WASHINGTON — U.S. defense contractor Raytheon on July 23 announced a strategic partnership with Italian aerospace firm Avio to develop solid rocket motors for military applications and help address shortages in the U.S. defense industrial base.
The companies said the agreement aims to enhance the resilience and responsiveness of solid rocket motor production amid surging demand driven by global conflicts, notably the war in Ukraine. The partnership will leverage Avio’s existing manufacturing and engineering capabilities in Italy. The company has an American subsidiary Avio USA headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.
Solid rocket motors are propulsion devices that contain both fuel and oxidizer in solid form, ignited to produce thrust. They are commonly used in military missiles, space launch vehicles, and model rockets due to their reliability, long shelf life, and ability to provide high thrust quickly.
“This partnership marks a commitment to develop resilient and responsive production of solid rocket motors,” said Bob Butz, Raytheon’s vice president of operations and supply chain. “We will continue to mature potential rocket motor solutions with Avio to meet the increased long-term demand of our domestic and international customers.”
The collaboration comes as the U.S. defense industry grapples with depleted stockpiles of weapons relying on solid rocket motors, such as Javelin anti-tank missiles and Stinger air defense systems. Supply chain constraints and industry consolidation have left few key players capable of meeting the rapidly growing demand.
Giulio Ranzo, CEO of Avio, stated, “We are leveraging our past experience and track record in solid rocket motors to help expand production capacity and develop new product lines to meet the growing demand.”
Avio, known for its expertise in space propulsion and as a prime contractor for the European Vega launcher, completed its preliminary design development for two solid rocket motor systems in April.
The partnership with Avio follows Raytheon’s recently announced collaboration with Nammo to establish new solid rocket motor manufacturing lines in the U.S.
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