Defense & Military
Hanwha Invests in Firehawk to Advance 3D Printed Rocket Motors
Hanwha Defense USA partners with Firehawk Aerospace to accelerate 3D printed solid rocket motor production, boosting US defense supply chains.
In the world of defense and aerospace, advancements in Propulsion technology are the bedrock of military capability. The ability to launch faster, more reliable, and more effective munitions is a critical component of national security. Recently, the industry has turned its attention to a significant development: a strategic Investments by Hanwha Defense USA, a subsidiary of the South Korean giant Hanwha Aerospace, into the Dallas-based innovator, Firehawk Aerospace. This move is more than just a financial transaction; it signals a pivotal shift toward modernizing the very foundation of rocket and missile systems.
The collaboration aims to accelerate the development and production of Firehawk’s groundbreaking 3D-printed solid rocket motors. This technology stands to address long-standing vulnerabilities within the U.S. defense industrial base, particularly concerning the supply chain for energetics and munitions. For decades, the production of solid rocket propellant has relied on traditional, often slow and hazardous, Manufacturing processes. Firehawk’s approach promises to upend this status quo, offering a faster, safer, and more cost-effective alternative that could redefine military readiness for the United States and its allies.
As we explore this Partnerships, it becomes clear that its implications extend far beyond the two companies involved. It touches upon key themes of technological disruption, supply chain resilience, and the strategic imperatives of modern warfare. The investment from a global defense leader like Hanwha validates Firehawk’s innovative vision and provides the resources needed to scale its technology from development to full-scale production, potentially giving warfighters a decisive advantage on the battlefield.
The strategic partnership between Firehawk Aerospace and Hanwha Defense USA is built on a shared vision of transforming the propulsion industry. The investment is specifically targeted at advancing Firehawk’s solid rocket motor technology, scaling up the manufacturing of its 3D-printed propellant, and accelerating the development of fully integrated missile systems. This focused approach ensures that capital is directed toward overcoming the final hurdles to widespread adoption and deployment.
This collaboration brings together a disruptive innovator with an established global powerhouse. Firehawk Aerospace, led by CEO Will Edwards, has carved a niche in advanced energetics with its patented additive manufacturing process. The company has been steadily building momentum, underscored by a recent, oversubscribed $60 million Series C funding round. On the other side, Hanwha Defense USA, under President Mike Smith, represents the strategic U.S. arm of Hanwha Aerospace. Hanwha has been actively seeking to invest in and partner with pioneering American defense firms to bolster its capabilities and presence within the U.S. market, making Firehawk a natural fit for its forward-looking Strategy.
The leaders of both organizations have highlighted the synergy behind the investment. Their perspectives underscore the dual focus on technological superiority and industrial resilience. This is not merely an upgrade to existing systems but a fundamental rethinking of how critical defense components are made.
“This investment from Hanwha supports our mission of bringing solid rocket motor technology into the 21st century to address the challenges of the current industrial supply base and provide the warfighter with a decisive advantage.”
“Hanwha is developing strategic partnerships and making strategic investments in U.S. defense companies such as Firehawk, which is at the forefront of energetics and propulsion technology. [Firehawk’s] transformative approach to propulsion production redefines what is possible within the industry while directly addressing U.S. supply chain challenges and modernizing our military.”
At the heart of this partnership lies Firehawk Aerospace’s core innovation: the use of additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, to produce solid rocket propellant. Traditional methods for creating solid rocket motors are complex, time-consuming, and involve handling volatile materials in ways that present significant safety risks. These processes have become a bottleneck in the defense supply chain, limiting the speed at which munitions can be produced, especially during times of high demand.
Firehawk’s patented technology changes the game entirely. By 3D-printing the propellant, the company can create intricate fuel grain structures that are impossible to achieve with conventional casting methods. This allows for the precise tailoring of a rocket motor’s performance characteristics, such as its burn rate and thrust profile, to meet specific mission requirements. The result is a high-performing, customized munition that can be designed and produced in a fraction of the time. The advantages of this approach are manifold. First, it dramatically increases safety by reducing the amount of handling required for energetic materials. Second, it is significantly more cost-effective, as it streamlines the manufacturing process and reduces waste. Finally, and perhaps most critically, it provides unprecedented speed and flexibility, enabling the rapid production of munitions to replenish stockpiles or respond to emerging threats. This agility directly addresses a key vulnerability in the current defense industrial base.
