US approves potential $1.08 billion Black Hawk helicopter sale to Mexico

Lockheed Martin Sikorsky's S-92A+ was selected as South Korea's next presidential command helicopter. The 873 billion won project will replace three existing S-92s with four new aircraft starting in 2031. Domestic companies will participate in mission equipment and maintenance. The S-92A+ features upgraded engines and gearboxes for improved performance.

Lockheed Martin received a $694M contract to produce hypersonic missiles for the US Air Force, amid a global arms race involving the US, China, and Russia. China and Russia lead in hypersonic weapons, with China's arsenal expected to reach 4,000 by 2035. The US plans to spend $37.9B on hypersonic programs from 2027 to 2031 to catch up. China's advantages include early deployment, advanced testing infrastructure, and high production rates.

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, was selected to deliver the S-92A+ helicopter to the Republic of Korea Air Force for its Presidential Helicopter II program. The contract includes four helicopters, with local mission equipment completion by KAEMS, and additional special mission equipment and sustainment support. The S-92A+ features upgraded engines and increased payload or fuel capacity.

U.S. defense contractors reported Q3 earnings growth and secured new contracts, but Democratic election wins raised concerns over military spending. Curtiss-Wright (CW) reported 10% revenue growth and raised its 2026 EPS forecast. Leidos (LDOS) and BWX Technologies (BWXT) also posted earnings. Lockheed Martin (LMT), Boeing (BA), and others won multi-million-dollar contracts. Defense stocks fell, with CW, LDOS, and BWXT down 21%, 26%, and 30% YTD.

Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Curtiss-Wright secured U.S. Navy contracts. Leonardo DRS partnered with AeroVironment for anti-drone lasers. Democrats' midterm wins may impact Trump's $1.5T 2027 defense budget. Defense stocks like LMT, LHX, RTX, and NOC fell. L3Harris, Boeing, and HII reported strong Q3 earnings. Curtiss-Wright (CW) raised its 2026 EPS forecast after a 10% revenue increase and $1.1B in new orders. Leidos (LDOS) beat EPS estimates but missed revenue forecasts.

The South Korean military selected Lockheed Martin's S-92A+ helicopter for a presidential transport project, costing 873 billion won. The new model will be operational from 2031. Additionally, the government approved a nuclear submarine project, exempting it from a feasibility study to expedite development, aiming for a launch in the late 2030s.