Defense & Military
Raytheon and Avio Partner to Boost US Solid Rocket Motor Production
Raytheon and Avio sign MOU to open a US-based solid rocket motor facility, enhancing supply chain and defense capabilities.
In a significant move to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base, RTX’s Raytheon business has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Italian aerospace leader Avio. This agreement paves the way for the establishment of a new, state-of-the-art solid rocket motor (SRM) production facility in the United States. The initiative directly addresses the escalating demand for these critical components, which are fundamental to a wide array of missile systems and space launch vehicles. As global defense needs evolve and supply chains face increasing pressure, this transatlantic Partnerships marks a proactive step toward ensuring production capacity and resilience for crucial national security assets.
The collaboration is not just about building a new factory; it represents a strategic deepening of the relationship between two aerospace titans. Avio, with its extensive history in space propulsion, will establish and operate the U.S. facility, bringing a wealth of European expertise to American soil. The plant is set to function as a vertically integrated “merchant supplier,” meaning it will serve not only Raytheon but other customers as well. This model fosters a more competitive and robust market, preventing bottlenecks and enhancing the overall health of the defense supply chain. For Raytheon, the agreement secures preferred access to a portion of the facility’s output, guaranteeing a stable supply for its key programs, including the vital Standard Missile franchise.
The decision to establish a new SRM facility is a direct response to clear market signals and strategic necessity. The global demand for solid rocket motors is on a steep upward trajectory, driven by increased defense spending worldwide and a burgeoning commercial space launch sector. Projections from industry analysts underscore this trend, with the market expected to grow substantially in the coming decade. This surge has placed significant strain on existing production capabilities, making the expansion of the industrial base a critical priority for both industry and government.
This MOU is the logical next step in a partnership that has already proven fruitful. The collaboration formally began in July 2024, when Raytheon and Avio inked a contract for preliminary engineering work on the Mk 104 dual-thrust rocket motor. This was followed by a purchase order to advance the project through its Critical Design Review and procure long-lead materials, demonstrating a clear commitment to establishing Avio as a second-source supplier for this essential component. By diversifying the supply chain for the Mk 104, which is currently produced by a single supplier, Raytheon is actively mitigating risk and enhancing its ability to meet soaring demand from its customers.
The strategic implications of this partnership extend far beyond a single component or company. By bringing a new, highly capable SRM manufacturer into the U.S., the initiative strengthens the nation’s sovereign defense capabilities. It reduces reliance on a limited pool of suppliers and introduces new technologies and processes from a proven international partner. This move is a testament to the importance of collaboration among allied nations in the defense sector, creating a more integrated and resilient transatlantic industrial base prepared to meet future challenges.
“This agreement will help establish an additional supplier of solid rocket motors within the U.S. and demonstrates our commitment to meeting the increasing demands of our customers,” stated Bob Butz, Vice President of Operations, Supply Chain and Quality at Raytheon. “By leveraging Avio’s experience and unique capabilities in solid rocket motor propulsion development and manufacturing, we’re strengthening our capacity for critical weapon systems.”
Understanding the entities involved sheds light on the significance of this collaboration. Raytheon, a business unit of the aerospace and defense conglomerate RTX, is the world’s largest producer of guided missiles. With a history stretching back to 1922, its expertise in missile systems, radars, and mission integration is unparalleled. Raytheon’s deep involvement in programs like the Standard Missile makes a reliable supply of high-performance solid rocket motors an absolute necessity for its operations and for U.S. naval defense.
On the other side of the partnership is Avio S.p.A., an Italian aerospace company with a legacy in propulsion dating back to 1908. As a leader in solid and liquid propellant systems, Avio is the prime contractor for Europe’s Vega space launcher and a key partner in the Ariane program. This extensive experience in developing and manufacturing propulsion systems for both space and tactical applications makes Avio an ideal partner. Its U.S. subsidiary, Avio USA Inc., is structured to comply with all U.S. security and export-control regulations, ensuring a seamless integration into the American defense landscape.