To support this technological leap, Firehawk is making substantial investments in its infrastructure. The company is in the process of building a 340-acre production facility in Lawton, Oklahoma, which will serve as a hub for its scaled-up manufacturing efforts. In addition, Firehawk operates two test facilities in West Texas, including an expansive 30-square-mile launch range, providing the necessary space to rigorously test and validate its advanced propulsion systems. This physical expansion is a clear indicator of the company’s transition from a research-focused Startups to a key player in the defense production landscape.
The Hanwha-Firehawk partnership is not happening in a vacuum. It is a direct response to and a reflection of broader trends shaping the global defense sector. The increasing focus on supply chain resilience, the rapid pace of technological change, and a volatile geopolitical climate have created a fertile ground for innovations that can deliver a tangible military edge.
One of the most pressing challenges facing the U.S. military is the fragility of its domestic supply chain for critical components like rocket motors. The conflict in Ukraine has served as a stark reminder of how quickly stockpiles of munitions can be depleted in a major conflict. Firehawk’s technology offers a path toward a more distributed, resilient, and responsive industrial base, capable of surging production when needed without relying on antiquated processes.
The strong investor confidence in Firehawk further validates this vision. The investment from Hanwha follows a $60 million Series C round led by 1789 Capital, with notable participation from firms like Draper Associates, Decisive Point, and Stellar Ventures. This diverse group of investors signals a broad consensus in the financial community that Firehawk’s technology is not just promising but essential for future defense readiness.
Furthermore, the investment carries significant international weight. Among the recent investors is Presto Tech Horizons (PTH), a fund established through a partnership between the European venture capital firm Presto Ventures and the Czech industrial giant Czechoslovak Group (CSG). This European interest highlights a shared recognition among NATO allies of the need to strengthen the transatlantic defense supply chain and source critical technologies locally. It points to a future where allied nations can collaborate more effectively to produce the advanced capabilities needed to ensure collective security.
The strategic investment by Hanwha Defense USA into Firehawk Aerospace marks a critical milestone in the evolution of propulsion technology. It is an alliance that combines Firehawk’s disruptive 3D-printing innovation with Hanwha’s global manufacturing expertise and market access. This partnership is poised to do more than just build better rocket motors; it aims to fundamentally reshape the defense industrial base, making it faster, safer, and more resilient.
Looking ahead, the successful scaling of Firehawk’s technology could have profound implications for U.S. and allied military capabilities. It promises a future where tailored munitions can be developed and deployed with unprecedented speed, providing a decisive advantage in any potential conflict. This collaboration serves as a powerful example of how strategic investment in forward-thinking technology can directly address today’s national security challenges and lay the groundwork for a stronger, more agile defense posture for generations to come. Question: What is Firehawk Aerospace’s key innovation? Question: Why did Hanwha Defense USA invest in Firehawk? Question: What are the main benefits of 3D-printing rocket propellant?
A New Era in Propulsion: Hanwha’s Strategic Investment in Firehawk Aerospace
The Alliance Forging the Future of Energetics
The Technological Edge: 3D-Printing Rocket Motors
A Revolution in Manufacturing
Broader Implications for the Defense Industry
Strengthening the Industrial Base
Conclusion: A Launch Point for a New Generation of Defense
FAQ
Answer: Firehawk Aerospace’s primary innovation is its patented use of additive manufacturing (3D printing) to produce solid rocket propellant and motors. This method allows for the creation of customized, high-performance munitions more quickly, safely, and cost-effectively than traditional manufacturing processes.
Answer: Hanwha Defense USA invested in Firehawk as part of a strategic effort to partner with innovative U.S. defense companies. They recognize Firehawk’s technology as a transformative approach to propulsion that can address critical U.S. supply chain challenges and help modernize the military’s capabilities.
Answer: The main benefits include greater speed and flexibility in production, enhanced safety by minimizing the handling of volatile materials, lower costs due to streamlined manufacturing, and the ability to create highly tailored and better-performing rocket motors for specific missions.
