Latest news with #RafaelAdvancedDefenseSystems
NDTV
5 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Explained: Israel's Air Defence System Against Iranian Missiles
Israel and Iran launched fresh attacks at each other early on Saturday, with the conflict between the two regional foes showing no signs of slowing or ending. Not at least for now. Visuals of damaged buildings from Tel Aviv, Haifa and parts of Jerusalem have made many question if Israel's multi-layered air defence system is good enough for a long fight. The Israeli air defence system, despite its sophistication, is not impenetrable, as the current conflict has shown. So, what does this air defence system have? Iron Dome One of the most recognised components of Israel's defensive umbrella is the Iron Dome, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries. In service since 2011, it is designed to intercept short-range rockets and artillery shells. The system uses radar and threat-assessment algorithms to calculate whether an incoming projectile poses a risk to civilian areas. Only if it does, the system launches a Tamir interceptor missile to destroy the threat mid-air. Israeli officials claim the Iron Dome has a success rate exceeding 90%, although some experts have raised questions about its effectiveness against newer, more unpredictable threats, reported the Washington Post. David's Sling For more distant threats, Israel relies on David's Sling, which has been operational since 2017. The system, developed jointly with American defence giant Raytheon, is engineered to take down medium to long-range ballistic and cruise missiles, those usually fired from distances between 40 and 300 kilometres. Arrow System The Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 systems constitute the uppermost layer of Israel's defence grid, designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles, particularly those that travel outside Earth's atmosphere. Arrow 2 relies on explosive warheads to destroy targets, while Arrow 3 eliminates threats by sheer kinetic force, without explosives. The Arrow system is geared towards neutralising the kind of long-range, high-velocity projectiles Iran has increasingly relied upon. Israel's Challenges Israel said that Iran has launched over 1,000 projectiles since June 13. The Iranian arsenal includes both cruise missiles and ballistic missiles capable of reaching Israel in just 12 minutes. These projectiles are capable of descending at hypersonic speeds. To counter the threat, Israel has been striking Iranian drone depots, missile launchers and production sites. Some analysts believe that Iran may now be depleting its stockpile, reported the Washington Post. International Support The US has also played a behind-the-scenes role. According to US defence officials, American-operated Patriot and THAAD missile systems intercepted incoming Iranian projectiles on June 13. The American contribution is part of a broader history of defence cooperation, which includes joint development of systems like David's Sling and Arrow 3. While Israel's air defence system has long shown its effectiveness, the ongoing conflict has exposed vulnerabilities under the strain of continuous and large-scale attacks.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
RTX Stock Looks to Prosper as Middle Eastern Conflict Escalates
Amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, the need for cutting-edge defense capabilities is more urgent than ever. RTX Corporation (RTX) plays a crucial role in this space, supporting systems such as Israel's Iron Dome and other defense initiatives. While not a high-growth stock, RTX offers a resilient investment amid macroeconomic uncertainty, with a forward dividend yield of 1.87% providing an additional layer of return stability for investors. Easily unpack a company's performance with TipRanks' new KPI Data for smart investment decisions Receive undervalued, market resilient stocks right to your inbox with TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter With year-to-date performance already outshining the S&P, recent news of a new theatre of war in the Middle East adds a layer of security for risk-averse investors. The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict underscores the heightened geopolitical risks in the region, with Iran's nuclear ambitions posing a significant threat to Western alliances, especially Israel. In this context, RTX's role in supporting Israeli defense infrastructure is both strategically vital and commercially significant. While the situation remains deeply troubling, sustained investment in defense appears essential for global stability, and RTX is well-positioned to benefit from these structural tailwinds. RTX co-develops and co-produces Israel's Iron Dome with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and is a key contractor for the David's Sling interceptor and Patriot missile systems used by U.S. allies in the Gulf. These programs are backed by $500 million annually under the U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding, further solidifying RTX's role in regional defense. Missile defense is a core contributor to RTX's nearly $100 billion backlog. The segment's operating margins—around 10%—reflect efficiencies from scale and U.S. government co-funding, which helps reduce R&D costs. In today's volatile geopolitical environment, RTX offers investors portfolio resilience. Just as the company helps protect Western nations from external threats, its stock serves as a defensive asset in times of global uncertainty. RTX is currently competing with Lockheed Martin (LMT) and Northrop Grumman (NOC) for a major hypersonic missile interceptor