Northrop Grumman and the Commonwealth of Australia will commence a structured industry-engagement process to explore, discuss and clarify potential requirements and processes relating to solid rocket motor production in Australia. A core element of the programme will be the integration of Australian suppliers into the production line, ensuring Australia benefits from access to Northrop Grumman’s world-leading propulsion technology while establishing a sovereign manufacturing base.
Pat Conroy, Australian Minister for Defence Industry, underlined the strategic importance of the investment for Australia’s industrial self-reliance. “The Albanese Government’s investment in rocket motor manufacturing will strengthen Australia’s self-reliance, while supporting our industrial base and creating jobs for locals,” he said.
Rob Denney, Country Executive of Northrop Grumman Australia, highlighted the role of both technology transfer and local supplier integration in the programme. “Northrop Grumman’s world-leading propulsion technology will be critical to rapidly establishing solid rocket motor production in Australia, and partnering with Australian component suppliers will build a sovereign manufacturing base of a critical defence capability,” he said.
As one of the world’s leading propulsion providers, Northrop Grumman has delivered 1.3 million solid rocket motors to date, powering long-range strike systems and key defence platforms around the world. The company’s motors have also supported major space missions, including the boosters that launched NASA’s Artemis mission to the moon.
Northrop Grumman has invested $2 billion over the past several years in munitions-related technology, facilities modernization and capacity expansion to produce advanced weapons and solid rocket motors affordably at scale. The company’s involvement in Australia is intended to establish the foundations of a sovereign production capability central to Australia’s long-range strike capacity and industrial resilience.
