Latest news with #LockheedMartin
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
AI image of crashed jet falsely linked to Iran-Israel war
"The F-35 shot down by Iran. Much bigger than I thought," reads the Korean-language caption of an image shared on Threads on June 15, 2025. The image appears to show a massive fighter jet that has crashed in the desert and is missing its left wing. A crowd appears to have gathered around its nose. It circulated after Iranian state media said the country's forces had downed two Israeli fighter jets during a massive Israeli air raid on June 13 (archived link). An Israeli official rejected the report as "fake news" (archived link). The same image was shared on South Korean forum Aagag, and a wider crop appearing to show the plane next to a road surfaced in similar Threads and X posts as well as in other forums such as SVR Forum, Ruliweb, MLB Park and Inven. But the image has tell-tale signs of being AI generated, and the purported F-35 fighter jet does not match photos of the warplane. In the version that shows the plane next to a road, the people surrounding the aircraft appear to be as large as the buses and one vehicle appears to be fused to the road. Moreover, the shape and size of the purported crashed jet -- which according to manufacturer Lockheed Martin measures just under 16 metres (52 feet) -- differs from F-35s as seen in photos available in AFP's archives (archived link). An AFP photo of an Israeli F-35 also shows the symbol on its wing -- a Star of David on a circle -- is different to the symbol on the purported crashed jet's wing, which appears to be a star with a thick border. While generative AI technology is rapidly improving, visual inconsistencies persist and are the best way to identify fabricated content. The Iran-Israel conflict has triggered a wave of misinformation, which AFP has debunked here.
Russia Today
a day ago
- Business
- Russia Today
British F-35 jet grounded in southern India
A British F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet has been grounded at the Thiruvananthapuram Airport in southern India since making an emergency landing on Saturday. British aviation engineers are working on the aircraft, which remains on the tarmac on account of a 'technical snag,' according to local media reports. The jet, part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, was engaged in operations in the Indo-Pacific region after conducting joint exercises with the Indian Navy. The F-35B is a fighter jet designed by Lockheed Martin that can take off and land vertically, making it suitable for use on aircraft carriers. On Saturday night, the aircraft made an emergency diversion to Thiruvananthapuram due to low fuel levels, a report by NDTV said. It made an emergency landing after encountering bad weather, which prevented it from returning to its carrier. The Indian Air Force (IAF) assisted it by using its radar network and coordinating with air traffic control to ensure a safe landing, the Times of India said. WATCH | Kerala: An F-35 fighter jet of the UK Navy made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport due to low fuel. The aircraft is still there. (Visuals from Thiruvananthapuram Airport) On Monday, a Royal Navy helicopter arrived at the airport to take the pilot back to the ship, suggesting the F-35's return to service may be delayed. The IAF has said the jet's emergency landing was a 'normal occurrence,' adding that it is providing logistical support to assist with the situation. Six technicians who had arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday and Monday, returned to the HMS Prince of Wales by helicopter on Tuesday afternoon, the Times of India added. The IAF does not have the F-35 in its arsenal but US President Donald Trump said in February that his country would offer to sell the jets to India. However, local media reports have suggested that the South Asian nation was leaning towards buying the Russian-made Sukhoi Su-57. The television channel CNN-News18 cited Indian government sources as saying that the country was weighing an offer from Moscow for Su-57s, while no proposal about the F-35 was being considered.
Business Insider
a day ago
- Business
- Business Insider
LMT, RTX, or NOC: Which Defense Stock Could Deliver the Best Returns?