contract—a bid that, if lost, could result in hundreds of millions of dollars in potential revenue loss for the company. At the same time, a new wave of defense startups, particularly from Silicon Valley, is emerging with AI-native, autonomous technologies. While RTX is actively integrating AI across its product portfolio, the rise of AI-first firms—such as Anduril—poses a long-term threat to its market share. That said, RTX is likely to remain a dominant force in the evolving defense landscape. Its long-standing relationships with key defense customers, such as the U.S. Department of Defense, Israel, and Gulf states, give it a strategic edge. Rather than being displaced by newer players, it's more probable that emerging AI defense startups will seek partnerships with established firms like RTX. In the tightly interconnected Western defense ecosystem, deeply embedded contractors with decades of trust and proven capabilities—such as RTX—are positioned to endure and adapt. Based on my current valuation model, I project RTX to deliver normalized earnings per share of approximately $6.50 by mid-2026. Assuming only a modest contraction in the trailing 12-month price-to-earnings ratio—from 25 to 24, reflecting elevated investor sentiment amid ongoing geopolitical tensions—this supports a 12-month price target of around $155. With shares currently trading near $145, that implies a potential price appreciation of about 7%. When factoring in RTX's dividend yield of roughly 1.5% to 2%, the total expected return over the next year is approximately 9%. This outlook reinforces my view of RTX as a defensive, income-generating holding rather than a high-alpha opportunity. The company has increased its dividend for 32 consecutive years, with a five-year dividend growth rate of 6.65%—a testament to its consistency and financial strength. However, given that my portfolio is oriented toward high volatility and alpha generation, RTX, while fundamentally sound, does not align with my current investment strategy. Wall Street currently rates RTX as a Moderate Buy, with 12 Buy ratings, five Holds, and no Sells. The average price target stands at $140.33, suggesting a potential downside of about 4% over the next 12 months. My independent valuation is more aligned with the higher end of analyst estimates. While geopolitical tensions may boost short-term sentiment, the consensus underscores the importance of focusing on long-term fundamentals rather than chasing near-term headlines. There are valid reasons to approach an allocation to RTX with caution. Chief among them is the potential for AI-driven disruption to erode future returns. Additionally, RTX offers only moderate annual return potential, although it provides meaningful stability and resilience across various macroeconomic environments. While I'm moderately bullish on the stock, I choose not to hold a position personally, as RTX functions more as a portfolio hedge than a high-growth, alpha-generating asset. I currently maintain that defensive positioning can be achieved through a cash allocation instead. Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue Sign in to access your portfolio
Russia Today
4 days ago
- Business
- Russia Today
Israel accuses France of anti-Semitism
Israel has claimed a French decision to block Israeli weapons manufacturers from displaying their weapons at the Paris Air Show is anti-Semitic, discriminatory and politically driven. French officials on Monday found that the Israeli firms had violated an agreement not to showcase 'offensive weapons,' including those being used on the people of Gaza, and ordered black partitions to be placed around their stands at the air show exhibition hall. The Israeli Defense Ministry denounced the decision as 'bluntly anti-Semitic,' accusing France of trying to block competition from Israeli firms. 'The French are hiding behind supposedly political considerations to exclude Israeli offensive weapons from an international exhibition – weapons that compete with French industries,' the ministry claimed. The French Foreign Ministry defended the move, saying its position had been 'clear and consistent.' While supporting Israel's defense – including contributing to the Iron Dome – Paris said it 'cannot accept the promotion of such [offensive] weapons on our national soil.'Acting on government instructions, organizers at the Paris Air Show covered the stands of Israel Aerospace Industries, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Elbit Systems, UVision, and Aeronautics. A French government source told media the firms had gone back on an earlier deal restricting such displays. Among the hidden items were reportedly air-to-surface munitions, drone mock-ups by Elbit and Bluebird Aero Systems. Three smaller Israeli stands without visible hardware, along with an Israeli Ministry of Defense booth, remained open. Israeli President Isaac Herzog also condemned the move, calling it 'outrageous' and urging that it be 'immediately corrected.' Speaking on French television channel LCI, he said: 'It's like creating an Israeli ghetto.' The show's organizer said it was working to help 'find a favorable outcome.' The week-long expo at Le Bourget reportedly features over 2,400 companies from 48 countries. The dispute comes as Israel's missile exchanges with Iran continue for a fourth day and global concern over its operations in Gaza grows. On Friday, Israel launched strikes on sites it said were linked to Iran's nuclear program, killing several senior military officials. Tehran claims 224 people have been killed in the attacks since then, and that 'over 90%' were civilians. At least 21 Israelis have died in Iranian retaliatory strikes.
