Lockheed's Quadrupled THAAD Production: Patriotism or Profit?
📰 THE STORY: Mainstream outlets will present Lockheed Martin's quadrupling of THAAD missile interceptor production as a necessary step to bolster national and allied defenses against evolving threats, framed as a response to global instability and technological advancement. 🔍 WHAT THEY'RE NOT TELLING YOU: Historical Context: The military-industrial complex, a term coined by President Eisenhower
in 1961, has consistently warned of external threats to justify massive defense spending. We saw this with the 'missile gap' scare in the Cold War, the 'weapons of mass destruction' in 2003 leading to the Iraq War, and perpetually 'imminent' nuclear threats from nations like Iran (which Netanyahu has claimed was 'months from a nuke' since 2002 – for 22 years now). These threats, often amplified or
manufactured, serve to grease the wheels for defense contractors. Double Standard: When nations like Iran or North Korea develop missile technology, it's immediately branded as a destabilizing force requiring advanced US missile defense systems like THAAD. Yet, when the US quadruples its own offensive and defensive missile capabilities, it's presented as a measured, defensive posture for 'global
security.' The endless development and deployment of US weaponry worldwide is rarely framed as provocative. Follow the Money: Lockheed Martin, the world's largest defense contractor, reported $67.6 billion in sales in 2023. This increased THAAD production is a direct revenue boost, likely adding billions to their coffers, all paid for by US taxpayers. Lobbying groups like the Aerospace Industries