopters, surface ships, sea and land-based missile defense systems, and others. Its Space segment is engaged in the research and design, development, engineering and production of satellites, space transportation systems, and strategic, advanced strike, and defensive systems.
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.
Taiwan's First Indigenous Submarine Successfully Launches Torpedo
- Successful Torpedo Launch: Taiwan's first indigenous submarine, Narwhal, successfully completed its inaugural torpedo launch test, marking a significant step in bolstering naval defenses amid rising tensions with China.
- Military Modernization Efforts: This test is part of Taiwan's broader military modernization initiative aimed at enhancing maritime defense capabilities to secure key shipping routes, demonstrating the island's firm stance against China's territorial claims.
- Technology Collaboration and Development: The submarine program has incorporated technology and expertise from countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, and the combat system of Narwhal has been validated, covering critical elements such as target detection, fire control, and launch capabilities.
- Future Development Plans: Taiwan aims to deploy at least two locally produced submarines by 2027, with a vision of ultimately fielding a fleet of eight vessels, although the delivery of Narwhal has been delayed to 2024, reflecting Taiwan's strategic resolve in the face of China's naval strength.
See More
U.S.-Iran Conflict Drives Arms Sales Growth
- Cost of War: The Pentagon reported that the U.S. war against Iran has cost taxpayers $25 billion, significantly lower than the previously estimated $80-$100 billion, indicating a potential shift in military budget priorities moving forward.
- HIMARS Sales Surge: Lockheed Martin secured an $1.1 billion contract for HIMARS launchers, which could generate an additional $143 million in operating profit, reflecting strong global demand for this system amid rising geopolitical tensions with China and Russia.
- International Orders Expansion: Countries including Australia, Canada, Estonia, Sweden, and Taiwan have shown significant interest in acquiring HIMARS systems, highlighting their proactive measures to bolster defense capabilities against potential geopolitical threats.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: With increasing HIMARS sales, Lockheed Martin's stock appears attractive under a 25 P/E ratio and an 18.5% long-term earnings growth forecast, suggesting potential for stock price appreciation as demand continues to rise.
See More
U.S. Army Orders $1.1 Billion HIMARS Missile Systems from Lockheed Martin
- Large Order Size: The U.S. Army's $1.1 billion order for HIMARS missile systems from Lockheed Martin indicates a strong demand for high-mobility artillery rocket systems, which is expected to significantly enhance the defense capabilities of the U.S. and its allies.
- International Market Demand: Countries such as Australia, Canada, Estonia, Sweden, and Taiwan are rapidly procuring HIMARS, reflecting a global demand that exceeds Lockheed's production capacity, potentially driving future sales growth for the company.
- Profit Enhancement Potential: HIMARS sales are projected to generate approximately $143 million in additional operating profit for Lockheed, translating to a $0.62 increase in per-share operating profit based on 230.6 million shares, thereby boosting investor confidence in the company's stock.
- Strategic Shift Indicators: With the temporary ceasefire in the Iran conflict, U.S. and allied military focus is shifting towards potential threats from Russia and China, suggesting that HIMARS sales are not only a response to current events but may also signal future adjustments in defense strategy.
See More
U.S.-Iran War's Impact on Lockheed Martin's $1.1 Billion HIMARS Contract
- Cost of War Analysis: The Pentagon reports that the U.S. war against Iran has cost $25 billion, significantly lower than the $80 to $100 billion estimated by The Washington Post, indicating a manageable fiscal impact that may influence future military budget allocations.
- HIMARS Contract Details: Lockheed Martin secured an $1.1 billion contract for 17 HIMARS launchers, which is expected to generate approximately $143 million in operating profit, further solidifying its position in the global defense market.
- International Market Demand: The procurement of HIMARS by countries like Australia, Canada, Estonia, Sweden, and Taiwan reflects a strategic response to potential threats from China and Russia, likely driving Lockheed Martin's expansion and sales growth in international markets.
- Profitability Enhancement: Although HIMARS sales represent the smallest segment within Lockheed's four main divisions, the 13% operating profit margin surpasses the 6.8% margin of the Aeronautics division, indicating strong profitability that could positively impact the company's overall stock price.
See More
Kim Jong Un Reaffirms Defense Treaty with Russia
- Strategic Cooperation Reaffirmed: Kim Jong Un reaffirmed North Korea's mutual defense treaty with Russia in a formal message commemorating Victory Day, emphasizing prioritization of the partnership with Moscow, indicating a close geopolitical relationship between the two nations.
- Treaty Details Highlighted: The 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty' mentioned by Kim, signed in 2024, includes mutual defense provisions that fundamentally alter the geopolitical landscape in Eurasia, potentially impacting future international security dynamics.
- Current Military Support: North Korea is currently providing direct support to Russian military efforts in Ukraine, with estimates of approximately 14,000 troops deployed in the Kursk region, demonstrating deep military cooperation between the two countries.
- Ceasefire Agreement Impact: Despite the three-day ceasefire agreement reached between Ukraine and Russia, Kim's reaffirmation indicates that the deepening military axis between Moscow and Pyongyang will continue to influence global defense and security spending projections.
See More
Taiwan Military Spending Delays Seen as Concession to China
- Budget Cuts: Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te's request for $40 billion in supplementary defense spending saw only two-thirds approved, all earmarked for U.S. weapons, excluding domestically developed drones and missiles, which may create capability gaps and impact overall security.
- Countering Chinese Pressure: The U.S. State Department stated that further delays in funding are viewed as a concession to the Chinese Communist Party, despite ongoing support for Taiwan's acquisition of critical defense capabilities, reflecting the U.S.'s commitment to Taiwan's defense.