Geopolitical tensions have been on the rise in recent years. The Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East, most recently between Israel and Iran, have brought defense stocks back in focus. With a favorable demand backdrop in mind, we used TipRanks' Stock Comparison Tool to place Lockheed Martin (LMT), RTX Corporation (RTX), and Northrop Grumman (NOC) against each other to find the defense stock that could deliver the best returns, according to Wall Street analysts. Confident Investing Starts Here: Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) Lockheed Martin is one of the prominent players in the aerospace and defense space. Last year, it generated revenue of $71 billion through its Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space businesses. Recently, LMT stock was under pressure following a Bloomberg report that the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has halved its request to Congress for the F-35 jets for the air force to 24 this year, compared to 48 last year. Despite this potential short-term pressure, several analysts remain bullish on LMT stock due to its diversified revenue streams and robust backlog. Notably, the company stated that its Q1 2025 backlog of about $173 billion represents more than two years of sales. Moreover, Lockheed Martin continues to enter into strategic deals to bolster its business. On Tuesday, LMT stock rose about 3% in reaction to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), expanding their existing partnership on air systems to include rotorcraft manufacturing and other product categories. Is LMT Stock a Good Buy Now? Reacting to the F-35 news, Truist Securities analyst Michael Ciarmoli reiterated a Buy rating on Lockheed Martin stock with a price target of $579. The 5-star analyst noted that the F-35 accounted for about 25% of Lockheed Martin's overall sales and nearly 61% of the Aeronautics segment's revenue in 2024. He acknowledged that, given LMT's reliance on the F-35 program, the company's revenues are at risk if the F-35 budget request is halved. That said, Ciarmoli noted that 'moving pieces limit the risk until the final proposal is officially released.' He contended that securing Congressional approval to slash the F-35 program in half will be a hurdle alone, given that it has an estimated $72 billion impact on the American economy annually and supports over 290,000 jobs across all 50 states. Overall, Lockheed Martin stock scores a Moderate Buy consensus rating on TipRanks based on seven Buys and eight Holds. The average LMT stock price target of $521.07 indicates about 11.2% upside potential. Additionally, LMT stock offers a dividend yield of 2.8%. Lockheed Martin stock is down 3.6% year-to-date. RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX) RTX Corporation, previously known as Raytheon Technologies, operates via three businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. RTX stock has rallied over 39% over the past year, thanks to strong fundamentals, demand driven by geopolitical tensions, and a rebound in aviation spending following the lull seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. The defense contractor and commercial aerospace supplier has impressed investors with its resilient performance and robust Q1 2025 backlog of $217 billion, including $125 billion of commercial and $92 billion of defense business. However, there are some concerns about the impact of tariffs on RTX's near-term performance. Back in April, the company cautioned investors about a $850 million hit to its 2025 operating profit from tariffs. Is RTX Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold? Recently, Jefferies analyst Sheila Kahyaoglu raised the price target for RTX stock to $155 from $130 but maintained a Hold rating. The 5-star analyst boosted the price target to reflect the potential for margin improvement in the company's Pratt & Whitney division. Kahyaoglu also sees the possibility of RTX gaining from higher revenues from Raytheon's defense business, if the division captures incremental budget dollars from the U.S. and European Union. The analyst remains sidelined on RTX stock due to certain uncertainties, including the achievement of $10 billion in free cash flow by 2027. On TipRanks, RTX stock scores a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on 12 Buys and five Holds. The average RTX stock price target of $140.33 indicates 3.8% downside risk, following the 26% year-to-date rally in the stock. RTX stock offers a dividend yield of 1.9%. Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) Aerospace and defense technology company Northrop Grumman disappointed investors with its Q1 2025 results and full-year earnings guidance cut to reflect losses on its B-21 stealth bomber program due to increased costs. However, the company maintained its sales and free cash flow outlook for 2025. Northrop had previously warned investors about higher costs related to the beginning of the B-21 program. However, the B-21 program is expected to become more profitable as production surges. Looking ahead, Northrop Grumman is confident of growth in the years ahead, driven by significant progress on its key programs. The company also highlighted its strong Q1 2025 backlog of $92.8 billion. Is NOC a Good Stock to Buy? Reacting to the disappointing Q1 2025 results, UBS analyst Gavin Parsons reduced his price target for Northrop Grumman stock to $571 from $583 and reiterated a Buy rating. Parsons thinks that a ramp to the 2025 outlook looks difficult. However, he remains bullish on NOC stock, as he believes that the company's record backlog offers a longer-term growth opportunity. With 10 Buys and five Holds, Northrop Grumman stock scores a Moderate Buy consensus rating. At $541.36, the average NOC stock price target indicates 9.4% upside potential. NOC stock's dividend yield stands at 1.9%. Northrop Grumman stock has risen 5.4% year-to-date. Conclusion Wall Street is cautiously optimistic on the three defense stocks discussed here. Including dividend yield and expected appreciation in the stock, Lockheed Martin's potential returns look slightly more attractive than Northrop Grumman, while Wall Street sees downside risk in RTX stock following a solid rally so far this year. Lockheed Martin boasts a diversified business and a strong backlog and is expected to gain from rising geopolitical tensions.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Why Lockheed Martin Stock Zoomed Higher Today