The synergy is clear: Raytheon brings the demand and systems integration expertise, while Avio provides proven, high-volume manufacturing capability and decades of specialized propulsion knowledge. As Jim Syring, CEO of Avio USA, noted, the company looks forward to “leveraging the incredible pedigree and experience of our parent company Avio S.p.A. as we build our factory and establish in the U.S. as a true vertically integrated merchant supplier.” This combination is poised to create a formidable new force in the U.S. solid rocket motor market. The Memorandum of Understanding between Raytheon and Avio is a forward-looking solution to a present-day challenge. It is a strategic Investments in the resilience, capacity, and technological advancement of the U.S. defense industrial base. By creating a new, independent source for solid rocket motors, the partnership directly addresses supply chain vulnerabilities and prepares for sustained growth in demand from both defense and commercial sectors. This collaboration is more than just a business agreement; it is a crucial piece of industrial strategy that will enhance national security and foster transatlantic cooperation.
Looking ahead, the establishment of this new facility will have a lasting impact. It will create high-skilled Manufacturing jobs, inject new competition and innovation into the market, and ensure that the U.S. and its allies have access to the critical propulsion technologies needed to maintain a strategic edge. As the geopolitical and space landscapes continue to evolve, the foresight demonstrated by this partnership will undoubtedly prove invaluable, ensuring a steady and reliable supply of the power that propels modern defense systems.
Question: What is the main goal of the new facility being established by Raytheon and Avio? Question: Who are the main companies involved in this agreement? Question: Will the new facility only produce rocket motors for Raytheon? Question: Is this the first time Raytheon and Avio have worked together? Sources: RTX News Center
A Strategic Alliance: Raytheon and Avio to Bolster US Rocket Motor Production
Forging a Resilient Supply Chain
Expertise Meets Opportunity
The Power Players: Raytheon and Avio
Conclusion: A Future-Proof Propulsion Strategy
FAQ
Answer: The primary goal is to establish a new, U.S.-based production facility for solid rocket motors (SRMs) to address growing demand, increase supply chain resilience, and bolster the U.S. defense industrial base.
Answer: The agreement is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between RTX’s Raytheon business, a major U.S. defense contractor, and Avio, a leading Italian aerospace company specializing in space propulsion.
Answer: No, the facility will operate as a “merchant supplier,” meaning it will serve Raytheon as well as other customers in the defense and aerospace industry. Raytheon, however, will have preferred access to a portion of the production capacity.
Answer: No, this MOU is an expansion of an existing partnership. The two companies began collaborating in July 2024 on engineering work for the Mk 104 dual-thrust rocket motor, a key component in Raytheon’s Standard Missile program.
Photo Credit: Avio – Montage
Defense & Military
GA-ASI YFQ-42A Completes Semi-Autonomous Flight with Collins Software
GA-ASI’s YFQ-42A successfully flew semi-autonomously using Collins Aerospace software, validating the USAF’s open architecture for uncrewed combat aircraft.
This article is based on an official press release from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and additional industry data.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has announced a significant technical achievement in the development of the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. In early February 2026, the company successfully conducted a semi-autonomous flight of its YFQ-42A prototype, a critical contender for the Air Force’s future fleet of uncrewed “loyal wingmen.”
The flight, which lasted more than four hours, is particularly notable for its Software architecture. According to the company, the aircraft was controlled by “Sidekick” Collaborative Mission Autonomy software developed by Collins Aerospace, an RTX business. This integration demonstrates the viability of the Air Force’s “open architecture” strategy, where mission software from one vendor can successfully pilot an airframe built by another.
The primary objective of this flight test was to validate the Autonomy Government Reference Architecture (A-GRA). Historically, military aircraft have relied on proprietary software tightly coupled with the hardware, making upgrades difficult and locking the military into specific vendors. The CCA program aims to break this paradigm by decoupling the “brains” from the “body.”
During the mission, the YFQ-42A utilized the government-standard A-GRA to interface with the Collins Aerospace software. GA-ASI reports that the aircraft executed complex commands initiated by a ground operator but performed the actual flight maneuvers via onboard Automation.
