War Profiteers Multiply as Opportunists Eye "Golden Opportunity"

"“This is a golden opportunity right now based on who's in government,” Taiclet told investors during an earnings call. He cited in particular officials' “willingness to change” and “the demand that they have for what we do and what our partners in our industry do.” That “demand” of course is war, and the administration has pretty much been in it since Trump's 2025 inauguration, from supporting Israel in its Gaza and Lebanon operations, firefights with the Houthis, and now Iran."

"Lockheed has signed billions in contracts with the Pentagon since the beginning of the year, mostly to replenish missiles. Lockheed Martin also has an agreement with the Pentagon to quadruple its production of THAAD interceptors by 2027. And the U.S. has used many of them both. As the Center for Strategic and International Studies found late last month, the U.S. has burned up over 45% of its Precision Strike Missiles (PrSMs) and roughly half of its THAAD and Patriot missile defense interceptors."

The U.S. blockade on the Strait of Hormuz threatens a fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire, while people seek to profit from wartime conditions. Lockheed Martin’s CEO praised the Trump administration for creating a “golden opportunity” for the defense industry, citing government willingness to change and demand for defense capabilities. Lockheed has secured billions in Pentagon contracts since the 2025 inauguration, largely to replenish missiles. The company also has an agreement to quadruple THAAD interceptor production by 2027. The U.S. has already expended large portions of its Precision Strike Missiles and significant shares of THAAD and Patriot interceptors, prompting consideration of a supplemental package to refill stocks.

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