The defense sector mainstay signed a new agreement with a business partner in Asia. It's hardly the first, as the two businesses have been collaborating for over 30 years. 10 stocks we like better than Lockheed Martin › News of a strengthened business tie-up with an important partner overseas gave some lift to Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) stock on Tuesday. The defense company went on the offense, with its shares climbing to a nearly 3% gain on the day. That looked particularly good next to the S&P 500 index, which sank by more than 0.8% that trading session. Lockheed announced that it and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to expand their existing aircraft development partnership. The MOU covers the manufacturing of rotorcraft and the development of space systems and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), among other projects. The agreement marks the latest move in what's been a 30-plus-year collaboration between Lockheed and KAI. The two companies originally partnered on the licensed production of the F16 fighter aircraft. In its press release touting the news, Lockheed quoted its chief operating officer, Frank St. John, as saying that the new pact "reflects our commitment to advancing global security by partnering with U.S. allies to develop, manufacture and sustain 21st century deterrence solutions." The company did not provide any financial details about its arrangement with KAI. A typical MOU has less heft and power as a contract; however, this one is meaningful because it spells out how Lockheed and KAI will expand their already close collaboration. With global tensions rising, now is an ideal time for defense companies to strengthen alliances. That goes double for the Korea Aerospace Industries, which has been frozen in an edgy, North-South standoff for over seven decades. Before you buy stock in Lockheed Martin, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Lockheed Martin wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $660,821!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $886,880!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 791% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 174% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join . See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of June 9, 2025 Eric Volkman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Lockheed Martin. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Why Lockheed Martin Stock Zoomed Higher Today was originally published by The Motley Fool
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Lockheed Martin and Electra Expand Collaboration to Accelerate EL9 Ultra-STOL Commercialization
PARIS, June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® (NYSE: LMT) and Inc. ("Electra") signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore opportunities for Electra's EL9 ultra-short takeoff and landing (Ultra-STOL) aircraft. Lockheed Martin, a global defense technology company, will collaborate with Electra to explore ways to accelerate the development of the EL9 in areas including digital engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, sustainment, and global business development. Additionally, the Skunk Works and Electra teams will assess opportunities for potential programs of record with the U.S. Department of Defense and global customers. The Electra EL9 will transform commercial and military aviation for applications including last mile logistics, mobile power generation and emergency response. The Ultra-STOL EL9 can quietly take off and land in 150 feet and from unimproved surfaces, enabling operations in austere areas while retaining the safety, cost and range benefits of a fixed-wing aircraft. The EL9's ability to carry 1,000 lbs. over 1,000 miles enables an array of novel use cases for commercial and defense users. "Lockheed Martin's breadth of manufacturing, supply chain and military customer expertise is the perfect complement to Electra's EL9 commercialization strategy," said Marc Allen, CEO of Electra. "This relationship will accelerate our speed to market to bring the EL9's transformative capabilities to our military customers." "Electra has driven significant innovation in the hybrid-electric space, and we're excited to collaborate with them to accelerate their development," said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works®. The agreement deepens the strategic relationship between Lockheed Martin and Electra. In 2022, Lockheed Martin Ventures signed a strategic cooperation agreement to invest in Electra's Series A funding round. About Lockheed MartinLockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at About Inc. (Electra) is an advanced aerospace company building hybrid-electric Ultra Short aircraft that achieve never-before performance advantages to fly people and cargo seamlessly without airports, emissions, or noise. With the Ultra Short, Electra is pioneering Direct Aviation, the next level of connectivity that brings air travel closer to where we live, work, and play. Electra's Ultra Short technology delivers 2.5X the payload and 10X longer range with 70% lower operating costs than helicopters and eVTOLs with significantly greater safety and far less certification risk. Electra's team includes some of the most respected and successful entrepreneurs and engineers in novel aircraft design, with over 40 prior aircraft successfully developed and/or certified. Electra's contracted customers include NASA, the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Navy, along with over 2,200 aircraft under Letters of Intent from 50+ commercial customers, including both airlines and helicopter operators. Media Contact:Media@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE
