Core Viewpoint - The stock price of Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35 fighter jet, dropped nearly 4% on June 16, resulting in a market value loss of $4.5 billion due to reports of F-35s being shot down in the Middle East [1][5]. Group 1: Market Impact - Lockheed Martin's stock closed at $467 per share, down 3.99%, with a total market value of $109.4 billion [5]. - The company has seen a cumulative decline of over 22% since its peak in October last year, with a market value loss exceeding $36 billion [14]. Group 2: Geopolitical Context - Tensions in the Middle East remain high, with the U.S. Defense Secretary ordering the deployment of additional military forces to the region [3][16]. - Reports from Iranian media claim that an F-35 was shot down, which has not been confirmed by Israeli defense forces [2][4]. Group 3: Procurement and Cost Issues - The U.S. Air Force has halved its procurement of F-35s, requesting only 24 aircraft instead of the previously expected 48, indicating a shift in defense spending priorities [9]. - The total projected cost of the F-35 program has exceeded $2 trillion, raising concerns about its long-term viability [12]. Group 4: International Reactions - Several U.S. allies have paused or reconsidered their F-35 procurement plans, including Canada and Portugal, amid growing safety concerns [13].
突然大跌!美国下令:增兵中东!