LightPath Technologies Secures LOI for Sustained Supply of Infrared Lens Assemblies from Existing European Defense Customer

Rhea-AI Summary

LightPath Technologies (NASDAQ: LPTH) has received a follow-on order and Letter of Intent (LOI) from a European defense customer for infrared lens assemblies used in first-person view drone applications. The non-binding LOI includes plans for collaboration on custom lens assemblies using LightPath BD6 and manufacturing localization at LightPath's Latvia facility. The agreement aims to establish future volume commitments and leverages LightPath's European Defense license and expanded optical coating capabilities in Latvia.

Positive

• Secured follow-on order from existing European defense customer
• Potential expansion of manufacturing capabilities in Latvia facility
• Access to European Defense market through newly obtained license
• Strategic positioning in growing drone and UAV defense applications

Negative

• LOI is non-binding, indicating uncertainty in future commitments

Insights

Defense Industry Analyst

The LOI and follow-on order represent a strategic expansion in the European defense market, particularly significant given the growing demand for FPV drone technology in military applications. The localization of manufacturing to Latvia adds important supply chain resilience and positions LPTH to capture a larger share of Europe's defense spending.

The company's BD6 material technology and enhanced coating capabilities provide a competitive advantage in the thermal imaging sector. The timing is particularly advantageous given the increased defense spending across Europe and the rapid adoption of drone technology in military operations. While the exact financial terms aren't disclosed, the volume commitments indicated in the LOI suggest potential for substantial recurring revenue.

Supply Chain Specialist

The manufacturing localization strategy to Latvia is a shrewd move that addresses several critical factors. First, it significantly reduces geopolitical supply chain risks and complies with European defense procurement preferences for local manufacturing. Second, the recent expansion of coating capabilities in Latvia creates vertical integration benefits, potentially improving margins and delivery times.

The European Defense license acquisition is particularly valuable as it removes regulatory barriers to market expansion. This positions LPTH as one of the few qualified suppliers in this specialized segment, potentially leading to additional contracts from other European defense customers seeking similar supply chain security.

LightPath Expands Partnership with Letter of Intent for Product Development, Manufacturing Localization in Europe and Volume Commitments

ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LightPath Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: LPTH) ("LightPath," the "Company," or "we"), a leading provider of next-generation optics and imaging systems for both defense and commercial applications, today announced receipt of a follow-on order and Letter of Intent ("LOI") for a sustained supply of infrared lens assemblies from a European defense customer for active duty use in first-person view (FPV) drone applications.

In tandem with the follow-on order, the customer submitted a non-binding LOI to expand its partnership with LightPath through collaboration on custom lens assemblies using LightPath BD6 as well as the localization of its lens assembly manufacturing to LightPath's Latvia facility to ensure supply chain stability and reliability. As part of this LOI, the customer seeks to establish go-forward volume commitments.

"This order and LOI are a validation of our recent efforts to obtain a European Defense license and to expand the capacity and capabilities at our Latvia facility," said Sam Rubin, President and Chief Executive Officer of LightPath. "Our European Defense license provides us with the ability to supply products to the European Defense industry, one of the largest defense markets in the world. This year we also expanded optical coating capabilities and capacity in our facility in Latvia, and added a new, high durability coating from that facility. Taken together, we believe we are well positioned to provide products directly into the growing defense business in Europe.

"The order also highlights the growing use of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles ("UAVs") for a variety of defense applications. We believe our proprietary BlackDiamond™ chalcogenide-based glass materials will become an important material for thermal cameras in drones and other systems that must operate across a large range of temperatures, as well as in industrial applications such as gas sensing and early fire detection. We look forward to working with this customer to fulfill current orders and explore opportunities to expand our partnership," concluded Rubin.

About LightPath Technologies

LightPath Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: LPTH) is a leading provider of next-generation optics and imaging systems for both defense and commercial applications. As a vertically integrated solutions provider with in-house engineering design support, LightPath's family of custom solutions range from proprietary BlackDiamond™ chalcogenide-based glass materials – sold under exclusive license from the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory – to complete infrared optical systems and thermal imaging assemblies. The Company's primary manufacturing footprint is located in Orlando, Florida with additional facilities in Texas, Latvia and China. To learn more, please visit www.lightpath.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements that constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "forecast," "guidance," "plan," "estimate," "will," "would," "project," "maintain," "intend," "expect," "anticipate," "prospect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "believe," "continue," "opportunity," "potential," and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time the statements are made and/or management's good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the impact of varying demand for the Company products; the ability of the Company to obtain needed raw materials and components from its suppliers; actions governments, businesses, and individuals take in response to the pandemic, including restrictions on onsite commercial interactions; general economic uncertainty in key global markets and a worsening of global economic conditions or low levels of economic growth; geopolitical tensions, the Russian-Ukraine conflict, and the Hamas/Israel war; the effects of steps that the Company could take to reduce operating costs; the inability of the Company to sustain profitable sales growth, convert inventory to cash, or reduce its costs to maintain competitive prices for its products; circumstances or developments that may make the Company unable to implement or realize the anticipated benefits, or that may increase the costs, of its current and planned business initiatives; and those factors detailed by LightPath Technologies, Inc. in its public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on 10-Q. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties, or facts materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by the forward-looking statements contained herein. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Except as required under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

 

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SOURCE LightPath Technologies

FAQ

What is the purpose of LightPath Technologies' (LPTH) new Letter of Intent?

The LOI aims to establish a sustained supply of infrared lens assemblies for drone applications, collaborate on custom lens assemblies, and localize manufacturing at LightPath's Latvia facility.

How will the European Defense license benefit LightPath Technologies (LPTH)?

The license enables LightPath to supply products directly to the European Defense industry, one of the world's largest defense markets.

What applications will LightPath's (LPTH) BlackDiamond materials be used for?

BlackDiamond chalcogenide-based glass materials will be used for thermal cameras in drones, systems operating across various temperatures, gas sensing, and early fire detection.