Defense & Military
Saab Anduril Partner to Modernize GLSDB Rocket Motor Production
Saab selects Anduril to address supply chain challenges in solid rocket motor production for precision-strike GLSDB systems through advanced manufacturing.
Saab Partners with Anduril to Modernize Rocket Motors for GLSDB Weapon System
In a significant move to address long-standing supply chain bottlenecks and cost inefficiencies, Saab has selected Anduril Rocket Motor Systems to design and produce solid rocket motors (SRMs) for the Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB) weapon system. This partnership marks a critical evolution in the defense sector’s approach to precision strike capabilities, combining traditional defense expertise with cutting-edge manufacturing innovation.
The GLSDB, a collaborative development by Saab and Boeing, integrates Boeing’s Small Diameter Bomb with a rocket propulsion system to enable ground-based, long-range precision strikes. The system has gained attention for its affordability and flexibility, offering a scalable solution to modern battlefield requirements. With demand for such systems on the rise globally, the need for reliable and cost-effective propulsion solutions has become increasingly urgent.
Anduril’s entry into this space, backed by strategic investments and advanced manufacturing capabilities, signals a potential shift in how SRMs are developed and produced in the United States and among allied nations. By leveraging private capital and embracing automation, Anduril aims to redefine the standards of speed, scale, and affordability in rocket motor production.
Strategic Importance of the GLSDB and SRM Supply Chain Challenges
The Role of GLSDB in Modern Warfare
The GLSDB is designed to provide forces with a low-cost, long-range precision strike option that can be launched from existing artillery systems such as the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). This makes it a highly adaptable and cost-effective alternative to legacy missile systems. With its ability to strike targets at extended ranges with high accuracy, the GLSDB supports evolving military doctrines that prioritize standoff engagement and precision over brute force.
As military operations increasingly rely on precision-guided munitions, the GLSDB has emerged as a key component in the arsenal of countries seeking enhanced deterrence without the high costs traditionally associated with long-range strike systems. Its modular design also allows for rapid integration into existing platforms, making it attractive to both U.S. forces and international partners.
However, the system’s reliance on the M26 MLRS rocket motor has posed significant challenges. The M26, while proven, faces supply constraints and rising costs due to limited manufacturing capacity and aging production infrastructure. These issues have created bottlenecks that hinder the GLSDB’s scalability and timely deployment.
“The GLSDB system is combat-proven and positioned as a more affordable alternative to legacy precision strike weapons.”, Anduril Industries
Anduril’s Disruptive Entry into Rocket Motor Manufacturing
To address these challenges, Saab has tapped Anduril Rocket Motor Systems to develop a modern replacement for the M26 rocket motor. Anduril’s approach is rooted in innovation and scalability. The company has committed over $75 million in private capital to expand its manufacturing facility in McHenry, Mississippi, with a projected completion date of July 2025. This expansion aims to significantly increase production capacity to meet both domestic and allied demand.
Anduril’s new manufacturing techniques include single-piece-flow production, bladeless high-speed mixers, and proprietary automation technologies. These innovations are expected to reduce production costs, improve quality control, and accelerate delivery timelines, key factors in a defense environment where speed and reliability are paramount.
In addition to private investment, Anduril has received a $14.3 million award under the Defense Production Act to support its advanced manufacturing initiatives. This public-private collaboration underscores the strategic importance of strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base, particularly in areas like propulsion where supply constraints have national security implications.
From Development to Deployment: Timeline and Capabilities
Anduril has already begun development and qualification work on the new SRMs, aiming to match the performance and mass properties of the legacy M26 motor. The company plans to transition to full-rate production by 2026, aligning with the anticipated demand curve for the GLSDB system.
This timeline reflects an aggressive but strategic approach to scaling production while ensuring rigorous testing and qualification. The goal is to provide a drop-in replacement that integrates seamlessly with existing GLSDB configurations, minimizing disruption to deployment schedules.
Beyond the GLSDB program, Anduril’s recent successful static test fire of a 21-inch hypersonic solid rocket motor for the U.S. Navy’s STANDARD Missile Program demonstrates broader capabilities in advanced propulsion. This positions the company as a potential leader in next-generation missile systems, expanding its relevance across multiple defense domains.
