Defense & Military
Firehawk Aerospace Raises 60M to Scale 3D Printed Rocket Propellant Tech
Firehawk Aerospace secures $60M funding to accelerate 3D-printed rocket propellant production, enhancing defense supply chain resilience.
Firehawk Aerospace Secures Strategic $60M Investment to Revolutionize Defense Supply Chain with 3D-Printed Propellant Technology
The defense technology sector has experienced a significant milestone with Firehawk Aerospace’s oversubscribed $60 million Series C funding round. This development not only underscores the growing investor interest in advanced rocket propulsion and additive manufacturing, but also highlights the strategic importance of resilient defense supply chains amidst evolving geopolitical tensions. Firehawk’s innovative 3D-printed solid rocket propellant technology, coupled with the entry of a strategic European investor, positions the company at the forefront of modernizing how critical munitions are produced and supplied to allied forces.
The investment round, led by 1789 Capital, a venture capital firm with partners such as Donald Trump Jr., marks the firm’s first foray into defense technology. Notably, the round also included Presto Tech Horizons (PTH), created through a partnership between Czech venture capital firm Presto Ventures and industrial conglomerate Czechoslovak Group (CSG). This partnership brings together American innovation and European industrial strength at a time when the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has exposed vulnerabilities in Western munitions supply chains. Firehawk’s technology is poised to reduce production time for solid rocket motors from traditional periods of 60 days to just 7 hours, offering a transformative leap in efficiency and responsiveness.
The significance of this funding and partnership extends beyond financial backing. It signals a broader shift toward rapid, scalable, and secure defense Manufacturing, addressing urgent operational needs and reinforcing allied defense capabilities in an era of renewed great power competition.
Company Foundation and Technological Innovation
Firehawk Aerospace was founded in 2019 by CEO Will Edwards and scientist Ronald Jones, combining business acumen with deep expertise in rocket propulsion and additive manufacturing. Edwards, a University of Arkansas graduate with prior entrepreneurial experience, and Jones, an expert in 3D printing and energetics, chose to focus on rocket engine manufacturing rather than entering the crowded launch vehicle market.
The company’s breakthrough lies in its proprietary 3D printing technology for solid rocket propellants. Traditional methods involve casting and curing propellant over weeks or months, but Firehawk’s approach enables the production of complex geometries in hours. This not only accelerates manufacturing but also allows for greater design flexibility and customization of rocket thrust profiles.
Firehawk’s business model targets the defense sector, where only two major incumbents, Aerojet Rocketdyne and Orbital ATK, dominate the Department of Defense’s rocket engine supply. Firehawk’s hybrid engines, which can be restarted mid-flight (unlike conventional solid motors), offer operational and safety advantages. The company operates from Dallas, with testing facilities in West Texas and a planned manufacturing expansion in Oklahoma, supported by $22 million in public funding.
Innovation in Additive Manufacturing
Firehawk’s additive manufacturing (AM) approach enables the creation of propellants with intricate internal structures, optimizing burn characteristics and performance. Unlike conventional casting, which requires unique tooling for each design, AM allows engineers to iterate rapidly and produce propellant grains tailored to specific missions.
This innovation not only reduces production times dramatically but also enhances Safety by minimizing the handling of energetic materials at high temperatures. Research in the field has shown that traditional methods carry significant risks, including accidental detonations during processing. Firehawk’s process mitigates these hazards through controlled, automated printing techniques.
The company’s technology has been validated through successful Test-Flights at NASA’s Stennis Space Center and ongoing collaborations with major defense contractors. Its ability to cut costs by 30-40% while improving performance and safety is a key differentiator in a market where responsiveness and reliability are paramount.
“A supply chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and propellant and energetics production are the biggest constraint on missile, rocket, and artillery manufacturing.” – Will Edwards, CEO, Firehawk Aerospace
Investment Round Analysis and Strategic Partnerships
The $60 million Series C round was oversubscribed, reflecting robust investor confidence in Firehawk’s technology and market potential. 1789 Capital, a venture firm with a focus on companies that align with traditional American values, led the round with a $15 million commitment. This marks a strategic expansion for 1789 Capital, which manages approximately $150 million and seeks to foster a “parallel economy” that emphasizes national security and deglobalization.
