Turkey aims to return Russian missile systems in an effort to re-enter the F-35 program, according to reports.
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 18 2025
0mins
Source: SeekingAlpha
Turkey's S-400 Systems: Turkey is seeking to return the S-400 air defense systems purchased from Russia in 2017, which could improve relations with the U.S. and facilitate the purchase of F-35 fighter jets.
Discussions with Russia: Turkish President Erdoğan discussed the potential return of the S-400 with Russian President Putin, although the Kremlin denied any such request was made.
Impact on U.S. Relations: If Turkey relinquishes the S-400, it may lead to the U.S. lifting sanctions on Turkey's defense industry and possibly re-integrating Turkey into the F-35 program.
Financial Considerations: Turkey is reportedly seeking a refund for the S-400 purchase, which could involve negotiating deductions from its energy import bills with Russia.
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 fall
12 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
7 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 619.690
Low
430.00
Averages
535.50
High
605.00
Current: 619.690
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.
Lockheed Martin Increases Fund Capacity to $1 Billion
- Investment Expansion: Lockheed Martin is increasing its venture capital fund capacity from $400 million to $1 billion, representing a 250% increase and the largest boost since the fund's inception in 2007, aimed at accelerating the maturation and application of critical national security technologies.
- Technology Development Strategy: The increased funding will be directed towards advancing cutting-edge technologies such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and microelectronics, helping to create a more resilient technology pipeline within the Defense Industrial Base, thereby enhancing deterrence against emerging threats for the U.S. and its allies.
- Annual Showcase Event: The fund will host its 9th annual Demo Day in August, showcasing portfolio companies and new startups, facilitating collaboration and learning with Lockheed Martin leadership, and further driving innovation in the aerospace and defense sectors.
- Industry Impact: Through strategic investments, Lockheed Martin not only provides capital but also grants portfolio companies access to world-class engineering talent and advanced technologies, enhancing their competitiveness in the national security market and ensuring they remain at the forefront of future customer mission needs.
See More
US-Iran Tensions Impact Market Dynamics
- Market Recovery: The S&P 500 has erased all declines since the onset of the Iran war and is nearing an all-time high, reflecting investor optimism about potential progress in US-Iran negotiations, which could drive further stock market gains.
- Economic Blockade Impact: The full implementation of the US blockade on Iranian ports has cut off international sea trade that powers about 90% of Iran's economy, potentially leading to further economic deterioration in Iran while also creating ripple effects in the global energy market.
- International Relations Strain: The US's maximum pressure campaign not only affects Iran but also strains relationships with China and India, particularly as nearly all Iranian oil exports are directed to China, complicating regional dynamics.
- Corporate Developments: European chip manufacturing giant ASML has exceeded first-quarter revenue expectations with sales topping 8.8 billion euros, indicating that the tech sector continues to show robust growth amid global economic uncertainties, likely attracting more investor interest.
See More
U.S.-Iran Negotiation Optimism Fuels Stock Market Rally
- Stock Market Surge: The S&P 500 index has rallied for nine out of the last ten trading sessions, nearing its all-time high, driven by investor optimism regarding U.S.-Iran negotiations, indicating strong confidence in future economic recovery.
- Strait of Hormuz Blockade: President Trump announced a new blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, impacting about 20% of global oil supply, with over 10,000 U.S. military personnel and several warships enforcing it, further complicating the uncertain situation in the Middle East.
- Aviation Industry Crisis: Experts warn that if the blockade persists, Europe's airline industry could face a
See More
U.S. Department of Defense Awards Lockheed Martin $1.9 Billion Contract
- Significant Contract Value: The U.S. Department of Defense awarded Lockheed Martin a contract worth up to $1.9 billion to continue providing training systems and support for the C-130J military transport aircraft, reflecting strong confidence in the long-term investment in this platform.
- Flexible Contract Structure: This 10-year agreement is structured as a sole-source, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract, allowing the Pentagon to order services as needed, thereby ensuring continuity and adaptability for the program.