Broader Implications for the Defense Industry
Modernization of the SRM Supply Base
The SRM industry has long been dominated by a small number of legacy suppliers, many of whom operate with aging infrastructure and limited capacity for innovation. Anduril’s entry as a high-volume merchant supplier introduces much-needed competition and modernization into this space. Defense analysts have noted that increased competition could drive down costs and improve delivery timelines, both of which are critical in today’s fast-evolving threat environment.
Anduril’s focus on automation and agile manufacturing also aligns with broader trends in defense procurement, where governments are seeking partners capable of rapid scaling without compromising quality or performance. The company’s emphasis on affordability and speed reflects a shift toward leaner, more responsive defense manufacturing models.
Moreover, Anduril’s willingness to invest private capital into defense infrastructure represents a departure from traditional defense contracting models, where government funding typically drives development. This approach could serve as a blueprint for future public-private partnerships in critical defense sectors.
Global Demand and Allied Defense Capabilities
The demand for long-range precision strike weapons is growing globally, driven by shifting military doctrines and increasing geopolitical tensions. Allied nations are seeking cost-effective ways to modernize their arsenals, and the GLSDB’s affordability and adaptability make it an appealing option. Anduril’s expanded production capacity could enable faster delivery to international partners, strengthening collective defense capabilities.
Supply chain resilience has also become a key focus area, particularly in light of recent global disruptions. By establishing a robust domestic manufacturing base, Anduril supports national security objectives while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. This aligns with initiatives under the Defense Production Act aimed at bolstering the U.S. defense industrial base.
In the context of NATO and other alliances, the availability of scalable and interoperable systems like the GLSDB could enhance joint operational capabilities. As Anduril ramps up production, its ability to support allied procurement efforts may become a critical factor in broader defense strategy planning.
The Future of Rocket Propulsion Technologies
Anduril’s work on hypersonic rocket motors signals a forward-looking approach to propulsion technology. Hypersonic systems, capable of traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5, represent the next frontier in missile development. They offer enhanced speed, maneuverability, and survivability, making them a focal point of defense R&D worldwide.
While the GLSDB does not currently employ hypersonic propulsion, the technological advancements made in parallel programs contribute to a growing knowledge base that could inform future iterations. Anduril’s ability to innovate across multiple propulsion domains enhances its strategic value as a defense partner.
As the defense landscape continues to evolve, companies that can integrate advanced manufacturing with next-gen capabilities will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of warfare. Anduril’s partnership with Saab may serve as a case study in how to bridge traditional defense needs with modern technological solutions.
Conclusion
Saab’s selection of Anduril Rocket Motor Systems to supply solid rocket motors for the GLSDB program represents a strategic inflection point in the defense industry. By addressing long-standing supply chain and cost challenges, the partnership aims to deliver a modern, scalable propulsion solution aligned with evolving military needs. Anduril’s investment in advanced manufacturing and its broader capabilities in propulsion set the stage for a new era of innovation in missile systems.
As global demand for precision strike capabilities continues to grow, the success of this collaboration could influence procurement strategies, defense partnerships, and industrial base policies across allied nations. With its focus on speed, scale, and affordability, Anduril is positioning itself as a key player in the future of defense propulsion technologies.
FAQ
What is the GLSDB system?
The Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB) is a precision strike weapon that combines Boeing’s SDB with a rocket motor for ground-based launch, offering long-range, cost-effective targeting capabilities.
Why did Saab choose Anduril for the SRM contract?
Saab selected Anduril to address supply chain issues and cost inefficiencies associated with the legacy M26 motor. Anduril’s modern manufacturing methods and investment in production capacity were key factors.
When will Anduril’s new rocket motors be ready for deployment?
Anduril is targeting full-rate production of the new solid rocket motors by 2026, with facility expansion expected to be completed by July 2025.
Sources
Photo Credit: Anduril
Defense & Military
GE Aerospace and Shield AI Complete X-BAT Engine Test
GE Aerospace and Shield AI complete AVEN thrust-vectoring nozzle testing on the F110-GE-129E, keeping X-BAT on track for late 2026 first flight.
GE Aerospace and Shield AI have successfully completed integration, actuation, and engine light-off testing of a multi-axis thrust-vectoring nozzle on an F110-GE-129E engine, clearing a major propulsion hurdle for the X-BAT vertical take-off and landing combat aircraft.
