Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Overweight" rating for the defense and military industry [3] Core Insights - The new forms of warfare are driving demand for advanced weaponry, characterized by "intelligent, systematic, and informational" capabilities, which are becoming critical for major power strategic competition [2][25] - Global military spending is projected to reach $2.718 trillion in 2024, marking a 9.4% year-on-year increase, the highest growth since the Cold War, and has been rising for ten consecutive years, providing a solid material foundation for the military industry [2][26][27] - The report highlights the increasing importance of low-cost military equipment, as demonstrated in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, prompting nations to focus on cost-effectiveness in military procurement [28][29] Summary by Sections New Warfare Forms Create New Demands - Recent international conflicts have highlighted the need for new types of weaponry, with a focus on unmanned systems, information warfare, and electronic warfare [2][25] - The military industry is experiencing a transformation driven by the evolving nature of warfare, leading to new demands and trade systems [2][3] Global Military Spending Trends - Military spending is expected to grow significantly, with the top five spenders being the USA, China, Russia, Germany, and India [26][27] - The report notes that military spending is a primary source of funding for the military industry, particularly for equipment expenses [27] Cost-Effectiveness in Military Procurement - The report emphasizes the need for low-cost solutions in military equipment, as seen in the effectiveness of low-cost drones during high-intensity conflicts [28][29] - It discusses the importance of considering total lifecycle costs, including procurement, maintenance, and operational costs, in military equipment development [29][30] Index Component Adjustments - Recent adjustments to major indices have resulted in several military industry stocks being added, which may lead to increased market attention and potential capital inflows [12] Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on sectors such as unmanned equipment, military intelligence, satellite internet, and electronic countermeasures for investment opportunities [15][16] - Specific companies and sectors within the military equipment supply chain, such as fighter jets, drones, and missile systems, are highlighted as potential investment targets [15][16]