Other notable investors include Draper Associates, Boka Capital, Point Bridge Capital (known for its “MAGA ETF”), Decisive Point, and Stellar Ventures. The round brings Firehawk’s total funding to over $88 million, supporting its transition from R&D to full-scale production and addressing the critical need for rapid munitions manufacturing.
The entry of Presto Tech Horizons (PTH) as the sole European investor is particularly significant. PTH is a joint venture between Presto Ventures, a Prague-based VC fund, and CSG, a major Czech industrial conglomerate. This partnership aims to bridge American innovation with European manufacturing capabilities, enhancing supply chain resilience for NATO allies.
European Defense Supply Chain Implications
CSG, with over 10,000 employees and operations in more than 100 companies, is a leading player in European defense manufacturing. Its revenues are heavily defense-focused, and its acquisition of Italian ammunition manufacturer Fiocchi has further expanded its global footprint. The partnership with Firehawk is seen as a strategic move to address the urgent need for scalable, rapid munitions production in Europe, especially in light of the war in Ukraine.
Presto Ventures has a strong track record in technology investment, with a focus on security, defense, and aerospace. Its involvement brings not only capital but also access to a network of Western investors and defense customers. The collaboration is expected to facilitate technology transfer and the integration of Firehawk’s 3D-printed propellant technology into European manufacturing lines.
European defense planners are increasingly focused on supply chain sovereignty and resilience. The partnership with Firehawk addresses these concerns by enabling distributed, flexible production of rocket motors and energetics, reducing dependence on external suppliers and mitigating risks associated with geopolitical disruptions.
“Since the early 2010s, scientists and engineers have explored 3D printing as a way to unlock faster, safer, and more flexible solid propellant production. Firehawk is the first to truly deliver on that promise.” – Matej Luhovy, Partner, Presto Tech Horizons
Government Contracts, Market Position, and Industry Context
Firehawk has built credibility within the defense sector through a series of government Contracts and partnerships. The company has received a $4 million TACFI contract from AFWERX for extended range optimization of solid rocket motors, and a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III contract with the Army Applications Laboratory. These programs focus on key weapon systems such as the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket (GMLR), Javelin, and Stinger missiles.
The company’s approach to government relations includes active engagement with congressional appropriations and armed services committees, resulting in $5 million in congressional funding. This strategy recognizes the importance of aligning technological innovation with national security priorities and economic development objectives.
Firehawk’s competitive position is strengthened by its ability to offer hybrid rocket engines with restart capabilities and rapid production cycles. The concentration of traditional solid rocket motor manufacturing among a few incumbents creates opportunities for disruptive entrants like Firehawk. The company’s intellectual property portfolio and partnerships with established defense contractors further solidify its market standing.
Broader Defense Industry Trends
The defense technology sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by evolving threat environments and technological breakthroughs. The Ukraine conflict has exposed critical vulnerabilities in Western munitions production, highlighting the limitations of “just-in-time” logistics and the need for surge manufacturing capacity.
The global hybrid rocket propulsion market is expanding, and additive manufacturing is gaining traction as a means to enhance supply chain flexibility and responsiveness. Firehawk’s technology aligns with these trends, offering a scalable solution to the challenges of modern defense logistics.
European and U.S. policy initiatives are increasingly focused on strengthening domestic and allied defense industrial bases. Investments in advanced manufacturing technologies like Firehawk’s are seen as essential for maintaining operational readiness and strategic autonomy in the face of evolving security challenges.
Conclusion
Firehawk Aerospace’s $60 million Series C funding round marks a turning point in defense manufacturing and international industrial cooperation. The company’s 3D-printed propellant technology addresses key supply chain vulnerabilities, offering unprecedented speed, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness in rocket motor production. The involvement of strategic investors from both the U.S. and Europe underscores the global relevance of Firehawk’s innovation.
As the company scales its operations and deepens its partnerships, it stands to play a pivotal role in enhancing allied defense capabilities and supply chain resilience. The future trajectory of Firehawk Aerospace will be closely watched by investors, policymakers, and defense officials as a bellwether for the successful integration of additive manufacturing in critical defense applications.
FAQ
What is unique about Firehawk Aerospace’s technology?
Firehawk uses proprietary 3D printing techniques to manufacture solid rocket propellants, dramatically reducing production time and enabling greater design flexibility compared to traditional casting methods.