Announced in a July 20, 2026, press release, the testing took place at GE Aerospace’s operations site in Peebles, Ohio. The campaign represents the first fully integrated test of the Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN) hardware and control systems since its original development in the 1990s. The successful light-off keeps the X-BAT program on schedule for a planned first flight in late 2026.
Resurrecting thrust vectoring for vertical flight
The AVEN system pivots engine exhaust in three dimensions, providing the precise directional control required for the aircraft to balance on its tailpipe during vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) maneuvers. Originally designed in the 1990s, the AVEN program accumulated 73 hours of ground testing and 135 flight hours across 95 flights on an experimental F-16 before being shelved.
Shield AI and GE Aerospace are now adapting that legacy hardware to meet the demands of modern autonomous flight. The integration requires the nozzle to execute rapid, coordinated movement sequences driven by Shield AI’s flight control software.
“The AVEN is what makes vertical flight possible on a platform this size and this capable. We’re applying it differently than it was ever used before. Vertical flight requires fast gimbaling to maintain attitude control, a demand the original program never had to meet,” said Armor Harris, Senior Vice President of Aircraft Engineering at Shield AI.
Harris noted that utilizing hardware with a proven track record allowed the engineering teams to bypass the initial stages of clean-sheet development. The next phase of the program will focus on iterating the propulsion approach to reduce weight and increase speed for future variants.
Scaling the X-BAT for contested environments
Shield AI unveiled the X-BAT in Washington, D.C., on October 21, 2025. The aircraft is designed as a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) capable of operating independently or as a drone wingman in contested airspace. By November 5, 2025, Shield AI and GE Aerospace had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the platform’s propulsion, selecting the F110-GE-129 engine paired with the AVEN system.
The aircraft relies on Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software to conduct missions without traditional runway infrastructure. According to reporting by Tectonic Defense, the X-BAT measures 26 feet in length and features a 39-foot wingspan. Naval News estimates the platform will achieve a range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles and an operational ceiling of 50,000 feet, positioning it for both austere land bases and potential naval integration.
Amy Gowder, President and CEO of Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace, stated that pairing the company’s propulsion scaling experience with Shield AI’s vehicle development allows the program to move rapidly from concept to fielded capability.
AirPro News analysis
We view the successful light-off of the AVEN-equipped F110 as a validation of Shield AI’s strategy to integrate mature subsystems rather than developing bespoke hardware. The GE Aerospace F110 engine family has accumulated 11 million flight hours. By pairing a highly reliable, mass-produced core engine with a previously flight-tested 3D vectoring nozzle, the X-BAT program significantly reduces its technical risk profile.
The primary challenge moving forward will be software integration. While the AVEN hardware is proven, the 1990s-era actuators were not designed for the continuous, high-frequency gimbaling required to stabilize a tail-sitting VTOL aircraft in turbulent conditions. Shield AI’s Hivemind system will need to manage these actuation limits carefully to prevent mechanical fatigue while maintaining attitude control during the critical transition between vertical and forward flight.
Sources: GE Aerospace
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
Defense & Military
Pratt Whitney Completes 3D-Printed TJ150 Turbojet Demo Test
Pratt & Whitney validates additive manufacturing for the TJ150, consolidating 50+ hot section parts into 3D-printed components.
Pratt & Whitney has successfully completed demonstration testing of an additively manufactured TJ150 turbojet engine, a process that consolidated more than 50 individual hot section components into a small number of 3D-printed parts.
The RTX Corporation subsidiary announced the milestone on July 20, 2026, during the Farnborough International Airshow in London. The test results validate the manufacturer’s strategy to use additive manufacturing to simplify design and accelerate production for expendable military propulsion systems.
Consolidating hot section components
According to the press release, nearly 60 percent of the TJ150 engine’s volume was produced using additive manufacturing. This volume includes major static and rotating hardware. By utilizing 3D printing technologies, engineers reduced the complexity of the engine’s hot section and replaced over 50 traditional parts with a handful of consolidated components.
The TJ150 is a 150-pound thrust class turbojet designed for single-use applications.
“For expendable engines like the TJ150, where missions can last minutes or hours, simplifying the design and scaling production quickly is essential to meeting rising demand,” said Jill Albertelli, President of Military Engines at Pratt & Whitney.
Integration with cruise missiles and decoys
The successful demonstration of the 3D-printed TJ150 follows recent contract awards and integration announcements for the engine platform. On March 10, 2026, Pratt & Whitney secured a follow-on contract from Leidos Dynetics to supply TJ150 engines for the AGM-190A small cruise missile.