- Expanded Training Support: The new contract extends training support to include the Navy Reserve and Coast Guard, enhancing the coverage of the C-130J Maintenance and Aircrew Training System and improving multi-service operational capabilities.
- Widespread Global Use: The C-130J, as a modernized version of the Hercules transport aircraft, is widely used by numerous countries, with the global fleet accumulating millions of flight hours, underscoring its significance and reliability in tactical airlift missions.
See More
Lockheed Martin Expands Venture Fund to $1 Billion
- Venture Fund Expansion: Lockheed Martin announced an increase in its venture capital arm's funding from $400 million to $1 billion, marking the largest expansion since its establishment in 2007, reflecting the company's commitment to national security technology innovation.
- Investment Focus: The additional capital will be deployed to support the development of technologies tied to national security, particularly aimed at advancing early-stage innovations into operational use within the defense industrial base, enhancing the company's technological pipeline for future defense needs.
- Significant Investment Outcomes: Since its inception, Lockheed Martin Ventures has invested over $500 million across more than 120 companies, with over 60 of those firms becoming suppliers, collectively receiving more than $750 million in contracts, demonstrating the effectiveness and market impact of these investments.
- Annual Demo Day: The company plans to host its annual Demo Day in August, where portfolio companies and startups will present their work to executives and technical teams, further promoting the integration of technologies into defense programs.
See More
Iran War Costs Could Exceed $1 Trillion
- High Initial Costs: The Pentagon reported that the joint U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran, which began on February 28, incurred costs of $11.3 billion in just the first six days, indicating a significant initial economic burden that could impose heavy financial pressure on U.S. taxpayers.
- Daily Spending Estimates: Harvard public policy expert Linda Bilmes estimates that the short-term costs during the conflict could reach around $2 billion per day, covering munitions, troop deployments, and losses of military assets, which exacerbates the national debt burden.
- Long-Term Fiscal Impact: Bilmes highlights that the long-term costs of the war will significantly increase due to the need for reconstruction of damaged facilities and providing lifetime disability benefits for approximately 55,000 troops exposed to toxins, placing ongoing economic strain on taxpayers.
- Defense Budget Expansion: The White House has requested Congress to raise the defense budget to $1.5 trillion, and it is anticipated that even if the full increase is not approved, at least $100 billion will be added annually, further intensifying the U.S. fiscal deficit and impacting the economic situation for future generations.
See More
Lockheed Martin Increases Fund Capacity to $1 Billion
- Investment Expansion: Lockheed Martin is increasing its venture capital fund capacity from $400 million to $1 billion, representing a 250% increase and the largest boost since the fund's inception in 2007, aimed at accelerating the maturation and application of critical national security technologies.
- Technology Development Strategy: The increased funding will be directed towards advancing cutting-edge technologies such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and microelectronics, helping to create a more resilient technology pipeline within the Defense Industrial Base, thereby enhancing deterrence against emerging threats for the U.S. and its allies.
- Annual Showcase Event: The fund will host its 9th annual Demo Day in August, showcasing portfolio companies and new startups, facilitating collaboration and learning with Lockheed Martin leadership, and further driving innovation in the aerospace and defense sectors.
- Industry Impact: Through strategic investments, Lockheed Martin not only provides capital but also grants portfolio companies access to world-class engineering talent and advanced technologies, enhancing their competitiveness in the national security market and ensuring they remain at the forefront of future customer mission needs.
See More
US-Iran Tensions Impact Market Dynamics
- Market Recovery: The S&P 500 has erased all declines since the onset of the Iran war and is nearing an all-time high, reflecting investor optimism about potential progress in US-Iran negotiations, which could drive further stock market gains.
- Economic Blockade Impact: The full implementation of the US blockade on Iranian ports has cut off international sea trade that powers about 90% of Iran's economy, potentially leading to further economic deterioration in Iran while also creating ripple effects in the global energy market.