Who led Firehawk’s $60 million Series C investment round?
The round was led by 1789 Capital, with additional participation from Presto Tech Horizons, Draper Associates, Boka Capital, Point Bridge Capital, Decisive Point, and Stellar Ventures.
How does the European partnership benefit Firehawk and its allies?
The partnership with Presto Tech Horizons and CSG facilitates technology transfer and integration into European defense manufacturing, enhancing supply chain resilience and supporting NATO defense capabilities.
What are the main applications of Firehawk’s technology?
The primary applications are in defense rocket motors, missiles, and potentially other energetics and propellants for both military and space sectors.
What government contracts has Firehawk secured?
Firehawk has received contracts from AFWERX, the Army Applications Laboratory, and has partnerships with major defense contractors, including Raytheon Technologies.
Sources
Photo Credit: Firehawk
Defense & Military
SNC and Skyryse Partner to Retrofit Fleets With SkyOS Automation
SNC and Skyryse will integrate SkyOS fly-by-wire automation into existing defense and commercial aircraft fleets via FAA ODA certification.
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and aviation technology company Skyryse have formed a collaboration to integrate software-defined flight automation into existing military and commercial aircraft fleets.
Announced on October 27, 2026, the partnership aims to retrofit legacy airframes with Skyryse’s SkyOS system, enabling optionally piloted operations and reduced crew workload without the capital expenditure required to procure new aircraft. The initial focus of the collaboration will target defense platforms.
Certification and integration strategy
The collaboration pairs Skyryse’s flight control technology with SNC’s established aircraft modification and certification infrastructure. A key component of the partnership involves 3S Engineering and Certification, a wholly owned SNC subsidiary based in Wichita, Kansas.
The subsidiary holds a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Organization Designation Authorization (ODA). This status grants the company the authority to issue Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) and certify equipment installations, providing a direct regulatory pathway for integrating SkyOS into operational fleets.
SNC Executive Vice President Jon Piatt noted the practical advantages of the approach. “Modernizing a fleet doesn’t always mean buying new aircraft,” Piatt said in a press release.
Skyryse Founder and CEO Mark Groden emphasized the speed of retrofitting compared to clean-sheet aircraft development.
“The fastest way to modernize a fleet is to upgrade the aircraft already in it, and we’ve shown on the Black Hawk that SkyOS can do that in months, not years. SNC’s certification and integration expertise gives us the path to bring a new level of automation and capability to existing fleets at scale,” Groden said.
The UH-60 Black Hawk proof of concept
The foundation for the SNC partnership stems from a late 2025 technology demonstration. On December 22, 2025, Skyryse achieved the first flight of a UH-60 Black Hawk equipped with the SkyOS system.
The integration process for the Black Hawk was completed in 91 days. During the demonstration, the system executed automated pickup, hover, and setdown maneuvers, validating the aircraft-agnostic design of the software.
SkyOS replaces traditional mechanical flight control linkages with a triply redundant fly-by-wire system. The interface utilizes a four-axis joystick and touchscreen displays, designed to simplify pilot inputs and manage complex flight envelopes automatically.
“SNC has spent more than 60 years modifying and sustaining aircraft for demanding missions,” Piatt said. “Pairing that experience with SkyOS gives us a way to explore new levels of automation that can reduce operator workload, support more consistent decision-making and help crews focus on the mission.”
Expanding partnerships in the automation sector
The SNC agreement follows a series of strategic moves by Skyryse to position its technology across both commercial and defense markets. Founded in 2016 and based in El Segundo, California, the company initially focused on the civil sector, developing the Skyryse One, a proprietary aircraft based on the Robinson R66 platform.
In recent weeks, Skyryse has rapidly expanded its defense and unmanned applications. On September 23, 2026, the company announced a partnership with BAE Systems Australia to evaluate integrating SkyOS with BAE’s Vehicle Management System (VMS) for autonomous flight applications.
The following day, on September 24, 2026, Skyryse formalized an agreement with Robinson Helicopter Company to develop a Group 4 unmanned aircraft system (UAV) for defense applications, utilizing the R66 airframe powered by SkyOS.
SNC, founded in 1963 and operating as a privately owned mid-tier aerospace and defense contractor, brings the scale required to transition these technologies from prototypes to fielded military assets. The defense and commercial aviation sectors are increasingly looking toward optionally piloted and autonomous flight systems to extend the operational life of legacy airframes.
