According to the announcement, the agreement establishes an exclusive teaming arrangement focused on Direct Commercial Sales opportunities. The companies added that the partnership is also intended to reinforce the U.S. defense industrial base through expanded manufacturing capacity and improved operational readiness.
Firehawk Aerospace will contribute thermoplastic propellant formulations and proprietary injection and compression molding technologies to the programme. The company said its facilities support propellant development, testing and small-batch production, enabling scalable manufacturing solutions for 155mm base bleed motors.
The companies stated that integrating Firehawk’s propulsion technologies with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems’ expertise in metal parts production and munitions integration is expected to address supply chain constraints affecting base bleed projectile manufacturing. The partnership is intended to improve production efficiency and increase output capacity for extended-range artillery ammunition.
“Teaming with Firehawk Aerospace represents a significant step forward in our commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance artillery solutions to our international allies,” said Michael Bate, senior vice president and general manager at General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. “This collaboration enhances our production scalability while ensuring we remain responsive to evolving global defense requirements.”
Will Edwards, chief executive officer of Firehawk Aerospace, said the company intends to expand operations at its facility in Lawton, Oklahoma as part of the agreement. “Firehawk Aerospace is proud to be at the forefront of innovation in base bleed production,” Edwards said.
“Through our partnership with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, we are leveraging our Lawton, Oklahoma facility to expand operations and establish ourselves as the world’s leading and most advanced producer,” he added. “Together, we are bringing cutting-edge manufacturing solutions to address critical supply chain demands with urgency and precision.”
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems is a supplier of munitions, weapon systems, artillery and energetics for military customers in the United States, Canada and allied countries. The company operates more than 25 facilities across the United States and Canada supporting air, land and maritime defence programmes.
