Australia has formally selected Northrop Grumman to assist in establishing sovereign solid rocket motor (SRM) production capabilities.
Northrop Grumman is a leading provider of solid rocket motors (SRMs), delivering over one million units for defense and space applications, including the SLS Five-Segment Booster. They are currently developing high-performance 21-inch diameter second-stage motors for the US Navy and producing GEM 63 motors for launch vehicles.
SRMs are mainly used to power guided weapons and missile systems, such as the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) fired from the HIMARS launcher.
The Australian government and the US defense giant will begin with a planning and consultation phase to discuss and explore potential requirements and processes for domestic SRM production, combining Northrop’s expertise and integrating local suppliers within the production line.
This effort “will strengthen Australia’s self-reliance, while supporting our industrial base and creating jobs for locals,” according to Pat Conroy, Australian Minister for Defence Industry.
Australia earmarked an initial 126.9-million Australian dollar ($91.3 million) for the initiative, supporting the government-owned Mulwala munitions factory in New South Wales to produce SRMs for the GMLRS by 2030.
A dedicated Rocket Motor Manufacturing Complex is also slated to be operational by 2033, delivering a high-rate production of various SRM types.
The announcement builds on the Defence Science and Technology Group’s successful static firing of the first locally designed and developed DRACO SRM at Woomera in February.
Beyond Northrop, Canberra is also partnering with DefendTex, Black Sky Industries, and Anduril Australia to explore novel manufacturing methods.
This aligns with Australia’s similar efforts in building local capabilities to produce its own critical weapon systems and sub-systems, including missile components and GMLRS missiles.
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