Joining us now is Ambassador Alon Pinkas, former adviser to Israeli prime prime ministers Aud Barack and Shimon Perez. He also served as Israeli consil general in New York. Ambassador, thanks for being with us.With the remaining Israeli hostages finally free, the living hostages as uh is Israelis are celebrating this. How significant is this moment for your country. Describe why returning the hostages became such a national mission.Well, it's a very significant uh uh moment. You know, it's it's uh the apex ...

From @WSJopinion: A strategy based on peace through strength is the best approach for deterring China, Russia and Iran—the axis of aggression. It requires sustained defense spending that equals 5% of GDP, write @SenatorWicker and @SenatorFischer. https://t.co/XR114CXbFn ...

Northrop Grumman FY Conference Summary Industry Overview - The defense industry is experiencing a dynamic environment with stronger U.S. and global demands than in decades, driven by the recapitalization and capability building of the U.S. and its allies [1][6] - The geopolitical landscape includes a focus on the military capabilities of countries like China and Russia, emphasizing the need for deterrence and stability [6][7] Company Strategy and Investments - Northrop Grumman has invested over $13 billion in R&D and CapEx over recent years to enhance its diverse portfolio [2] - The company is positioned to deliver speed and quality to meet customer needs, with a focus on new opportunities such as the Golden Dome program and nuclear triad recapitalization [2][7] Key Programs and Opportunities - **Golden Dome**: A multi-layer architecture for regional defense, including integrated air and missile defense and counter-UAS systems, with some capabilities already available and others in development [9][10] - **B-21 Raider**: Discussions with the Air Force to potentially increase production rates, which could lead to higher revenue profiles for the program [16][18] - **Sentinel Program**: Receiving significant funding to accelerate capability fielding, with ongoing design and cost restructuring efforts [12][20] Financial Outlook - The fiscal year 2026 budget is expected to increase by over 20%, with significant budget increases from European allies, creating growth opportunities for Northrop Grumman [11] - International business grew 18% in the first half of the year, with expectations for continued double-digit growth [12][27] International Market Strategy - Northrop Grumman is seeing significant international growth in defense systems, particularly in integrated air and missile defense, driven by demand from allies [23] - The company is actively partnering with local firms to integrate capabilities into sovereign offerings, enhancing its international market presence [25][26] Portfolio Management - Recent restructuring efforts aim to align business units for strategic synergy, such as moving the strike and surveillance aircraft solutions to Aeronautics Systems [28][30] - The company is open to small pruning of its portfolio but does not foresee significant divestitures or M&A activity in the near future [32][33] Competitive Landscape - Northrop Grumman welcomes competition from emerging defense tech players and is actively partnering with them to enhance capabilities [39][41] - The company is well-positioned to compete in both traditional and new acquisition environments, leveraging its experience and innovation [40] Concerns and Risks - The escalating threat environment, both domestically and globally, is a significant concern, impacting demand and stability in the defense sector [44][45] Conclusion - Northrop Grumman is strategically positioned to capitalize on the growing defense market, with a focus on innovation, international growth, and strong partnerships, while remaining vigilant about the evolving geopolitical landscape and potential risks.