AirPro News analysis
The defense aviation sector is currently navigating a tension between the desire for advanced autonomous capabilities and the reality of constrained procurement budgets. By focusing on retrofitting existing platforms like the UH-60 Black Hawk, SNC and Skyryse are targeting a lucrative middle ground. This approach extends the operational relevance of legacy airframes while introducing optionally piloted capabilities that modern combat doctrines increasingly demand.
The most critical element of this collaboration is SNC’s ODA status through its 3S Engineering subsidiary. In aviation technology, the bottleneck is rarely the software itself; it is the certification pathway. By pairing a nimble aviation startup with an established defense contractor that holds STC authority, the partnership bypasses the traditional regulatory friction that often delays the fielding of novel flight control systems.
Photo Credit: Skyryse
Defense & Military
Volatus Aerospace Completes AISPECO Acquisition for $10.5M
Volatus Aerospace finalizes its $10.5M acquisition of Lithuanian sensor developer AISPECO UAB, gaining an EU and NATO manufacturing base.
Volatus Aerospace Inc. (TSX: FLT) has finalized its acquisition of Lithuanian sensor and software developer AISPECO UAB, securing a direct manufacturing foothold in the European Union and NATO.
The transaction, announced in a press release on October 28, 2026, vertically integrates AISPECO’s proprietary airborne sensor platforms and mission software into Volatus’ existing uncrewed and piloted aircraft operations. The deal carries a base transaction value of $10.5 million, with an additional $2.5 million in contingent earnouts tied to three-year performance milestones.
Financial structure and milestone targets
The completion of the acquisition follows an initial agreement announced on October 14, 2026. The $10.5 million base consideration consists of $3.0 million in cash, the issuance of 17,434,193 Volatus common shares at a deemed price of C$0.5813 per share, and the granting of 1,859,804 Restricted Share Units (RSUs).
An additional $2.5 million in contingent consideration may be paid to AISPECO between October 2026 and October 2029. These earnouts are payable in cash or shares and depend on the achievement of specified financial, commercial, and product-development milestones over the three-year period. While some financial aggregators have characterized the transaction as a $13 million deal, official breakdowns confirm this higher figure is only reached if all future performance targets are met.
The acquisition also marks a successful exit for venture firm Superhero Capital. The backer had previously invested EUR 2.5 million in AISPECO across funding rounds in 2022 and 2024.
Integrating sensor technology with aircraft operations
AISPECO develops and manufactures advanced geospatial systems designed for both fixed-wing aircraft and Helicopters. The company’s product portfolio includes HELIUX modular sensor pods, the FOCUS AI-guided gimbal, CORE electronics, and ROBINCOP flight-management software. The platform is designed to support multiple sensor types and currently holds certification for installation on more than 20 different aircraft types, with two European patent applications pending.
Prior to the acquisition, AISPECO had sold approximately 50 complete systems to customers across North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. These technologies are primarily utilized for the inspection of power grids, gas pipelines, and transport infrastructure, alongside applications in forest inventory, urban mapping, defence, and border surveillance.
Volatus Aerospace CEO Glen Lynch stated that the acquisition brings the company closer to delivering a complete, end-to-end aerial intelligence ecosystem.
“By integrating AISPECO’s proprietary sensors and software with our aircraft platforms and operational capabilities, we can accelerate innovation, strengthen our technology base and deliver more comprehensive solutions to defence, industrial and commercial customers worldwide,” Lynch said.
Expanding European defence and commercial footprint
Headquartered in Mirabel, Québec, Volatus Aerospace operates an Operations Control Centre (OCC) for remote and autonomous flights and manufactures Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), including the Condor XL heavy-lift cargo drone. The company has historically focused on delivering intelligence and cargo solutions through both piloted and remotely piloted aircraft systems.
Founded in 2020 and based in Vilnius, Lithuania, AISPECO brings rapid financial growth to the combined entity. The Lithuanian firm generated C$5.72 million in fiscal 2025 revenue, a figure that more than doubled its fiscal 2024 revenue.
The integration of AISPECO provides Volatus with a direct engineering and manufacturing base in a NATO and European Union member country. This European presence complements the company’s existing Canadian manufacturing operations and is intended to support broader opportunities in government and allied defence markets.
