Bloomberg Tech Defense Tech Sector Reacts to US-Iran Strike
Jun 23, 2025
Caroline Hyde chats with Emily Harding, an expert in intelligence and national security at CSIS, and Neil Keegan, CEO of Marlin Spike, a VC in defense tech. They dive into the implications of the U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear sites, highlighting market reactions and the evolving defense landscape. The trio discusses the critical role of AI and military satellite technology, emphasizing the need for the U.S. defense sector to innovate and support startups addressing asymmetric threats. They also touch on rising cyber threats and new venture capital dynamics in defense.
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Defense Tech Stocks as Safe Havens
- Defense tech stocks like Palantir benefit from rising geopolitical uncertainty.
- Big tech stocks act as safe havens during uncertain times due to durable growth and strong earnings.
Importance of Intelligence and Imaging
- Post-strike, intelligence work is crucial to assess damage to Iran's nuclear facilities.
- Open source satellite imagery combined with government assets enhances situational awareness.
Demand Signals Drive Defense Investment
- Defense firms won't invest in new manufacturing without clear demand signals from the government.
- Government contracts are necessary to spur capital investment in defense industrial base.