- International Relations Strain: The US's maximum pressure campaign not only affects Iran but also strains relationships with China and India, particularly as nearly all Iranian oil exports are directed to China, complicating regional dynamics.
- Corporate Developments: European chip manufacturing giant ASML has exceeded first-quarter revenue expectations with sales topping 8.8 billion euros, indicating that the tech sector continues to show robust growth amid global economic uncertainties, likely attracting more investor interest.
See More
U.S.-Iran Negotiation Optimism Fuels Stock Market Rally
- Stock Market Surge: The S&P 500 index has rallied for nine out of the last ten trading sessions, nearing its all-time high, driven by investor optimism regarding U.S.-Iran negotiations, indicating strong confidence in future economic recovery.
- Strait of Hormuz Blockade: President Trump announced a new blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, impacting about 20% of global oil supply, with over 10,000 U.S. military personnel and several warships enforcing it, further complicating the uncertain situation in the Middle East.
- Aviation Industry Crisis: Experts warn that if the blockade persists, Europe's airline industry could face a
See More
U.S. Department of Defense Awards Lockheed Martin $1.9 Billion Contract
- Significant Contract Value: The U.S. Department of Defense awarded Lockheed Martin a contract worth up to $1.9 billion to continue providing training systems and support for the C-130J military transport aircraft, reflecting strong confidence in the long-term investment in this platform.
- Flexible Contract Structure: This 10-year agreement is structured as a sole-source, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract, allowing the Pentagon to order services as needed, thereby ensuring continuity and adaptability for the program.
- Expanded Training Support: The new contract extends training support to include the Navy Reserve and Coast Guard, enhancing the coverage of the C-130J Maintenance and Aircrew Training System and improving multi-service operational capabilities.
- Widespread Global Use: The C-130J, as a modernized version of the Hercules transport aircraft, is widely used by numerous countries, with the global fleet accumulating millions of flight hours, underscoring its significance and reliability in tactical airlift missions.
See More
Lockheed Martin Expands Venture Fund to $1 Billion
- Venture Fund Expansion: Lockheed Martin announced an increase in its venture capital arm's funding from $400 million to $1 billion, marking the largest expansion since its establishment in 2007, reflecting the company's commitment to national security technology innovation.
- Investment Focus: The additional capital will be deployed to support the development of technologies tied to national security, particularly aimed at advancing early-stage innovations into operational use within the defense industrial base, enhancing the company's technological pipeline for future defense needs.
- Significant Investment Outcomes: Since its inception, Lockheed Martin Ventures has invested over $500 million across more than 120 companies, with over 60 of those firms becoming suppliers, collectively receiving more than $750 million in contracts, demonstrating the effectiveness and market impact of these investments.
- Annual Demo Day: The company plans to host its annual Demo Day in August, where portfolio companies and startups will present their work to executives and technical teams, further promoting the integration of technologies into defense programs.
See More
Iran War Costs Could Exceed $1 Trillion
- High Initial Costs: The Pentagon reported that the joint U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran, which began on February 28, incurred costs of $11.3 billion in just the first six days, indicating a significant initial economic burden that could impose heavy financial pressure on U.S. taxpayers.
- Daily Spending Estimates: Harvard public policy expert Linda Bilmes estimates that the short-term costs during the conflict could reach around $2 billion per day, covering munitions, troop deployments, and losses of military assets, which exacerbates the national debt burden.
- Long-Term Fiscal Impact: Bilmes highlights that the long-term costs of the war will significantly increase due to the need for reconstruction of damaged facilities and providing lifetime disability benefits for approximately 55,000 troops exposed to toxins, placing ongoing economic strain on taxpayers.
- Defense Budget Expansion: The White House has requested Congress to raise the defense budget to $1.5 trillion, and it is anticipated that even if the full increase is not approved, at least $100 billion will be added annually, further intensifying the U.S. fiscal deficit and impacting the economic situation for future generations.
See More
