Firehawk Aerospace Raises 60M to Scale 3D Printed Rocket Propellant Tech

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

• Firehawk Aerospace