Raytheon Awarded Contract to Develop Lithium Niobate Wafer Production
Raytheon, an RTX business, was awarded a contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory to develop a domestic production capability for thin film lithium niobate wafers, a material essential to high-speed, secure communications and advanced sensing systems. TFLN is used in next-generation photonics for many defense applications and a broad set of commercial applications, including AI and computing technologies, data centers, and telecommunications. With supply currently dominated by foreign sources, Raytheon aims to ensure the U.S. has a secure, domestic alternative that will be available to the entire defense industrial base and commercial industries.
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- Award Nomination: Collins Aerospace's SkyNook suite has been named a finalist for the 2026 Crystal Cabin Award, highlighting its innovation and excellence in aircraft cabin interior design that enhances the passenger experience.
- Passenger Comfort Enhancement: Located at the aft of widebody aircraft, the SkyNook suite transforms underutilized space into a semi-private retreat, accommodating families, travelers with service animals, or those with special needs, thereby improving overall air travel comfort.
- Safety and Privacy Features: The suite includes a deployable privacy divider that dampens cabin noise and provides a visual barrier, allowing users to care for young children or enjoy a peaceful retreat during flights, which significantly boosts passenger satisfaction.
- Industry Recognition and Future Outlook: The winners of the Crystal Cabin Award will be announced on April 14, 2026, at the Aircraft Interiors Expo, and this nomination not only enhances Collins Aerospace's brand image but also lays a foundation for future innovations in the aviation market.
- Military Base Lease Controversy: Trump warned UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer that leasing the Diego Garcia military base is a “big mistake,” indicating that it may be necessary for U.S. strikes on Iran if nuclear talks fail, highlighting his deep concern for U.S. military strategy.
- Slow Progress in Iran Nuclear Talks: Despite Vice President JD Vance stating that Iran agreed to meet again in Geneva, Iran has not acknowledged Trump's core conditions, particularly zero uranium enrichment on its soil, complicating the negotiation landscape further.
- Military Readiness Status: Earlier satellite imagery confirmed that at least six B-2 Spirit bombers, constituting 30% of the U.S. stealth bomber fleet, were staged at Diego Garcia, preparing for potential military action, suggesting that Trump's comments may be paving the way for future military options.
- Significant Market Reaction: According to Polymarket, the odds of a U.S./Israel strike on Iran by February 28 surged from 24% to 38%, reflecting the market's heightened sensitivity to Trump's warning and investors' urgency regarding potential military actions.

Funding Announcement: A new funding round for Efficient Computer has been led by Triatomic Capital, with participation from various venture firms including RTX Ventures, Toyota Ventures, and Overmatch Ventures.
Investment Focus: The funding aims to support the development and growth of Efficient Computer's innovative technologies in the computing sector.
- Negotiation Progress: VP JD Vance noted that while Iran agreed to meet again, it has not acknowledged Trump's red lines, indicating the complexity of negotiations that could impact future diplomatic efforts.
- Military Action Inclination: Senator Lindsey Graham highlighted that the U.S. is close to eliminating the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the region, suggesting a potential increase in military actions aligned with Israel's stance on Iran.
- Market Reaction: Polymarket data shows a rise to 74% in the probability of U.S. military strikes on Iran by December, reflecting market concerns over escalating tensions that could influence oil price fluctuations.
- Energy Market Impact: Iran's central role in global oil supply means a successful deal could lower Brent crude prices by $5, while a collapse in talks could raise prices by $5 to $10, exacerbating inflationary pressures.
- Military Drill Impact: Iran's announcement of the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz for live-fire drills, a rare display of military force during nuclear negotiations, has triggered immediate alerts for global shipping giants and U.S. defense contractors.
- Oil Price Fluctuations: The closure of a passage that handles 20% of the world's oil has led to Brent crude trading at approximately $67.63 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate near $62.40, with slight increases, yet the market remains uncertain.
- Diplomatic Paradox: Despite escalating military tensions, Iranian Foreign Minister expressed optimism at a U.N. disarmament conference, claiming a
- Total Defense Contracts: In January 2026, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency submitted 11 arms deals to Congress, totaling $22.5 billion, indicating a robust growth in defense investments that could drive stock prices of involved companies higher.
- Lockheed Martin's Gains: Among these deals, Lockheed Martin secured a $9 billion contract for 730 PAC-3 MSE missiles from Saudi Arabia, making it the largest beneficiary and further solidifying its leadership position in the global defense market.
- Boeing's Contract: Boeing won a $2.3 billion contract in Singapore for four P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft and their weapon systems, although RTX will not gain additional revenue, Boeing's defense division is expected to improve its financial performance.
- Israel's Order: Israel placed a $3.8 billion order for 30 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and related equipment from Boeing and Lockheed Martin, reflecting Israel's ongoing demand for advanced military equipment and further driving growth for both companies in the international market.