Sources
Photo Credit: Firehawk Aerospace
Defense & Military
Firehawk Aerospace Expands Rocket Motor Production in Mississippi Facility
Firehawk Aerospace acquires a DCMA-rated facility in Mississippi to boost production of solid rocket motors using 3D-printing technology.
This article is based on an official press release from Firehawk Aerospace.
On December 19, 2025, Firehawk Aerospace announced a significant expansion of its manufacturing capabilities with the acquisition of a specialized defense facility in Crawford, Mississippi. The Dallas-based defense technology company has secured a 20-year lease on the 636-acre site, which was formerly operated by Nammo Talley.
This acquisition marks a strategic pivot for Firehawk as it moves to address critical shortages in the U.S. defense supply chain. By taking over a facility that is already rated by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), the company aims to bypass the lengthy construction and certification timelines typically associated with greenfield defense projects. The site will serve as a hub for the full-system integration of solid rocket motors (SRMs), complementing the company’s existing R&D operations in Texas and energetics production in Oklahoma.
The Crawford facility is located in Lowndes County within Mississippi’s “Golden Triangle” region. According to the company’s announcement, the site is a “turnkey” defense asset designed specifically for handling high-grade explosives and munitions. The infrastructure includes assembly bays protected by one-foot-thick concrete walls and safety “blowout” walls designed to contain accidental detonations.
Because the facility was previously used by Nammo Defense Systems for the high-volume assembly of shoulder-launched munitions, such as the M72 LAW and SMAW systems, it retains the necessary regulatory certifications to allow for rapid operational ramp-up. Firehawk Aerospace CEO Will Edwards emphasized the urgency of this expansion in a statement regarding the deal.
“This acquisition strengthens Firehawk’s ability to address one of the nation’s most urgent defense challenges: rebuilding munition inventories that have been drawn down faster than they can be replaced.”
, Will Edwards, Co-founder and CEO of Firehawk Aerospace
The acquisition comes at a time when the Western defense industrial base is grappling with a severe shortage of solid rocket motors, which power critical systems like the Javelin, Stinger, and GMLRS missiles. Traditional manufacturing methods, which involve casting propellant in large batches that take weeks to cure, have created production bottlenecks.
Firehawk Aerospace intends to disrupt this model by utilizing proprietary 3D-printing technology to manufacture propellant grains. According to the press release, this additive manufacturing approach reduces production times from weeks to hours. The company has explicitly stated that the new Mississippi facility is being designed to achieve a production tempo of “thousands of rockets per month,” a significant increase over legacy industry standards. “While the current industrial base is built to produce thousands of rockets per year, we are building this site… to operate at a much higher production tempo… designing for throughput measured in thousands per month, not years.”
, Will Edwards, CEO
The expansion is expected to bring skilled jobs to the Golden Triangle region, which is increasingly becoming a hub for aerospace and defense activity. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves welcomed the investments, noting the dual benefits of economic growth and national security support.
“Their acquisition in Crawford will bring skilled jobs to the region while directly contributing to the production capacity our nation needs.”
, Tate Reeves, Governor of Mississippi
From R&D to Mass Production: This acquisition signals Firehawk’s transition from a development-focused startup to a volume manufacturer. By securing a pre-rated facility, Firehawk has effectively shaved 2–3 years off its timeline, the period typically required to build and certify a new explosives handling site. This speed is critical given the current geopolitical demand for tactical munitions.
Supply Chain Decentralization: The move also highlights a strategy of decentralization. By distributing operations across Texas (R&D), Oklahoma (Energetics), and now Mississippi (Integration), Firehawk is building a supply chain that may prove more resilient than centralized legacy models. This geographic diversity also allows the company to tap into distinct labor markets and state-level incentives, such as Mississippi’s aerospace initiatives.
What is the significance of the DCMA rating? How does Firehawk’s technology differ from traditional methods? What was the facility used for previously?
Firehawk Aerospace Acquires Mississippi Facility to Scale Rocket Motor Production
Strategic Asset Details
Addressing the “Rocket Motor Crisis”
Regional Economic Impact
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
A DCMA (Defense Contract Management Agency) rating verifies that a facility meets strict Department of Defense quality and safety standards. Acquiring a pre-rated facility allows Firehawk to begin production much faster than if they had to build and certify a new site from scratch.
