iRocket CEO Asad Malik and Sec. Wilbur Ross on the future of aerospace, drone warfare and espionage

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  April 28, 2026 at 20:12  |  15:30  |  CNBC
Speakers
Wilbur Ross — Former U.S. Commerce Secretary, Chairman & CEO of Ross Acquisition Corp II

Summary

iRocket CEO Asad Malik and former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross discuss the company's robotic manufacturing of interceptor missiles and reusable space launch vehicles, highlighting a shift in U.S. defense procurement toward rapid production and cost-effectiveness. They also address the rising threat of drone warfare, foreign espionage, and the need to protect intellectual property. No specific publicly traded investment ideas were presented.

  • iRocket builds 100% reusable small launch vehicles and solid rocket motors for defense.
  • The company has a robotic factory that can ramp production rapidly for missiles and interceptors.
  • Defense procurement is shifting to favor new entrants and large-volume, low-cost production.
  • Cost-to-kill ratio is critical: $4M Patriot missiles vs. $25K drones are unsustainable.
  • iRocket holds contracts with Moog and the U.S. Army for Hydra 70 missile systems.
  • Wilbur Ross highlights growing threats from drone swarms and Chinese espionage.
  • Space applications expand beyond GPS to pharmaceuticals, 3D printing, and lunar refueling.
  • iRocket plans to go public but has not announced a timeline or ticker.
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