- Defense Capability Gaps: Taiwan's defense ministry highlighted the exclusion of the
See More
Taiwan's First Indigenous Submarine Successfully Launches Torpedo
- Successful Torpedo Launch: Taiwan's first indigenous submarine, Narwhal, successfully completed its inaugural torpedo launch test, marking a significant step in bolstering naval defenses amid rising tensions with China.
- Military Modernization Efforts: This test is part of Taiwan's broader military modernization initiative aimed at enhancing maritime defense capabilities to secure key shipping routes, demonstrating the island's firm stance against China's territorial claims.
- Technology Collaboration and Development: The submarine program has incorporated technology and expertise from countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, and the combat system of Narwhal has been validated, covering critical elements such as target detection, fire control, and launch capabilities.
- Future Development Plans: Taiwan aims to deploy at least two locally produced submarines by 2027, with a vision of ultimately fielding a fleet of eight vessels, although the delivery of Narwhal has been delayed to 2024, reflecting Taiwan's strategic resolve in the face of China's naval strength.
See More
U.S.-Iran Conflict Drives Arms Sales Growth
- Cost of War: The Pentagon reported that the U.S. war against Iran has cost taxpayers $25 billion, significantly lower than the previously estimated $80-$100 billion, indicating a potential shift in military budget priorities moving forward.
- HIMARS Sales Surge: Lockheed Martin secured an $1.1 billion contract for HIMARS launchers, which could generate an additional $143 million in operating profit, reflecting strong global demand for this system amid rising geopolitical tensions with China and Russia.
- International Orders Expansion: Countries including Australia, Canada, Estonia, Sweden, and Taiwan have shown significant interest in acquiring HIMARS systems, highlighting their proactive measures to bolster defense capabilities against potential geopolitical threats.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: With increasing HIMARS sales, Lockheed Martin's stock appears attractive under a 25 P/E ratio and an 18.5% long-term earnings growth forecast, suggesting potential for stock price appreciation as demand continues to rise.
See More
U.S. Army Orders $1.1 Billion HIMARS Missile Systems from Lockheed Martin
- Large Order Size: The U.S. Army's $1.1 billion order for HIMARS missile systems from Lockheed Martin indicates a strong demand for high-mobility artillery rocket systems, which is expected to significantly enhance the defense capabilities of the U.S. and its allies.
- International Market Demand: Countries such as Australia, Canada, Estonia, Sweden, and Taiwan are rapidly procuring HIMARS, reflecting a global demand that exceeds Lockheed's production capacity, potentially driving future sales growth for the company.
- Profit Enhancement Potential: HIMARS sales are projected to generate approximately $143 million in additional operating profit for Lockheed, translating to a $0.62 increase in per-share operating profit based on 230.6 million shares, thereby boosting investor confidence in the company's stock.
- Strategic Shift Indicators: With the temporary ceasefire in the Iran conflict, U.S. and allied military focus is shifting towards potential threats from Russia and China, suggesting that HIMARS sales are not only a response to current events but may also signal future adjustments in defense strategy.
See More
U.S.-Iran War's Impact on Lockheed Martin's $1.1 Billion HIMARS Contract
- Cost of War Analysis: The Pentagon reports that the U.S. war against Iran has cost $25 billion, significantly lower than the $80 to $100 billion estimated by The Washington Post, indicating a manageable fiscal impact that may influence future military budget allocations.
- HIMARS Contract Details: Lockheed Martin secured an $1.1 billion contract for 17 HIMARS launchers, which is expected to generate approximately $143 million in operating profit, further solidifying its position in the global defense market.
- International Market Demand: The procurement of HIMARS by countries like Australia, Canada, Estonia, Sweden, and Taiwan reflects a strategic response to potential threats from China and Russia, likely driving Lockheed Martin's expansion and sales growth in international markets.
- Profitability Enhancement: Although HIMARS sales represent the smallest segment within Lockheed's four main divisions, the 13% operating profit margin surpasses the 6.8% margin of the Aeronautics division, indicating strong profitability that could positively impact the company's overall stock price.
See More
Kim Jong Un Reaffirms Defense Treaty with Russia
- Strategic Cooperation Reaffirmed: Kim Jong Un reaffirmed North Korea's mutual defense treaty with Russia in a formal message commemorating Victory Day, emphasizing prioritization of the partnership with Moscow, indicating a close geopolitical relationship between the two nations.
- Treaty Details Highlighted: The 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty' mentioned by Kim, signed in 2024, includes mutual defense provisions that fundamentally alter the geopolitical landscape in Eurasia, potentially impacting future international security dynamics.
- Current Military Support: North Korea is currently providing direct support to Russian military efforts in Ukraine, with estimates of approximately 14,000 troops deployed in the Kursk region, demonstrating deep military cooperation between the two countries.
- Ceasefire Agreement Impact: Despite the three-day ceasefire agreement reached between Ukraine and Russia, Kim's reaffirmation indicates that the deepening military axis between Moscow and Pyongyang will continue to influence global defense and security spending projections.
See More
Taiwan Military Spending Delays Seen as Concession to China
- Budget Cuts: Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te's request for $40 billion in supplementary defense spending saw only two-thirds approved, all earmarked for U.S. weapons, excluding domestically developed drones and missiles, which may create capability gaps and impact overall security.
- Countering Chinese Pressure: The U.S. State Department stated that further delays in funding are viewed as a concession to the Chinese Communist Party, despite ongoing support for Taiwan's acquisition of critical defense capabilities, reflecting the U.S.'s commitment to Taiwan's defense.
- Defense Capability Gaps: Taiwan's defense ministry highlighted the exclusion of the
See More