David R. Alexander, President of GA-ASI, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in a statement:
“The integration of Sidekick with our YFQ-42A demonstrates our commitment to innovation and operational excellence… We are excited to collaborate with Collins to deliver enhanced autonomous mission solutions.”
The operational concept demonstrated during this flight is described as “human-on-the-loop.” Rather than a pilot remotely controlling the aircraft’s stick and rudder, a human operator at a Ground Station Console (GSC) issues high-level mission commands. The aircraft’s autonomy software then determines the necessary altitude, airspeed, navigation, and sensor adjustments to execute those orders.
Ryan Bunge, Vice President at Collins Aerospace, emphasized the speed at which this integration occurred: “The rapid integration of Sidekick onto this General Atomics platform… underscores the strength and flexibility of our open systems approach.”
This milestone comes at a pivotal moment for the CCA program. The U.S. Air Force intends to field a fleet of at least 1,000 uncrewed aircraft to fly alongside manned fighters like the F-35 and the forthcoming Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) platform. The program emphasizes “affordable mass,” with target unit costs estimated between $20.5 million and $27.5 million.
GA-ASI is currently competing against Anduril Industries for the Increment 1 production contract. While Anduril’s YFQ-44A “Fury” conducted its First-Flight in October 2025, GA-ASI is leveraging its extensive history with the MQ-20 Avenger and XQ-67A sensing station to demonstrate reliability and modularity.
The successful integration of Collins Aerospace software onto a General Atomics airframe is a major proof point for the Department of Defense’s acquisition strategy. By proving that third-party autonomy can drive the YFQ-42A, GA-ASI effectively de-risks the program for the Air Force.
This capability prevents “vendor lock,” allowing the Air Force to upgrade tactical software, effectively the aircraft’s tactical instincts, without needing to modify the physical airframe. If the software from one vendor outperforms another in simulation, the Air Force theoretically retains the flexibility to swap “apps” on the aircraft, ensuring the fleet remains adaptable to evolving threats without the long lead times associated with traditional hardware updates.
Following this successful semi-autonomous flight, the testing schedule for the CCA program is expected to accelerate throughout 2026. The Air Force’s Experimental Operations Unit (EOU) at Nellis Air Force Base is slated to conduct advanced trials, which will likely involve joint flights pairing these uncrewed systems with manned fighters to test tactical coordination.
Additionally, the U.S. Marine Corps has selected the YFQ-42A to evaluate for its own MUX TACAIR program, further expanding the potential market for GA-ASI’s platform. A production decision for the CCA Increment 1 program is expected by the end of Fiscal Year 2026.
GA-ASI YFQ-42A Completes Semi-Autonomous Flight Using Third-Party Software
Validating the Open Architecture Vision
Human-on-the-Loop Operations
Strategic Context: The Race for Collaborative Combat Aircraft
AirPro News Analysis
Future Outlook and Testing
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: GA-ASI
Defense & Military
Saudi Arabia Orders Four Leonardo C-27J Maritime Patrol Aircraft
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence contracts Leonardo for four armed C-27J Spartan maritime patrol aircraft, deliveries from 2029.
This article is based on an official press release from Leonardo.
The Ministry of Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has signed a contract with Leonardo for four C-27J Spartan aircraft configured for maritime patrol (MPA). According to the company’s announcement on February 16, 2026, the new fleet will be operated by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) to enhance the nation’s maritime security and multi-domain capabilities.
Deliveries of the aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2029. This acquisition makes Saudi Arabia the 21st operator of the C-27J platform worldwide. The deal follows a previous contract signed in the summer of 2025, in which the Saudi military acquired two C-27Js configured for firefighting, cargo transport, and medical evacuation.
The agreement marks a significant technical milestone for the C-27J program. Leonardo stated that this is the first time the MPA variant has been procured with full maritime weapon system integration, allowing the aircraft to carry munitions such as anti-ship missiles and torpedoes.
