$BA

Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Wayne Sanders noted that laser weapons' size has shrunk, but they rely on minerals China has restricted. RTX (Raytheon) reported Q2 revenue of $8.27B, up 18%, with a $289B backlog. CEO Chris Calio highlighted supply chain risks. Lockheed Martin (LMT) and Boeing (BA) also mentioned rare-earth mineral risks. RTX is up 30% over a year, while MP Materials, a rare-earth supplier, is down 19%.

Boeing forecasts Africa's aircraft fleet will grow to 1,625 by 2045 from 755 in 2025, requiring 1,165 deliveries. Single-aisle aircraft will dominate, with 870 expected. Passenger traffic is projected to grow 6.5% annually. The region's cargo fleet is expected to rise to 150 freighters. Boeing estimates the aviation services market will be worth $140 billion from 2026-2045, requiring 75,000 additional workers.

The Pentagon report highlights risks in the Air Force's plan to expand its F-15EX fleet from 129 to 267 jets, citing cost and schedule uncertainties. The expansion aims to modernize the fleet but may face manufacturing and obsolescence challenges, requiring a major technical refresh and potential redesign of key systems.

Boeing forecasts Africa's commercial aircraft fleet will grow to 1,625 by 2045, requiring 1,165 deliveries. Single-aisle planes will dominate, with 870 deliveries expected. Passenger traffic is projected to grow 6.5% annually, with Africa-Middle East traffic expanding at 7.1%. The aviation services market is estimated at $140 billion for 2026-2045, requiring 75,000 additional workers, including 22,000 pilots.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis increased munitions procurement in the Pentagon's FY18 budget request to maximum production rates. The $3.5B allocation includes Hellfire missiles, JDAMs, GMLRS, SDBs, Tomahawks, and APKWS, benefiting Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Raytheon. The Pentagon aims to replenish stocks used in counter-ISIS operations, with total munitions spending at $16.4B.

Boeing (BA) paid a $3.1 million FAA fine for safety violations, disclosed in September 2026 but paid in January. The fine, below disclosure thresholds, is minor compared to Boeing's $89.5 billion 2025 revenue. The FAA's penalty authority was capped by law. Boeing's backlog hit a record $695 billion. Critics argue fines are insufficient deterrents.

Boeing and the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) will resume contract negotiations on September 8. The union previously rejected Boeing's offer and authorized a strike. SPEEA seeks higher wage increases and cost-of-living adjustments. Boeing has a contingency plan in place. The negotiations involve 17,000 workers.

Boeing (NYSE:BA) received a $31.5M contract modification from the U.S. Navy for P-8A aircraft sustainment, with work spanning multiple locations. The contract includes funds for fiscal 2024 and 2026, plus foreign military sales. Completion is expected by September 2027. The contract was issued under a prior agreement.

BlueHalo LLC received an $11.2M contract modification for airmen readiness, totaling $41.2M. Boeing got a $12.6M contract for MQ-25 drone work, with some in Fairborn. CFM International, a GE Aerospace joint venture, won a $10.3M order for F-108 fan blades.

The FAA proposed a $3.14mn fine on Boeing for safety violations, including quality-control lapses and interference with safety officials. The violations were found at Boeing's B737 factory and Spirit AeroSystems' plant. Boeing has 30 days to respond. According to Boeing, it is working to strengthen safety culture and improve quality.