Defense giants Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics have made significant strides in their collaborative initiative to enhance solid rocket motor production capabilities. Since breaking ground on General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems’ new manufacturing facility in Arkansas in April 2025, construction has progressed rapidly.
Spanning 270 acres, the facility will feature over 50,000 square feet (4,625 square meters) dedicated to production across 16 specialized buildings. This comprehensive space is designed to facilitate the complete lifecycle of rocket motor development, from initial design and assembly to rigorous testing and qualification processes.
The project is on schedule to support qualification builds by 2026, with expectations to generate approximately 100 new jobs in the local area. Key milestones achieved this year include the successful design and testing of major subcomponents, the construction of a full-scale inert rocket motor, and the completion of a critical design review for all solid rocket motor (SRM) elements. These developments are crucial for verifying tooling, assembly, and production processes, ensuring both reliability and manufacturing consistency.
Looking ahead, the next significant phase will involve a static motor test that aims to validate the propulsion system’s performance and its readiness for operational deployment. This partnership underscores a strategic objective to fortify the rocket motor supply chain in the U.S., optimizing the production of dependable and cost-effective propulsion systems for vital defense programs.
The collaboration is emblematic of a broader industry movement to rejuvenate domestic solid-propellant manufacturing capacities, especially after years of industry consolidation and reduced competition. This revitalization adds vital depth and diversity to the U.S. rocket motor landscape.
Meanwhile, other defense industry players such as Northrop Grumman have been actively expanding their facilities to support missile programs, including the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent and the Standard Missile series. Additionally, Aerojet Rocketdyne, now integrated within L3Harris Technologies, has increased output at its Camden and Huntsville locations, focusing on propulsion systems for notable military applications like Stinger, Javelin, and PAC-3 interceptors.
