RTX's Raytheon ELCAN selected to deliver customised Specter® DR sights for German Armed Forces
Rhea-AI Summary
RTX (NYSE: RTX) said Raytheon ELCAN won a production contract to supply a customised Specter® DR 1-4x weapon sight to the German Armed Forces as part of Germany's soldier modernization program.
The bespoke configuration integrates an Aimpoint® reflex sight and builds on European orders exceeding 100,000 units since August 2024, with total value above €193 million.
Positive
- Orders >100,000 Specter DR sights across Europe since August 2024
- Collective European orders valued at €193 million+
- New production contract to supply a customised Specter DR to German Armed Forces
- Integrated Aimpoint reflex secondary sight for rapid close-to-mid-range transitions
Negative
- None.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
RTX down 1.71% contrasts with key aerospace & defense peers trading higher (e.g., BA +1.8%, HWM +1.73%, LMT +0.93%), pointing to a stock-specific move rather than a sector-wide reaction.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 20 | Autonomy test flight | Positive | +0.1% | Sidekick autonomy software completed a four-hour autonomous YFQ-42A test flight. |
| Feb 20 | Weapon approval | Positive | +0.1% | U.S. Navy approved StormBreaker smart weapon for operational Super Hornet use. |
| Feb 17 | Product recognition | Positive | +1.7% | Collins Aerospace SkyNook named a 2026 Crystal Cabin Award finalist. |
| Feb 17 | Supply chain contract | Positive | +1.7% | Contract to develop domestic thin film lithium niobate wafer production capability. |
| Feb 11 | Counter-drone demo | Positive | +0.7% | Coyote Block 3NK system defeated multiple drone swarms in U.S. Army exercise. |
Recent defense and autonomy-related announcements have typically seen small positive next-day moves, suggesting modest but consistently constructive reactions to contract and capability news.
Over the past weeks, RTX has reported multiple defense and aerospace wins, including autonomy demonstrations, Navy weapon approvals, supply-chain strengthening materials contracts, and counter‑drone performance. These news items on Feb 11–20 were followed by modest positive moves between 0.09% and 1.72%. Today’s German Specter® DR award extends that pattern of incremental program and capability gains within Raytheon and Collins Aerospace businesses.
Regulatory & Risk Context
RTX has an effective S-3ASR shelf registration dated 2025-09-18, valid until 2028-09-18, covering a broad range of securities. The filing shows 0 recorded usage events so far, indicating the shelf provides issuance flexibility but has not yet been tapped in the provided record.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights continued European demand for RTX’s Specter® DR optics, with more than 100,000 sights ordered since August 2024 and a total value exceeding €193 million. It extends a series of recent defense and autonomy wins for Raytheon and Collins Aerospace units. Investors may watch how such program awards translate into backlog and revenue trends, while also monitoring ongoing insider activity and the unused but effective S-3ASR shelf for potential capital-raising moves.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Surging European demand sees orders surpass 100,000 sights
Under the agreement, Raytheon ELCAN, in close coordination with Leonardo Germany, will deliver a bespoke configuration tailored specifically to German operational requirements. The enhanced solution integrates an Aimpoint® reflex sight mounted above the primary optic to support rapid transitions between close-quarters and mid-range engagements.
"The German Armed Forces are undertaking a major enhancement of their soldier system capability, and we are providing a tailored optical solution that supports their evolving operational needs," said Chris Reimer, Raytheon ELCAN Business Development & Strategy Manager. "This award reflects continued confidence in the Specter® DR platform and our ability to deliver rugged, mission-ready optics for
This award builds on accelerating demand for the Specter® DR family across
European soldier system programs increasingly feature advanced, customized enhancements, including multiband laser protection, custom reticles, specialized mounts, and nation-specific finishes. Many recent procurements also integrate a secondary reflex sight mounted on the Specter® DR, enabling seamless transitions between close-quarters and mid-range engagements.
Recent European awards underscore the enduring relevance of the Specter® DR family and Raytheon ELCAN's commitment to delivering high-performance, mission-ready optics tailored to allied land forces. With over two decades of operational service and widespread use across NATO and allied militaries, the Specter® DR remains one of the most trusted dual-role weapon sights worldwide.
About Raytheon ELCAN
Raytheon ELCAN, a business of RTX, is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high‑precision optical and electro‑optical solutions for military and commercial customers. Raytheon ELCAN products support land, sea, and air platforms and are trusted by armed forces around the world.
About RTX
With more than 180,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. With industry-leading capabilities, we advance aviation, engineer integrated defense systems for operational success, and develop next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2025 sales of more than
For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rtxs-raytheon-elcan-selected-to-deliver-customised-specter-dr-sights-for-german-armed-forces-302695911.html
SOURCE RTX
FAQ
What did RTX announce on February 25, 2026 about the German Armed Forces contract (RTX)?
How many Specter DR sights have European nations ordered through August 2024 (RTX)?
What customization does the Specter DR for Germany include (RTX)?
Does the RTX award affect Specter DR demand in Europe (RTX)?
What is the significance of the Aimpoint reflex integration on the Specter DR (RTX)?
How long has the Specter DR been in operational service across allied militaries (RTX)?
