President Donald Trump has called for defense contractors to bolster the U.S. production of armaments after military conflicts in Iran and Ukraine diminished the supply.<\/p>\n
Lockheed Martin also unveiled its reusable MORFIUS X-Rotor<\/a> high-powered microwave interceptor that can reportedly neutralize more than 50 drones in flight.<\/p>\n \u201cMORFIUS sets a new benchmark for counter-drone capability \u2014 delivering a high kill rate while keeping the cost per kill low,” said Randy Crites, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Advanced Programs. \u201cBy leveraging a lightweight, field reusable high-power microwave architecture, we provide the most effective, low-cost solution on the market today and demonstrate Lockheed Martin’s ability to field innovative, affordable technologies at the speed our American and allied troops need.\u201d<\/p>\n The company also advanced new partnerships at the airshow, officials said.<\/p>\n Earlier this month, the company reported second quarter 2026 sales of $20.1 billion, compared to $18.2 billion in the second quarter of 2025.\u00a0<\/p>\n The company\u2019s Fort Worth-based aeronautics division reported $8.1 billion<\/a> in sales for the 2026 second quarter, up from $7.5 billion during the same period in 2025.<\/p>\n The U.S. government awarded a $1.6 billion contract for F-35 spare parts on July 23 to increase operational readiness for the Fort Worth-assembled fighter jet.<\/p>\n Bell\u2019s showcase\u00a0<\/p>\n Fort Worth-based Bell highlighted its business helicopter models with a display at the company\u2019s pavilion during the international airshow. Executives participated in a media roundtable that focused on advanced manufacturing and defense strategies.<\/p>\n Company officials said the MV\u201175\u2019s combination of speed and range increases flexibility and gives commanders options previously unavailable.<\/p>\n \u201cThe fact that the platform requires less logistics and support to operate in a similar geographic area [than the current fleet] is incredibly advantageous to us.\u201d U.S. Army Col. Tyler Partridge, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade Commander, said in a statement.<\/p>\n Bell announced a significant milestone at the airshow with the company\u2019s first UK order for Bell\u2019s 407GXi corporate helicopter that launched in 2025. The company also delivered its 700th Bell 505 Jet Ranger X light helicopter to a private operator.<\/p>\n \u201cOur team is honored to celebrate this signing and expand our Bell 407GXi offerings to customers in the United Kingdom,\u201d Robin Wendling, Bell\u2019s managing director of European operations, said in a statement. \u201cThe Bell 407GXi has earned its name as a multi-mission workhorse, and we continue to see steady interest in the Bell 407GXi platform across the region.\u201d<\/p>\n The delivery of a Bell 505 helicopter shows the growing popularity in the corporate aircraft segment.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Bell 505 is an incredible multi\u2011mission aircraft, and we continue to see operators choosing this platform to join their fleet,\u201d Wendling said.<\/p>\n Earlier this month, Bell reported that its revenue was up 6% to $1.1 billion in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year when the company made about $58 million less.<\/p>\n Bell\u2019s parent company, Textron Inc., reported higher revenue in the second quarter of 2026 to about $3.9 billion, compared to the second quarter of 2025 when revenue hit about $3.8 billion.<\/p>\n Lisa M. Atherton, the former Bell CEO and president who took over as Textron CEO in January, said the second quarter continues a strong start of the year for the company.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cBell continued to advance the MV-75 Cheyenne with the successful production of key long-lead parts and components,\u201d Atherton said in a statement.<\/p>\n Bell\u2019s increase was attributed to higher military revenues of $47 million, due to high volume on H-1 aircraft production and the MV-75 program. Commercial helicopters, parts and services were also up, the company said.<\/p>\n Bell delivered 36 commercial helicopters in the second quarter of 2026, compared to 32 in last year\u2019s second quarter.<\/p>\n Textron said the company\u2019s segments saw a profit decline of 6% from last year\u2019s second quarter, \u201cprimarily due to an unfavorable impact from program performance and from the mix of military programs, partially offset by lower research and development costs.\u201d<\/p>\n In June, Bell laid off 285 employees<\/a> \u2014 about 3% of the company\u2019s workforce \u2014 at three facilities in Fort Worth, Amarillo and Wichita, Kansas. In addition, Bell announced a three-week furlough for certain employees beginning June 15.\u00a0<\/p>\n Bell said the staffing decision was difficult, but necessary for the company\u2019s long-term business.<\/p>\n On July 24, Bell was awarded a $34 million defense contract for H-1 aircraft parts and hardware for the Marine Corps. AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopter fleet. About 58% of the work will be done in Fort Worth with about 2% completed in Mansfield, according to the contract<\/a>.<\/p>\n Texas was on the world stage during the airshow, economic development officials said.<\/p>\n \u201cAs the Farnborough International Airshow came to a close, it was clear that Texas’ global reach continues to grow,\u201d officials with the Texas Economic Development Corp. said in a social media post. \u201cThe connections made last week will help shape new opportunities for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n Eric E. Garcia is senior business reporter at the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at eric.garcia@fortworthreport.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fortworthreport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/688057-Farn20cover-d1a4e1-original-1783709424-e1785532244716-915x1024.jpg\")
A rendering shows how the Bell MV-75 helicopter would operate in combat. (Courtesy | Bell Textron)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fortworthreport.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1784849400386-1024x682.jpeg\")
Fort Worth-based Bell Textron delivered its 700th Bell 505 Jet Ranger X light helicopter to a private operator at the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow. (Courtesy | Bell Textron)<\/p>\n