AirPro News analysis
We view the acquisition of AISPECO as a structural shift for Volatus Aerospace, transitioning the company from an operator and distributor of aircraft systems into a vertically integrated technology provider. By bringing sensor payload and mission software development in-house, Volatus captures a larger share of the value chain in the aerial intelligence market. Securing a manufacturing base in Lithuania also provides a distinct strategic advantage for European defence procurement, where domestic sourcing requirements within NATO and the European Union increasingly dictate contract awards.
Photo Credit: Volatus Aerospace
Defense & Military
Bombardier and BAE Systems Sign MOU for Combat Air Programs
Bombardier and BAE Systems signed an MOU on Oct 28, 2026, to explore next-generation combat air collaboration.
Bombardier and BAE Systems have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore joint development of industrial and technology capabilities for next-generation combat air programs.
Announced in a press release on October 28, 2026, the bilateral agreement positions the Canadian aerospace manufacturer to integrate its engineering and manufacturing footprint into allied military aviation requirements. The partnership aligns with Canada’s broader defense strategy, coming three months after the country formally engaged with international sixth-generation fighter development efforts.
Strategic framework and capability exploration
The MOU establishes an exploratory framework to identify practical areas of cooperation aligned with future capability requirements and government priorities. Rather than a commitment to a specific aircraft program, the agreement serves to connect Bombardier’s specialized supplier ecosystems with BAE Systems’ combat air expertise.
Stephen McCullough, Executive Vice President of Engineering, Product Development and Bombardier Defense, stated that the company is positioned to develop the talent required for programs carrying a generational impact on the defense industry.
“This MOU with BAE Systems provides a clear framework to explore how these capabilities can support next-generation defence programs, while strengthening industrial capacity, high-value jobs and long-term aerospace leadership,” McCullough said.
Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director of BAE Systems Air, noted the opportunity to support the strategic aims of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy through the collaboration.
“BAE Systems brings decades of combat air experience spanning aircraft design, systems integration, manufacturing and support. This agreement marks an important step in our ambition to strengthen international partnerships that support the future of combat air,” Barnes said.
Canada’s evolving role in next-generation air combat
The partnership materializes as Canada deepens its involvement in international air combat initiatives. On July 21, 2026, the Department of National Defence announced that Canada had joined the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as its first observer nation.
GCAP is a multinational initiative led by the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet. Observer status allows the Canadian government to assess potential future participation and gain insight into the program’s governance and industrial framework. Crucially, the designation enables the identification of opportunities for domestic companies without requiring an immediate financial commitment from the state.
The bilateral agreement positions Bombardier to capture future procurement cycles as Canada evaluates its long-term role in next-generation air combat initiatives.
Industrial positioning and defense adaptation
Bombardier primarily designs, builds, and maintains the Global and Challenger families of business jets. The company reports a global operating fleet of over 5,300 aircraft, supported by 10 service facilities across six countries.
The manufacturer’s specialized division, Bombardier Defense, focuses on adapting these civilian airframes for military and government missions. The unit emphasizes reliability, performance, and adaptability for specialized operations. By partnering with BAE Systems, Bombardier seeks to expand its defense footprint beyond modified business jets and into the broader combat air supply chain.
BAE Systems operates as one of the primary industrial partners in GCAP, working alongside Italy’s Leonardo and Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The British aerospace and defense company brings extensive experience in systems integration and military aircraft manufacturing to the exploratory partnership with Bombardier.
AirPro News analysis
We view this MOU as a calculated positioning move by Bombardier to secure high-value engineering work within the lucrative sixth-generation fighter ecosystem. While Bombardier is not a traditional combat aircraft prime contractor, modern air combat programs rely heavily on distributed systems, advanced materials, and specialized sensor integration. By partnering with a Tier 1 prime like BAE Systems, Bombardier can leverage its existing aerospace engineering workforce and supply chain to capture defense revenue streams without the prohibitive cost of developing clean-sheet military airframes.
This industrial alignment also provides the Canadian government with tangible domestic economic benefits as it evaluates deeper participation in GCAP. Securing a role for a major domestic aerospace employer like Bombardier makes the political case for future Canadian financial investment in GCAP significantly stronger.
Photo Credit: BAE Systems
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