Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet announces plans to significantly increase production of the THAAD missile defense system, fueled by a substantial investment increase and in response to the former President's call to prioritize weapons manufacturing over financial maneuvers.
Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet says the company is investing billions to quadruple production of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile defense system as the Trump administration urges defense contractors to prioritize weapons manufacturing over Wall Street interests.
"We heard President Trump’s guidance loud and clear," Taiclet told FOX Business on Thursday, referencing the president’s warning against defense companies prioritizing stock buybacks over weapons production. Taiclet said Lockheed invested $3.6 billion in capital spending and independent research and development in 2025 and plans to raise that figure to $5 billion in 2026 — a 35% increase he said is intended to answer President Trump’s call. WAR SECRETARY HEGSETH HIGHLIGHTS US 'DRONE DOMINANCE' PUSH FOR MASS ADOPTION IN MODERN WARFARE "That’s Lockheed Martin’s strategy," Taiclet said, adding that the increased investment is aimed at prioritizing internal growth and supporting the Department of War’s goals. The comments came as Lockheed announced plans to quadruple THAAD production, boosting annual output from about 96 units to 400 over the next three years, and broke ground on a new munitions acceleration center in Arkansas to meet surging defense demand. LOCKHEED MARTIN'S SKUNK WORKS UNVEILS STEALTH COMBAT DRONE Lockheed Martin shares rose 6% after the company reported earnings and updated its financial guidance. Trump has publicly warned defense contractors against diverting cash to investors rather than weapons production. "Defense contractors are currently issuing massive dividends to their shareholders and massive stock buybacks, at the expense and detriment of investing in plants and equipment," the president wrote in a recent Truth Social post. GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE "This situation will no longer be allowed or tolerated!" The investment push also follows a landmark seven-year agreement with the Department of War to more than triple production of PAC-3 MSE interceptors to about 2,000 missiles annually.
Lockheed Martin THAAD Missile Defense Defense Spending Trump
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bridging the Gap: Economic Justice, Institutional Design, and the Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.This article examines the ongoing struggle to achieve economic justice, drawing parallels between the challenges faced during the Civil Rights era and the present day. It highlights the importance of institutional design and the critical role of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in addressing historical exclusion and ensuring equitable access to opportunity and wealth creation, inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision.
Read more »
Steve Martin and Martin Short Bring Out Each Other’s BestThe Austin Chronicle is an independent, locally owned and operated alternative newsweekly that reflects the heart and soul of Austin, Texas.
Read more »
Quantum batteries could quadruple qubit capacity in future quantum computersResearchers have proposed a theoretical approach to powering quantum computers of the future using quantum batteries.
Read more »
Lockheed Martin CEO says company pouring billions into missile output after Trump’s defense pushLockheed Martin CEO announces defense investment surge after President Trump warns contractors to prioritize weapons production over stock buybacks.
Read more »
Lockheed Martin to quadruple THAAD missile production for The PentagonThe group says it will ramp up its missile production form 96 to 400 interceptors per year over the next seven years
Read more »
Lockheed confirms RQ-170 Sentinel stealth drone flew in Maduro capture missionLockheed Martin confirms rare combat use of the RQ-170 Sentinel, linking the stealth drone to Operation Absolute Resolve.
Read more »