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Avio to Build $460 Million U.S. Solid Rocket Motor Plant, Grants Lockheed and Raytheon Preferred Access

The vertically integrated Avio USA facility targets early 2028 operations under U.S. security rules led by former Missile Defense Agency chief James Syring.

Overview

  • Raytheon signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Avio to support the new facility and secured preferred access to a portion of its production capacity.
  • Raytheon issued a purchase order funding work through Critical Design Review and long‑lead material procurement for qualification.
  • Avio executed a non‑binding term sheet with Lockheed Martin for preferred capacity, with a Strategic Cooperation Agreement planned for negotiation.
  • Avio earmarked about $460 million to expand manufacturing, with most of the investment directed to the U.S. plant whose location has not been disclosed.
  • The facility will operate as a merchant supplier to multiple customers to strengthen the U.S. solid propulsion base beyond incumbents such as Northrop Grumman and L3Harris.