Manufacturing capacity is set to be a key focus of Australia’s defence industrial strategy as the Commonwealth moves into formal engagement with Northrop Grumman Corporation to explore sovereign solid rocket motor (SRM) manufacturing in Australia.
In a news release, Northrop Grumman confirmed it has been selected by the Commonwealth of Australia for structured engagement as part of early-stage planning toward establishing domestic SRM manufacturing capability.
The company said the process will involve detailed discussions with government and industry stakeholders to define potential requirements and production pathways.
The Australian Government said the initiative is intended to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing capability and industrial resilience.
“The Albanese Government’s investment in rocket motor manufacturing will strengthen Australia’s self-reliance, while supporting our industrial base and creating jobs for locals,” Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said.
Northrop Grumman said a core component of the engagement will be the integration of Australian suppliers into potential production systems, positioning local industry within a sovereign manufacturing framework supported by the company’s propulsion technology.
“Northrop Grumman’s world-leading propulsion technology will be critical to rapidly establishing solid rocket motor production in Australia, and partnering with Australian component suppliers will build a sovereign manufacturing base of a critical defence capability,” said Rob Denney, country executive, Northrop Grumman Australia.
In its statement, Northrop Grumman described itself as a long-standing global propulsion provider, noting more than seven decades of experience in solid rocket motor development and approximately 1.3 million motors delivered worldwide.
The company also said it has invested more than US$2 billion in recent years in munitions-related technology, facility modernisation and production expansion.
It added that its solid rocket motors support long-range strike systems and defence platforms globally, and have also been used in space missions, including boosters for NASA’s Artemis programme.
