Lockheed Lines Up Avio as a Second PrSM Motor Source, With Production Set for 2029
Lockheed is reserving capacity at Avio USA's new Virginia plant to loosen a two-supplier solid rocket motor market, but the motors still have to qualify and the plant is not scheduled to build any until 2029.
Lockheed is reserving capacity at Avio USA's new Virginia plant to loosen a two-supplier solid rocket motor market, but the motors still have to qualify and the plant is not scheduled to build any until 2029.
Lockheed Martin and Avio USA signed a strategic cooperation agreement on Oct. 13, at the AUSA convention in Washington, for solid rocket motors on Extended Range GMLRS and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). Production starts only after qualification, Lockheed said.
The deal would give Lockheed a second motor source for PrSM and an additional one for GMLRS, Avio USA CEO James Syring told Breaking Defense. "They're essentially reserving capacity," he said.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Lockheed Martin and Avio agree?
A strategic cooperation agreement, announced Oct. 13, for Avio USA to produce solid rocket motors for Extended Range GMLRS and the Precision Strike Missile once those motors are qualified, according to Lockheed.
Is this a production contract?
No. Lockheed gets access to a share of Avio's merchant supply capacity. Neither company disclosed financial terms or a qualification timetable.
When will Avio build the motors?
Avio USA's 900,000-square-foot plant in Hurt, Virginia, broke ground in September and is scheduled to start building motors in 2029.
Who makes solid rocket motors in the U.S. today?
L3Harris and Northrop Grumman are the only two established domestic makers. Anduril, Ursa Major and X-Bow are developing motors, but qualification can take years.
What does the $500 million figure mean?
Avio CEO Giulio Ranzo said Avio has launched more than $500 million of investment in U.S. motor capacity. It is Avio's investment, not the value of the Lockheed agreement.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.