Lux Capital, a 25-year-old VC firm known for its investments in frontier science and defense technology, has closed a $1.5 billion ninth fund, the largest fund in the firm’s history. Despite 2025 marking a 10-year low for the number of new VC funds raised in the U.S., according to PitchBook, it’s not hard to see why limited partners are still piling into Lux. The firm has been investing in defense technologies for years before geopolitical shifts turned the sector into one of the most desirable investm ...

Core Insights - Elbit Systems Ltd. has received approval from the Hellenic Parliament and KYSEA for a budget to purchase its PULS rocket artillery system for the Hellenic Armed Forces, anticipating a material contract [1][2] - The contract award is subject to the completion of commercial negotiations with the Hellenic Ministry of National Defense [2] Company Overview - Elbit Systems is a leading global defense technology company, providing advanced solutions across multiple domains [3] - The company employs approximately 20,000 people worldwide and reported revenues of $1,922 million for the three months ending September 30, 2025, with an order backlog of $25.2 billion as of that date [4]

European buyers are eager to buy the latest Israeli defense technology, battle-tested in Gaza https://t.co/4cGGvVCvUY ...

Core Insights - Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. is recognized for its innovative solutions in unmanned systems, satellite communications, and cybersecurity, positioning itself as a significant player in the defense sector alongside major competitors like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman [1] Stock Performance and Analyst Ratings - B. Riley upgraded Kratos Defense's stock to a "Buy" rating on December 1, 2025, supported by a consensus recommendation of "Moderate Buy" from nineteen ratings firms, with twelve analysts recommending to buy and one issuing a strong buy [2] - The average 12-month target price for KTOS is approximately $82.06, indicating potential upside from its current trading price of $76.10, which reflects a slight increase of 0.33 or 0.44% [3][4][5] - Recent adjustments in price targets by the Royal Bank of Canada and Truist Financial, along with BNP Paribas setting a target price of $80, further reinforce the positive outlook for Kratos [3] Market Position - Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has a market capitalization of approximately $12.85 billion and a trading volume of 721,361 shares, highlighting its significance in the defense sector [4]

Since its founding in 2017, Anduril Industries has become one of the hottest companies in a crowded field of defense-tech startup.Its fast-moving approach comes with its share of setbacks. https://t.co/IbOt2Kz4Qn ...

Geopolitical and Technological Shifts - The world is moving away from American unipolarity, with China emerging as a near-peer or potentially stronger adversary [1] - A revolution in artificial intelligence (AI) technology is underway, poised to transform all aspects of life, especially defense and military, within 5 to 10 years [2][3] - The integration of AI in defense raises policy questions about maintaining human oversight, particularly as adversaries may not prioritize it [4][5] Palantir's Strategy and Growth - Palantir aims to secure future contracts by leveraging its presence and investments in the UK [6] - The UK is considered a prime location outside the US and China for engineering talent needed to develop Palantir's software [6] - Palantir views the UK as a potential epicenter for defense and military technology development [6] - Palantir has 1 thousand people in London, its second-largest office globally, and plans to significantly expand its UK presence over the next 5 years [7] - The UK is seen as a key military power in Europe, a pillar of NATO, and a potential bridge to the rest of the continent, acting as a security guarantor [7][8]

