$ESLT

Elbit Systems (ESLT) shares rose 8% on high trading volume after announcing a European production center for laser warning systems. The facility, expected to open in 2027, will support local assembly, maintenance, and customer support, enhancing the company's position in the European defense market. Analysts view this as a strategic move to strengthen Elbit's local presence and meet NATO demands for sovereign supply chains.

Elbit Systems' shipment of military components from France was blocked by airport workers and anti-Israel groups, preventing its transport to Israel. The cargo was denied boarding on Air France and El Al flights due to union pressure and legal challenges. Elbit did not confirm the incident or the shipment's final destination. The dispute highlights tensions in France-Israel military cooperation.

French ground crew refused to load military components for Elbit Systems onto an El Al flight from Paris. Labor unions and pro-Palestinian groups coordinated the boycott. The shipment, rescheduled from an Air France flight, contains parts for military vehicles. Air France denies any prior booking. France's Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its military export policies.

Israel's Defense Ministry and top defense firms debuted a national pavilion at the Marrakech Airshow 2026, marking their first official participation. Eight Israeli companies showcased advanced technologies, including loitering munitions and AI-powered systems. The event aims to expand defense exports and cooperation, with senior Moroccan officials in attendance. According to the ministry, this strategy supports the IDF's force buildup and the Israeli economy.

IDF Ground Forces Commander Maj.-Gen. Nadav Lotan is implementing changes to enhance brigade combat teams' independence and operational continuity. The plan includes integrating Elbit Systems' Iron Fist active protection system into heavy combat engineering vehicles to counter anti-tank threats. The IDF has lost 32 such vehicles since October 7, according to Walla. The system, which detects and neutralizes threats, will provide additional protection for these vehicles.

Jared Kushner's private equity firm, Affinity Partners, holds a major stake in Phoenix Financial, which invests in companies supplying weapons to the Israeli military. Affinity's investments include Elbit Systems, Next Vision, Bet Shemesh Engines, and Reshef Technologies, among others. These companies saw stock value increases in 2023, partly due to the war in Gaza.

Jared Kushner's investment firm, Affinity Partners, holds a major stake in Phoenix Financial, an Israeli company with investments in nine defense firms, including Elbit Systems. Phoenix received $128.5M from Affinity in 2024, with Kushner doubling his stake in January 2025. CNN reports Phoenix has invested $456M in defense-linked companies, raising conflict-of-interest concerns.

Australia's Future Fund reported its latest investment activities, showing gains in semiconductor stocks like SK Hynix (+199%) and Micron (+304%). It reduced holdings in 'Magnificent 7' stocks, with Tesla and Meta seeing declines. The fund bought SpaceX shares post-IPO and increased investments in defense companies like Thales and Elbit Systems.

Serbia's new drone factory, inaugurated by President Vucic, is owned by SDS Technologies, a UK company renamed Liberty Blue International, with ties to Elbit Systems and Yugoimport-SDPR unclear. Ownership involves Greek, Israeli, and US directors, raising transparency concerns. Elbit Systems, which has prior deals with Serbia, did not confirm its role. Analysts note Israel's strategy of embedding its arms industry in foreign defense networks.

The article discusses the expansion of surveillance technology in the US, including biometric facial recognition at airports and automatic license plate readers by Flock Safety. It highlights concerns about privacy violations and the misuse of these technologies, with examples of law enforcement misuse and the involvement of companies like Elbit Systems and US tech giants.