‘A golden opportunity right now based on who’s in government.’ Trump’s bellicose presidency means defense firms are raking it in

The list of winners from the Iran war is a relatively short one. Belligerents are at an impasse, fuel consumers worldwide remain on the hook, and business leaders are nervously waiting to see whether the economy can emerge without tumbling into recession. Despite this, there is one sector where business is booming.

U.S. defense companies are soaring, and not just because of war in the Middle East. In addition to fighting the conflict, the Defense Department is looking to restock dwindling stores of weapons and munitions. Many of these were used up in the U.S. military’s opening salvo against Iran, but armament commitments to other countries including Ukraine have also depleted supplies.

The upshot is orders worth billions of dollars from the Pentagon, and defense contractors are more than ready to do business.

“The administration’s prioritization of defense industrial-based investment and modernization spending provides a constructive backdrop as we execute,” Jim Taiclet, CEO of defense firm Lockheed Martin, said during an earnings call Thursday.

“This is a golden opportunity right now based on who’s in government, their experience, their willingness to change........

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