In a separate announcement on July 15, 2026, Raytheon confirmed plans to prioritize the TJ150 engine for the initial production of the Miniature Air-Launched Decoy (MALD). Raytheon noted that utilizing the existing engine platform keeps restart timelines short while the company explores additively manufactured engines for longer-term opportunities.
Expanding additive manufacturing applications
Pratt & Whitney plans to apply the manufacturing techniques validated during the TJ150 demonstration to other propulsion programs. Albertelli stated that additive manufacturing helps the company move designs from concept to capability faster. She confirmed that the manufacturer is leveraging the TJ150 learnings to benefit other systems, including the Pratt & Whitney Valox engine family.
AirPro News analysis
The successful test of a heavily 3D-printed TJ150 highlights a critical shift in defense aerospace manufacturing. As military operators demand higher volumes of autonomous systems, decoys, and tactical missiles, traditional supply chains for small turbine engines face significant bottlenecks. Casting and machining conventional hot-section components requires extensive tooling and long lead times. By consolidating dozens of parts into a few additively manufactured pieces, we see manufacturers directly addressing the need for rapid scalability.
Expendable engines operate for very short durations, meaning they do not require the same long-term durability as commercial or manned military turbofans. This specific operational profile makes them ideal candidates for additive manufacturing, allowing producers to prioritize production speed and cost reduction over thousands of hours of time-on-wing reliability.
Photo Credit: RTX
Defense & Military
GE Aerospace and Magellan Sign F414 MRO MOU for Canada
GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace signed an MOU at Farnborough to establish a Canadian F414 engine MRO center if Canada selects the Gripen E.
GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 22, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow to establish a Canadian MRO center for the F414-GE-39E engine. The agreement is entirely contingent on the Government of Canada selecting the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E for its future fighter fleet.
Announced in a GE Aerospace press release, the proposed MRO work would take place at Magellan’s facility in Mississauga, Ontario. The partnership aims to position Magellan as Canada’s domestic center of excellence for F414 engine sustainment, guaranteeing sovereign support capabilities for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) if the Gripen E is acquired.
Industrial offsets and the Gripen E campaign
The MOU represents a calculated component of a broader industrial offset campaign by Saab AB and its suppliers to secure a portion of Canada’s fighter procurement contract. The Canadian government is currently reviewing its fighter jet strategy. While Ottawa previously committed to purchasing a fleet of 88 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Military-Aircraft, the government is evaluating a potential mixed fleet that could include domestically built Gripen E fighters.
To strengthen the Gripen’s bid, Saab has been securing agreements with Canadian aerospace firms to promise domestic job creation and technology transfer. This engine sustainment agreement follows a similar MOU signed on July 17, 2026, between Saab and Canadian aviation training firm CAE Inc. to cooperate on advanced fighter pilot Training.
Engine sustainment and domestic capabilities
The F414 engine family has accumulated more than 5 million flight hours globally. The new agreement builds on a 60-year working relationship between GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace Corporation.
Paul Ferraro, Vice President of Defense Engines & Services at GE Aerospace, stated that the agreement spans both military and commercial engines and will ensure the RCAF has in-country access to sustainment services to maintain F414 readiness.
Haydn Martin, Vice President of Business Development, Marketing, and Contracts at Magellan Aerospace Corporation, emphasized the operational benefits of the proposed partnership.
“Should the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E aircraft be selected, Magellan Aerospace will be ready to provide world-class engine maintenance, repair and overhaul services that enhance operational readiness for the Royal Canadian Air Force while maintaining highly skilled Canadian jobs, developing advanced technical expertise, and strengthening Canada’s long-term defence industrial capacity,” Martin said.
AirPro News analysis
We view this MOU as a clear signal that the competition for Canada’s fighter fleet remains highly active despite the initial F-35A selection. By lining up domestic heavyweights like Magellan and CAE, Saab is directly addressing Ottawa’s stringent Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy requirements. If the Government of Canada opts for a mixed fleet, establishing sovereign MRO capabilities for the F414 engine will be a critical factor in mitigating supply chain risks and ensuring RCAF operational independence. Until a formal procurement decision is finalized, these agreements remain strategic positioning rather than guaranteed Contracts.
Sources: GE Aerospace
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
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