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The US Department of War has awarded a total of US$39.6 million to three companies to support the expansion of the solid rocket motor industrial base.
Last week, the newly named Department of War (DOW) announced three awards totalling US$39.6 million (AU$59.8 million) to aid in the expansion of the solid rocket motor (SRM) industrial base.
“These awards support the Department of War's objectives to expand the munitions industrial base, bolster supply chain resiliency, and increase domestic production in strategic priority areas,” the US Department of War said in an official statement.
Under Title III of the Defence Production Act (DPA), the funds provided to the awardees will be used to strengthen SRM production and manufacturing by US companies as well as modernise the current SRM facilities.
Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey called these “strategic investments” in ensuring the DOW has continued access to the necessary technology and systems “required for our national security”.
“By partnering with industry through the Defense Production Act, we are strengthening the resilience of our supply chains and growing domestic manufacturing capacity that is vital to maintaining our technological edge,” he added.
Materials Resources LLC (Ohio) was awarded US$25.2 million (AU$38.1 million) for prototype production and engaging in “agile, horizontally scalable SRM case manufacturing”.
ICF Mercantile LLC (New Jersey) was awarded US$9.3 million (AU$14 million) to establish “the first domestic production source of rayon filament cellulose” to support SRM construction and technology.
SPARC Research LLC (Virginia) was awarded US$5.1 million (AU$7.7 million) to establish an efficient supply of rocket motor components and “will support improvements to high-performance propulsion systems”.
These additional investments follow 11 other investments the DPA Purchases Office has made since the beginning of FY2024–25, totalling $777.1 million (AU$1.1 billion). In January this year, Mississippi-based company Anduril received US$14.3 million (AU$22.9 million) to support designing, testing and manufacturing processes.
The increase in national defence spending is coming in the face of emerging and continued geopolitical tensions globally, causing a surge in demand for munitions and increased defence capabilities.
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