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On Tuesday, President Trump hosted a press briefing at the White House, outlining his vision for the Golden Dome defense program. The proposed $175 billion initiative focuses on space-based interceptor satellites for missile defense, complemented by surveillance satellites and multiple other defense layers, extending to ground systems. The program aims to be operational by the end of Trump’s term in 2029, although achieving full operational capabilities by then may prove ambitious.
General Michael Guetlein of the Space Force has been appointed to lead the Golden Dome project. The initial phase has secured $25 billion in funding from Republican lawmakers through the current Reconciliation Bill. However, the Congressional Budget Office estimates the program’s 20-year cost could reach $831 billion, with space-based interceptors alone accounting for $542 billion. These figures suggest potential competition for funding among various defense initiatives, including NGAD, Sentinel, and FA-XX.
The Pentagon and Northern Command are in the process of drafting the initial capabilities document to define the system’s specifications and requirements. It is expected that both existing and new capabilities will be integrated into Golden Dome’s multi-layered defense structure, with current systems like the Patriot missile defense likely to play a role.
During the briefing, L3Harris (NYSE:LHX) was mentioned twice, following a contribution to the presentation by Indiana Senator Jim Banks. LHX recently expanded its manufacturing facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) and RTX (NYSE:RTX), a prominent player in the Aerospace & Defense sector with a market capitalization of $183 billion, were also noted for their potential involvement. RTX currently trades near its 52-week high of $137.75, reflecting strong investor confidence in its defense capabilities. According to InvestingPro, the company has maintained dividend payments for 55 consecutive years, demonstrating long-term financial stability., along with mentions of Silicon Valley’s role and a diverse range of contractors, including SpaceX, Palantir (NYSE:NASDAQ:PLTR), and Anduril, all rumored to be likely participants. For investors seeking deeper insights into defense contractors’ valuations and financial health, InvestingPro offers comprehensive analysis of 1,400+ US stocks, including detailed Pro Research Reports that transform complex Wall Street data into actionable intelligence.
Truist has identified several companies within its coverage that could benefit from the Golden Dome program, including Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC), DRS, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (NASDAQ:KTOS), Moog Inc. (NYSE:MOG.A), and Mercury Systems (NASDAQ:MRCY). Northrop Grumman, with its extensive technical portfolio, appears particularly well-positioned to secure significant involvement in the program, spanning from satellite-based missile detection and tracking to ground-based defense systems.
In other recent news, Raytheon (NYSE:RTN), a segment of RTX, has delivered its first upgraded AN/TPY-2 radar to the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, featuring advanced Gallium Nitride technology to enhance missile defense capabilities. The radar, equipped with the latest CX6 high-performance computing software, aims to improve target discrimination and defense against electronic threats. Additionally, Raytheon secured a $580 million contract with the U.S. Navy for the Next (LON:NXT) Generation Jammer Mid-Band system, which will enhance electronic warfare capabilities for the EA-18G Growler aircraft. In a significant international deal, Qatar has become the first international customer for Raytheon’s FS-LIDS system, acquiring counter-drone capabilities valued at $1 billion. Benchmark analysts have upgraded RTX Corp’s stock rating to Buy, with a new price target of $140, citing positive impacts from the "Peace Through Strength" campaign and strong performance in the aerospace and defense sectors. Raytheon also showcased its ASTARTE system at a military exercise, demonstrating improved airspace operations and decision-making capabilities. These developments reflect Raytheon’s ongoing advancements in defense technology and strategic partnerships.
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