The U.S. Army has tasked Anduril Industries with developing a new 4,75-inch solid rocket motor for long-range precision rocket artillery missions. Anduril announced Friday that the company was selected by the U.S. Army for the mission. The motor will be designed to meet the increasing demand for rocket motors worldwide, particularly due to the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Rising Demand for Rocket Engines and the Need for Global Defense
The increasing demand for rocket and missile systems has increased due to the increasing defense needs and military budgets worldwide. This has led to the realization that armies, especially in Europe and other regions, will need more rockets and missiles for future conflicts. This development is also considered as part of the “affordable mass” doctrine. This doctrine emphasizes the importance of low-cost, mass-produced and effectively deployable systems.
HIMARS System and New Rocket Engine
The new solid rocket motor will work in conjunction with the HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) artillery system, which is used extensively in Ukraine. HIMARS can currently carry 6 GMLRS rockets or 1 ATACMS rocket. The new rocket motor will provide the HIMARS system with the capacity to load up to 30 rockets, making the system more efficient. Anduril will manufacture and test the rocket motors using conventional aluminized propellant and ALITEC fuel. The ALITEC fuel is said to increase the performance of the rocket motor, reduce size, weight and power requirements, and improve range.
Defense Production Act Bidding and Investment Support
Anduril announced that it supported this project with a $14.3 million contract awarded under the Defense Production Act (DPA) and a $75 million investment from the company. This financial support will help the company accelerate the development and production of the new rocket engine.
Anduril and UAV Defense System
Anduril has recently attracted attention not only with its rocket engines, but also with its UAV defense systems. In October 2024, Anduril signed a $250 million contract with the Pentagon for the supply of a new system that will protect US forces against UAV attacks. Under this contract, Anduril will supply 500 Roadrunner autonomous aircraft. In addition, the company's Pulsar electronic warfare capability will be integrated into the aircraft and will function to jam and disrupt enemy systems.
With these new developments in the defense industry, Anduril is taking an important step towards increasing the effectiveness of the US Army and the global defense force. These projects once again demonstrate the company's strong presence in the field of technology and its ability to produce innovative solutions.
