Raytheon, an RTX business, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Avio to establish a new, state-of-the-art solid rocket motor (SRM) production facility within the United States. This strategic partnership is designed to bolster the U.S. industrial base by creating an additional, vertically integrated merchant supplier for critical propulsion systems. The collaboration ensures Raytheon will have preferred access to a significant share of the plant’s production capacity, directly addressing the growing demand from its customers for advanced weapon systems.
This initiative represents a major milestone in the ongoing relationship between the two companies. It builds upon recent agreements, including a July 2024 contract for preliminary engineering work on the Mk 104 rocket motor and a subsequent purchase order to fund efforts through the Critical Design Review phase and the procurement of long-lead materials for qualification. The new Avio facility will be instrumental in strengthening the supply chain and manufacturing capacity for vital defense products.
Company leadership from both sides has expressed strong commitment to the project. Raytheon officials emphasized that leveraging Avio’s extensive experience in SRM propulsion development is key to meeting future demands and supporting the defense needs of the United States and its allies. Avio USA’s CEO highlighted the pride in the partnership and the intent to leverage the proven pedigree of its parent company, Avio S.p.A., as it establishes its new U.S. operations. This partnership underscores a shared dedication to ensuring the successful implementation of a new, resilient source for solid rocket motors.
