Australia has officially chosen Northrop Grumman to support the development of sovereign solid rocket motor (SRM) manufacturing capabilities.
SRMs are critical propulsion systems used in guided weapons and missile platforms, including the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System and the Precision Strike Missile launched from the M142 HIMARS platform.
Under the partnership, the Australian government and Northrop Grumman will begin a planning and consultation phase focused on identifying requirements and production processes for domestic SRM manufacturing. The effort will combine the company’s technical expertise with participation from Australian suppliers integrated into the future production chain.
To support the initiative, Australia has allocated 126.9 million Australian dollars ($91.3 million) to upgrade the government-owned Mulwala munitions facility in New South Wales for GMLRS rocket motor production by 2030. A dedicated Rocket Motor Manufacturing Complex is also planned to become operational by 2033, enabling high-rate output of multiple SRM variants.
The move follows the successful static test firing of the locally designed DRACO SRM by the Defence Science and Technology Group at Woomera Range Complex earlier this year.
In addition to Northrop Grumman, Canberra is collaborating with DefendTex, Black Sky Industries, and Anduril Australia to investigate advanced manufacturing approaches as part of broader efforts to establish domestic missile and weapons production capabilities.