Traditional solid rocket motors are cast in large batches, a process that requires weeks for the propellant to cure. Firehawk uses 3D-printing technology to print propellant grains, which allows for custom geometries and reduces the manufacturing time to mere hours.
The facility was formerly operated by Nammo Talley (now Nammo Defense Systems) for the assembly of shoulder-launched munitions, including the M72 LAW and SMAW systems.Sources
Photo Credit: Firehawk Aerospace
Defense & Military
20 Years of the F-22 Raptor Operational Capability and Upgrades
Lockheed Martin celebrates 20 years of the F-22 Raptor’s operational service, highlighting its stealth, combat roles, readiness challenges, and modernization.
Lockheed Martin has launched a campaign commemorating the 20th anniversary of the F-22 Raptor achieving Initial Operational Capability (IOC). In December 2005, the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia became the first unit to field the fifth-generation fighter, marking a significant shift in global air superiority.
According to the manufacturer’s announcement, the aircraft continues to define the benchmark for modern air combat. In a statement regarding the milestone, Lockheed Martin emphasized the platform’s enduring relevance:
“The F-22 Raptor sets the global standard for capability, readiness, and mission success.”
While the airframe was designed in the 1990s and first flew in 1997, the F-22 remains a central pillar of U.S. air power. The fleet, which consists of approximately 185 remaining aircraft out of the 195 originally built, has evolved from a pure air superiority fighter into a multi-role platform capable of ground strikes and strategic deterrence.
Since its operational debut, the F-22 has maintained a reputation for dominance, primarily established through high-end military aircraft exercises rather than direct air-to-air combat against manned aircraft.
Data from the U.S. Air Force and independent observers highlights the discrepancy between the Raptor’s exercise performance and its real-world combat engagements. During the 2006 Northern Edge exercise, its first major test after becoming operational, the F-22 reportedly achieved a 108-to-0 kill ratio against simulated adversaries flying F-15s, F-16s, and F/A-18s.
Despite this lethality in training, the aircraft’s combat record is distinct. The F-22 made its combat debut in September 2014 during Operation Inherent Resolve, conducting ground strikes against ISIS targets in Syria. To date, the aircraft has zero confirmed kills against manned enemy aircraft. Its sole air-to-air victory occurred in February 2023, when an F-22 utilized an AIM-9X Sidewinder missile to down a high-altitude Chinese surveillance balloon off the coast of South Carolina.
The primary driver of the F-22’s longevity is its low observable technology. Defense analysts estimate the Raptor’s Radar Cross Section (RCS) to be approximately 0.0001 square meters, roughly the size of a steel marble. This makes it significantly stealthier than the F-35 Lightning II and orders of magnitude harder to detect than foreign competitors like the Russian Su-57 or the Chinese J-20.
While Lockheed Martin’s anniversary campaign highlights “readiness” as a key pillar of the F-22’s legacy, recent Air Force data suggests a more complex reality regarding the fleet’s health. We note that maintaining the world’s premier stealth fighter comes at a steep logistical cost. According to data published by Air & Space Forces Magazine regarding Fiscal Year 2024, the F-22’s mission capable (MC) rate dropped to approximately 40%. This figure represents a decline from roughly 52% in the previous fiscal year and indicates that, at any given time, fewer than half of the Raptors in the inventory are flyable and combat-ready.
This low readiness rate is largely attributed to the fragility of the aircraft’s stealth coatings and the aging avionics of the older airframes. The Air Force has previously attempted to retire 32 older “Block 20” F-22s used for training to divert funds toward newer programs, though Congress has blocked these efforts to preserve fleet numbers. The contrast between the jet’s theoretical dominance and its logistical availability remains a critical challenge for planners.
Contrary to earlier projections that might have seen the F-22 retired in the 2030s, the Air Force is investing heavily to keep the platform viable until the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter comes online.
In 2021, the Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a $10.9 billion contract for the Advanced Raptor Enhancement and Sustainment (ARES) program. This decade-long modernization effort aims to update the fleet’s hardware and software.
According to budget documents for Fiscal Year 2026, the “Viability” upgrade package includes several key enhancements:
These investments suggest that while the F-22 is celebrating its past 20 years, the Air Force intends to rely on its capabilities well into the next decade.
