Rocket Motor Production Soars Amid Global Demand Surge

L3Harris Technologies' Aerojet Rocketdyne has doubled its rocket motor production due to increased demand from the Ukraine conflict. Enhanced investments and production facilities cater to the Pentagon’s needs and the global rise in military requirements, indicating a shift towards more extensive warfare capabilities.

L3Harris Technologies reports that its unit, Aerojet Rocketdyne, has significantly ramped up the production of motors used in GMLRS rockets, which are proving essential in Ukraine. This surge aligns with a global spike in demand for military equipment, fueled by ongoing conflicts and strategic reassessment of warfare doctrines.

The company's president, Ross Niebergall, emphasized the increased capital allocation, boosting productivity among a vast network of over 300 suppliers. The expansion includes investments in advanced manufacturing technology within Aerojet's Huntsville, Alabama facilities, crucial for producing high-demand motors for Javelin and GMLRS systems.

Lockheed Martin, the primary contractor for GMLRS, also plans to escalate production significantly by 2025, further highlighting the competitive landscape of the U.S. rocket motor manufacturing sector. New entrants find it challenging to meet this mass production scale despite burgeoning industry opportunities.

(With inputs from agencies.)