Core Insights - Artificial intelligence (AI) is a significant investment theme, driving substantial inflows into thematic exchange-traded funds (ETFs) but carries inherent volatility risks [1][3][9] - Thematic ETFs can experience rapid gains and losses, with the Nasdaq showing signs of vulnerability recently [1][9] Thematic ETF Performance - Nearly 400 thematic ETFs exist, with top performers seeing over 150% gains year-to-date, while some have declined by 10% [2][3] - AI-focused ETFs have attracted almost $20 billion in inflows this year, with $15 billion specifically in ETFs with "AI" in their names [4][5] Notable Thematic ETFs - The Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ) has approximately $7 billion in assets, with $3 billion in net flows this year, featuring top holdings like Advanced Micro Devices and Tesla [5] - The Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ) has around $3 billion in assets, with key holdings including Nvidia and Intuitive Surgical [5] Market Trends and Risks - Thematic ETFs require more research due to performance variability; for instance, AI-focused ETFs show a performance spread of 60% this year [6] - The ETF market has seen record launches, with over 4,300 U.S. listed ETFs now exceeding the number of individual stocks [7] Momentum and Investment Strategy - Some themes may lose momentum as companies mature and become part of broader indexes, leading to outflows from certain ETFs [8] - Thematic investing can be beneficial for investors who understand the associated risks and can handle short-term volatility [9][10] Top Disruptive Tech ETFs - First Trust Nasdaq Cybersecurity (CIBR): $11.5 billion assets, 20% YTD performance [11] - iShares AI Innovation and Technology (BAI): $7.6 billion assets, 30.5% YTD performance [11] - Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ): $7.2 billion assets, 33.6% YTD performance [11] - Roundhill Generative AI & Technology (CHAT): $1.1 billion assets, 55% YTD performance [12]

This Veterans Day, venture firm J2 is announcing a $250 million fund. J2 invests in companies at the intersection of consumer and defense technology. And joining us right now is J2's co-founder and managing partner, Alex Harstre.Alex happens to be a veteran himself. And Alex, on this Veterans Day, first of all, thank you for your service. I thought maybe you could just remind folks um what it is that you've done.You started actually as a healthc care consultant and then a venture capitalist, but you took a ...

Core Points - Leonardo DRS, Inc. announced the retirement of William J. (Bill) Lynn as Chairman and CEO after 14 years, with John Baylouny appointed as the new President & CEO effective January 1, 2026 [1][4] - Frances (Fran) Fragos Townsend has been elected as the new Chair of the Board of Directors, also effective January 1, 2026 [1][4] Company Leadership Transition - Bill Lynn has transformed Leonardo DRS into a technology-driven organization, focusing on advanced sensing, network computing, force protection, and electric power and propulsion technologies [2][3] - Under Lynn's leadership, the company achieved significant contract wins, including propulsion content for the Columbia Class submarine and counter-UAS positions, contributing to durable growth [2] - John Baylouny, with over 35 years of experience at Leonardo DRS, has served as COO since late 2018 and is expected to ensure a seamless leadership transition [4][5] Board of Directors - Fran Townsend has been a Board director since 2009 and has extensive experience in both private and public sectors, including roles in the Department of Justice and as Assistant to President George W. Bush [6] - Townsend's deep understanding of the company and its strategic journey positions her well for the role of Board Chair [3][6] Company Overview - Leonardo DRS specializes in developing transformative defense technologies and delivering innovative solutions for U.S. national security customers and allies [7] - The company focuses on high-performance, multi-domain capabilities across next-generation advanced sensing, network computing, force protection, and electric power and propulsion [7]

Core Insights - Dominari Securities LLC has raised over $1.4 billion in capital markets activity year-to-date to support American companies in key innovation sectors such as artificial intelligence, defense technology, financial infrastructure, and next-generation computing [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Dominari Holdings Inc. operates through its subsidiaries in wealth management, investment banking, sales and trading, and asset management, aiming to enhance shareholder value through organic growth and opportunities in sectors like AI and Data Centers [5]. - The mission of Dominari Securities LLC is to create wealth for stakeholders by capitalizing on emerging trends in financial services and identifying early-stage opportunities expected to yield high returns [6]. Group 2: Investment Focus - The capital raised by Dominari includes direct investments, structured special purpose vehicles (SPVs), private placements in publicly traded equity (PIPE) transactions, and private placements [2]. - Investments are focused on sectors that reflect American ingenuity and entrepreneurship, including aerospace and defense, artificial intelligence, financial infrastructure, and logistics [4][7]. Group 3: Leadership Statements - Kyle Wool, President of Dominari Holdings, emphasized the importance of American innovation and the role of investors in supporting domestic technologies [2]. - Anthony Hayes, CEO of Dominari Holdings, expressed pride in backing innovators that contribute to the competitiveness and prosperity of the United States [4].