HUNTSVILLE — Aerojet Rocketdyne has entered into a $215.6 million Cooperative Agreement with the Defense Department to increase domestic rocket propulsion manufacturing capacity to meet increased demand for tactical missile systems.
The contract is funded by the Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act to help Ukraine repel the Russian invasion that started in February 2022.
Through the agreement, Aerojet Rocketdyne will build modernized facilities, purchase advanced equipment, and automate processes to increase production for the Javelin, Stinger and the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS). Enhanced modernization of solid rocket motor production will directly support industry primes and military services, Aerojet said in a news release.
“These funds will build upon our own significant investments in modern, efficient facilities and innovative technologies and processes to design and develop advanced propulsion systems to support the defense missions of tomorrow,” said Eileen P. Drake, Aerojet Rocketdyne’s CEO and president.
Aerojet Rocketdyne’s ongoing modernization efforts include building state-of-the-art facilities and automating manufacturing processes. Recent investments include a 51,000 square-foot facility at its Camden, Ark., site that consolidates solid rocket motor manufacturing activities, improving both efficiency and safety, increasing production capacity, and reducing costs.
The company recently leased a 379,000 square-foot facility to expand manufacturing capability in Huntsville, where it will produce inert components to support solid rocket motors for a range of defense programs.
“The Office of Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization is moving forward with appropriate urgency to support strategic industrial sectors crucial to protecting national security,” said Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. “This critical investment will modernize rocket propellant and motor production in the United States, in addition to creating technical and skilled labor jobs at multiple domestic facilities.”
The Aerojet Rocketdyne team has powered tactical, air defense, missile defense and strategic deterrence weapon systems for decades. This Cooperative Agreement will enable Aerojet Rocketdyne to provide critical propulsion capability to DoD well into the future, the company said.
