An analyst from the bank highlighted “China’s modernization efforts in combat aviation” as the main reason for the decision, following the release of footage showing two Chinese sixth-generation fighter jets in flight.
“We are downgrading Lockheed’s rating to ‘Hold’ [from ‘Buy’], as our previous hypothesis no longer appears convincing, and we have increased concerns about the long-term support for the F-35 in light of China’s modernization efforts,” said Deutsche Bank analyst Scott Deutsche.