Member Info for Winstanley

QinetiQ is involved in the development of unmanned boat drones, specifically through their work on various unmanned systems. While much of their recent focus has been on aerial drones, they are also expanding their capabilities in maritime applications:

https://inews.co.uk/news/uk-dominate-drone-warfare-putin-3731979?ITO=newsnow

The development of the DragonFire system is being carried out by a consortium called UK DragonFire, which comprises companies such as MBDA UK, Leonardo UK, QinetiQ, and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL).

Importantly, Gooch and Housego is not listed as a manufacturer or partner in this project. Although Gooch and Housego (GHH) is recognised for its specialization in optics and photonics, including components that may be applicable to defence laser systems, there is no current public information suggesting their participation in the DragonFire laser defense initiative. Nevertheless, in addition to my holdings in QQ, I have now added GHH to my portfolio to increase my exposure to the defense sector, which is not a government ambition but a security necessity.

Following Ukraine's bold strike on Russian airfields, Russia's response could lead to considerable market fluctuations, in my opinion. The key question is which stocks will endure or even thrive during this period. Consequently, major pharmaceutical firms are likely to remain stable and may serve as a short-term safe haven. Additionally, the defense sector is expected to perform well and increased demand is for certain. For these reasons, I have adjusted my portfolio, notably holding my investment in GSK and QQ, and adding a new one,GHH, to my holdings.

GLA

Https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/laser-processing-market-worth-11-89-billion-by-2032---exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-302472909.html

Quite!

Just my opinion - your welcome to have your own.

In the recent panel discussion at SXSW London, Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti's responses regarding the potential acquisition of ITV Studios suggest a level of ambiguity that could indicate he is deflecting or withholding information. When directly asked if Banijay is buying ITV Studios, Bassetti's initial response was a hesitant "No, well," which implies uncertainty or a lack of commitment to a clear denial. His subsequent refusal to provide a firm answer when pressed further raises questions about transparency.

Bassetti's focus on the broader theme of industry consolidation during the discussion may serve as a strategic deflection. By emphasising the necessity of scale in the media industry, he shifts the conversation away from the specific inquiry about ITV Studios, potentially to avoid revealing any strategic intentions or negotiations that may be ongoing.

Additionally, his comments about the importance of leverage in negotiations with streaming platforms and the need for significant investment in infrastructure suggest that Banijay is positioning itself for future opportunities, which could include acquisitions. This context may imply that while there are no immediate plans, the door remains open for future discussions or actions regarding ITV Studios or similar entities.

Overall, Bassetti's evasive language and the strategic framing of his comments could indicate that he is indeed trying to deflect attention from potential acquisition plans, leaving room for speculation about Banijay's future moves in the industry.

Either way, ITV will outperform IMO.

Looks to be some clear subtext here!!

https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/banijay-ceo-itv-studios-sxsw-london-1236417743/

Asked by reporters after the session if these comments on stage meant a definite “no” to an ITV Studios deal, Bassetti declined to comment.

That's not a No:

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/banijay-ceo-itv-studios-deal-sxsw-london-the-sidemen-1236234012/

The DragonFire system is due to be fitted to the first Navy Type 45 destroyer by 2027, with more to follow:

https://www.forcesnews.com/services/navy/dragonfire-fitted-first-type-45-destroyer-2027-part-ps5bn-drone-and-laser-funding

Confirmed:

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/john-healey-ukraine-government-british-nato-b1230901.html

Hopefully, this link will work:

'A further £1bn will be put towards directed energy weapons, including the government’s landmark laser weapon DragonFire, which is being tested and developed in Scotland.'

https://tinyurl.com/4du9kzav

'DragonFire, a collaboration consisting of MBDA UK, Leonardo UK, QinetiQ and the Defence Science and Technology'

'A further £1bn will be put towards directed energy weapons, including the government’s landmark laser weapon DragonFire, which is being tested and developed in Scotland.'

https://www.holyrood.com/news/view,5bn-invested-in-defence-tech-to-prepare-for-new-age-of-warfare-government-says

https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-14773241/defence-stocks-soar-spending-boost-bab****-leads-charge-starmer-announces-plan-build-submarines.html

Well, at least Starmer is taking the bull by the horns - the last lot underfunded everything and left a legacy of chaos. Farage is trying to steal the notion of 'for the workers' - he's a devious slippery character.

'When asked about the “poor state” armed forces were left in under the previous Conservative administrations, Robert Jenrick said: “I’m the first to acknowledge the mistakes of the last Tory government."

https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/politics/robert-jenrick-tories-armed-forces-police-393851/

'Berenberg added that the stock, which it rates a 'buy', still trades at a 25% discount to others in the UK defence sector on a price-to-earnings basis. The broker set a new target price of 570p for the shares, up from 500p previously.'

Https://www.sharecast.com/news/broker-recommendations/qinetiq-shares-rise-on-defence-spending-hopes-berenberg-raises-target-price--19880386.html

👍

Topped up with 'fill or kill' this morning @ 508.

Https://www.msn.com/en-gb/entertainment/tv/why-itv-chose-to-cut-lorraine-and-loose-women-and-spend-the-money-on-football/ar-AA1Ffl4n

Https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2kq9qxde3go