Firefly Aerospace's Alpha rocket nailed its Stairway to Seven mission on March 11, 2026, reaching orbit, delivering Lockheed payload, and validating Block II upgrades—boosting investor confidence.
Escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict sparks market turmoil: airlines and cruises drop 5-7% on fuel fears, while defense firms like Lockheed soar amid rising geopolitical tensions. Oil jumps sharply.
Lockheed Martin (LMT) shares jump on better-than-expected earnings, optimistic 2026 forecast, and agreement to quadruple THAAD missile production with the Department of Defense.
L3Harris Technologies to spin off missile unit as standalone company with $1B Pentagon investment. IPO planned for late 2026 to boost U.S. rocket motor production capacity.
President Trump proposes 50% increase in US military spending to $1.5 trillion by 2027, citing tariff revenue as funding source despite budget concerns.
Defense stocks fall as Trump prohibits dividends and buybacks, caps executive pay at $5M, demanding contractors invest in equipment instead.