Sources: Lockheed Martin, U.S. Air Force
Two Decades of the Raptor: Celebrating the F-22’s Operational Milestone
Operational History and Combat Record
Exercise Performance vs. Combat Reality
Stealth Capabilities
AirPro News Analysis: The Readiness Paradox
Modernization and Future Outlook
The ARES Contract and Upgrades
Sources
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
U.S. Navy Zero-G Helmet System Completes Critical Design Review
Collins Elbit Vision Systems completes design review for the Zero-G Helmet Display, reducing pilot weight load and enhancing safety for Navy aircraft.
This article is based on an official press release from Collins Elbit Vision Systems (RTX).
Collins Elbit Vision Systems (CEVS), a joint venture between RTX’s Collins Aerospace and Elbit Systems of America, has officially announced the completion of the Critical Design Review (CDR) for the Zero-G Helmet Mounted Display System+ (HMDS+). This milestone, finalized on December 12, 2025, marks a pivotal step in the U.S. Navy’s Improved Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (IJHMCS) program.
The successful CDR effectively freezes the system’s design, confirming that the helmet meets the Navy’s rigorous requirements for safety, performance, and platform integration. With the design locked, the program now transitions into the airworthiness testing and integration phase, bringing the system closer to deployment aboard the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fleets.
According to the press release, the Zero-G HMDS+ is engineered to address long-standing physiological challenges faced by naval aviators while introducing “6th-generation” digital capabilities to existing 4.5-generation aircraft.
The Zero-G HMDS+ represents a significant departure from legacy analog systems. While previous iterations required pilots to physically attach heavy Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) for low-light operations, the new system integrates digital night vision directly into the visor. This integration streamlines cockpit operations and reduces the physical burden on the aircrew.
A primary driver for the Zero-G’s development is the reduction of head-borne weight. High-G maneuvers in fighter aircraft place immense strain on a pilot’s neck and spine, a hazard exacerbated by heavy, unbalanced legacy helmets. CEVS reports that the Zero-G system is more than 25 percent lighter than current market alternatives. Its name is derived from its optimized center of gravity, designed to minimize fatigue and long-term injury risks.
Capt. Joseph Kamara, the U.S. Navy Program Manager for Naval Aircrew Systems (PMA-202), emphasized the safety implications of the new design in a statement:
“Aircrew health and safety is our number one priority. The Zero-G being integrated through our IJHMCS program promises to relieve aircrew of neck and back strain and greatly improve ejection safety.”
Beyond ergonomics, the helmet utilizes a binocular waveguide display system. Unlike monocular reticles used in older models, this technology projects high-definition color symbology and video into both eyes, creating a fully immersive 3D view of the battlespace. The system is capable of “sensor fusion at the edge,” processing mission data and weapon information directly on the helmet to act as a primary flight instrument. Luke Savoie, President and CEO of Elbit Systems of America, highlighted the strategic necessity of this upgrade:
“Zero-G is providing sensor fusion at the edge… As fighter aircraft level-up, the HMDs of those systems need to as well.”
The Zero-G HMDS+ program has moved rapidly since CEVS was awarded a $16 million contract by the U.S. Navy in September 2023 for development and test support. Following the successful CDR in December 2025, the program is scheduled to undergo flight testing and Avionics integration throughout 2026 and 2027.
The U.S. Navy projects Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the system in 2027. Once fielded, it is expected to equip aviators across the entire fleet of U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Air Force Super Hornets and Growlers, totaling more than 750 aircraft.
The completion of the CDR signals a critical maturity point for the Navy’s effort to modernize the human-machine interface in its tactical fleet. While much industry attention is focused on future platforms like NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance), the Zero-G program illustrates the military’s commitment to maintaining the lethality and survivability of its existing backbone fleet.
By adapting technology originally matured for the F-35 Gen III helmet, CEVS is effectively retrofitting advanced situational awareness tools onto older airframes. This approach not only extends the combat relevance of the Super Hornet but also addresses the acute retention issue of pilot physical health. The shift to digital night vision and balanced weight distribution suggests that the Navy views pilot longevity as a critical component of fleet readiness.
Critical Design Review Completed for Navy’s Next-Gen Helmet
Technical Leap: The Zero-G HMDS+
Weight Reduction and Pilot Safety
Advanced Display Capabilities
Program Timeline and Deployment
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: RTX
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