Russia Today
5 days ago
- Business
- Russia Today
Israel accuses France of anti-Semitism over covered display at arms expo
Israel has blasted France for blocking several of its weapons manufacturers from displaying their products at the Paris Air Show, calling the move anti-Semitic, discriminatory and politically driven. According to media reports, French officials ordered black partitions to be placed around several Israeli weapons exhibits on Monday, saying the companies had violated an agreement not to showcase 'offensive weapons,' including those used in Gaza. Acting on government instructions, organizers at the Paris Air Show covered the stands of Israel Aerospace Industries, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Elbit Systems, UVision, and Aeronautics. A French government source told media the firms had gone back on an earlier deal restricting such displays. Among the hidden items were reportedly air-to-surface munitions, drone mock-ups by Elbit and Bluebird Aero Systems. Three smaller Israeli stands without visible hardware, along with an Israeli Ministry of Defense booth, remained open. The French Foreign Ministry defended the move, saying its position had been 'clear and consistent.' While supporting Israel's defense – including contributing to the Iron Dome – Paris said it 'cannot accept the promotion of such [offensive] weapons on our national soil.' The Israeli Defense Ministry denounced the decision as 'bluntly anti-Semitic,' accusing France of trying to block competition from Israeli firms. 'The French are hiding behind supposedly political considerations to exclude Israeli offensive weapons from an international exhibition – weapons that compete with French industries,' the ministry claimed. Israeli President Isaac Herzog also condemned the move, calling it 'outrageous' and urging that it be 'immediately corrected.' Speaking on French television channel LCI, he said: 'It's like creating an Israeli ghetto.' The show's organizer said it was working to help 'find a favorable outcome.' The week-long expo at Le Bourget reportedly features over 2,400 companies from 48 countries. The dispute comes as Israel's missile exchanges with Iran continue for a fourth day and global concern over its operations in Gaza grows. On Friday, Israel launched strikes on sites it said were linked to Iran's nuclear program, killing several senior military officials. Tehran claims 224 people have been killed in the attacks since then, and that 'over 90%' were civilians. At least 21 Israelis have died in Iranian retaliatory strikes.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Israel's air superiority lets it strike Iran on the cheap — and force Tehran into costly retaliation
Israeli fighter jets have battered Iran's air defenses, allowing them to operate more freely. The degraded surface-to-air missile threat means Israeli aircraft can use cheaper weapons to strike. Iran, meanwhile, is left retaliating with its more expensive ballistic missiles. The Israeli military says it has achieved air superiority over swaths of Iran, including the capital Tehran, after battering the country's air defenses in recent bombing runs. The Monday declaration that Israel has an overwhelming advantage in the air comes just a few days into an intensive operation aimed at degrading Iran's nuclear program and wiping out its military capabilities, including a substantial number of surface-to-air missile launchers. Israel is operating its F-35I stealth fighter jets above Iran and also its fourth-generation aircraft, like the F-16 and F-15, that lack some of the same low observable capabilities but can drop cheap glide bombs on Iranian targets. On Sunday, Israeli fighter jets struck the Mashhad airport in eastern Iran, some 1,400 miles away, marking Israel's longest-range attack since beginning its bombing campaign and further underscoring its ability to fly largely uncontested above Iran. The effective Israeli strikes on Iranian air defenses and military airports "will degrade Iran's ability to restrict Israeli operations in its airspace," the Institute for the Study of War, a conflict studies think tank in Washington, DC, said on Sunday. Weapons analysts have identified Israeli fighter jets armed with Joint Direct Attack Munitions. JDAMs, which are made by the US defense contractor Boeing, are dumb bombs fitted with relatively cheap guidance kits that turn them into precision-guided munitions. These weapons are not considered stand-off weapons. Analysts have also spotted Israeli aircraft armed with SPICE bombs. Like JDAMs, guidance kits that turn dumb bombs into precision weapons. They are made by the local defense firm Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. Open-source intelligence accounts have noted the use of JDAMs and SPICE — which stands for Smart, Precise Impact, Cost-Effective — bombs in the airstrikes across Iran, including around Tehran. Israel's ability to fire these munitions suggests it is less concerned about defenses and does not necessarily have to employ its more expensive missiles for high-value targets. It has more options. Iran, which lacks a strong air force, has retaliated against Israel by firing more than 370 ballistic missiles in multiple waves since Friday. There have been at least 30 impact sites so far, killing two dozen people and wounding over 590 others, according to Israeli government statistics. Ballistic missiles, which can cost millions of dollars apiece, are much more expensive than the individual JDAMs and SPICE bombs Israel is using to strike Iran. A single JDAM, for instance, may cost only tens of thousands of dollars. By firing multiple salvos of missiles, Iran is depleting its stockpiles; it is estimated to have hundreds, possibly thousands, that can reach Israel. Israel said on Monday that it had destroyed a third of Tehran's launchers during the fight, limiting its ability to get missiles off the ground. Iran has also launched hundreds of drones at Israel. While these are much cheaper than the missiles — Tehran's notorious Shahed-136 drone is estimated to cost as little as $20,000 — these weapons also travel significantly slower and are much easier to intercept. However, Iran's missile and drone fire forces Israel to expend valuable air defenses, adding to a growing financial toll. At the lower end, a single Iron Dome interceptor costs some $50,000. A missile launched from the Arrow-3 system, which can intercept incoming targets in space, costs several million dollars. US officials said American forces in the region have helped to shoot down Iranian missiles aimed at Israel, but they have said that Washington is not involved in offensive operations. Israeli officials announced the start of "Operation Rising Lion," aimed at degrading Iran's nuclear program, last Friday. Israeli fighter jets have carried out widespread airstrikes across Iran, targeting its nuclear facilities and top scientists, in addition to other military targets, such as Tehran's missile launchers, weapons production sites, air defenses, and senior commanders. The operation could derail President Donald Trump's efforts to reach a new nuclear deal with Iran. Tehran argues that its nuclear program is for civilian use only. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long pushed for a military approach to deal with what he describes as an existential threat. Read the original article on Business Insider
