Northrop Grumman has secured a contract exceeding $200 million to manufacture XM1211 High Explosive Proximity rounds for the US Army. Designed for short-range defense against small drones, the XM1211 is fired from XM914 and M230LF 30mm chain guns and employs a proximity sensor that detonates the round near a target to maximize fragmentation effects. Developed alongside several Army organizations, the munition was accelerated in 2021 to meet urgent requirements. Northrop is now expanding production at facilities in Minnesota, West Virginia, and Virginia. Parallel to the ammo contract, Northrop completed a static test for the SMASH!22—one of two solid rocket motors under the SMART Demo program. The evaluation examined manufacturing techniques and materials intended to reduce costs and speed production. Results will inform development of the second motor, BAMM!29 2.0, scheduled for testing in early 2026. Both motors integrate 3D-printed components and modern tooling to shorten build timelines.