The new aircraft are intended to address a wide range of modern maritime threats. According to Leonardo, the C-27J MPA will provide the Royal Saudi Naval Forces with capabilities for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), alongside standard Search and Rescue (SAR) and surveillance missions.
The aircraft will be based on the C-27J Spartan Next Generation platform, which features upgraded avionics and self-protection systems. Despite the specialized maritime configuration, the aircraft will retain the flexibility to perform tactical transport and airdrop missions, a core strength of the Spartan airframe.
“This significant achievement confirms the strong bond between Leonardo and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, increasing the number of C-27Js ordered by KSA users… It also marks the first time the C-27J MPA is procured with maritime weapon system integration capability.”
, Leonardo Press Release
The C-27J MPA is equipped with a dedicated mission suite centered on the Leonardo ATOS (Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance) system. This system manages onboard sensors to detect, identify, and track both surface and underwater targets. The aircraft also features data fusion capabilities and a communication suite designed for interoperability with other units, including Beyond Line Of Sight (BLOS) operations. Most notably, the Saudi variant will be the first to integrate a complete maritime weapons package. While specific munition types were not detailed in the initial release, Leonardo confirmed the aircraft will be capable of deploying:
The modular design allows operators to reconfigure the cabin for different missions. By removing mission management consoles, the aircraft can revert to a transport configuration for troops, cargo, or medical evacuation.
This contract represents a strategic shift for both the Royal Saudi Naval Forces and the C-27J program. For Saudi Arabia, acquiring fixed-wing assets with organic ASW and ASuW capabilities significantly extends the reach of its naval defense beyond coastal waters, reducing reliance on rotary-wing assets for long-range patrol.
For Leonardo, securing a launch customer for the armed MPA variant is a critical market validation. It positions the C-27J as a more direct competitor to other medium-tactical maritime patrol aircraft, such as the Airbus C295 MPA, by proving the platform can handle complex weapon integration alongside its established tactical airlift performance.
When will the aircraft be delivered? What makes this order unique? Does Saudi Arabia already operate the C-27J?
Saudi Arabia Orders Four Armed C-27J Maritime Patrol Aircraft
Expanding Naval Capabilities
Technical Specifications and Weaponization
AirPro News analysis
FAQ
Deliveries to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces are expected to commence in 2029.
This is the first contract for the C-27J MPA that includes the integration of maritime weapon systems, such as torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.
Yes. The Kingdom acquired two C-27J aircraft in the summer of 2025 for firefighting and utility roles.
Sources
Photo Credit: Leonardo
Defense & Military
Ondas Holdings Acquires Rotron Aero to Expand Kinetic Defense Portfolio
Ondas Holdings announces acquisition of UK-based Rotron Aero, adding heavy-fuel engines and loitering munitions to its defense capabilities.
This article is based on an official press release from Ondas Holdings.
Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Rotron Aero, a United Kingdom-based specialist in advanced rotary engines and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The Acquisitions represents a significant strategic pivot for Ondas, expanding its portfolio from primarily surveillance and data solutions into the “kinetic” defense sector, specifically targeting the market for loitering munitions and heavy-fuel propulsion systems.
According to the company’s announcement on February 2, 2026, the transaction will be structured as a combination of cash and stock. The deal is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval under the United Kingdom’s National Security and Investment (NSI) Act, which governs the acquisition of sensitive dual-use and military technologies.
The acquisition targets Rotron Aerospace Limited, founded by Gilo Cardozo, and is distinct from the U.S.-based component manufacturer AMETEK Rotron. By integrating Rotron’s proprietary propulsion technology, Ondas aims to secure a critical supply chain for heavy-fuel engines, a key requirement for military logistics, while adding autonomous attack capabilities to its fleet.
Ondas Holdings described the move as a “vertical integration” play designed to reduce dependence on third-party vendors while entering the high-demand market for precision strike capabilities. The acquisition introduces two primary assets to the Ondas ecosystem: the Defendor loitering munition and a proprietary line of heavy-fuel rotary engines.
The addition of the Defendor system allows Ondas to compete in the “attritable warfare” sector, low-cost, expendable unmanned systems designed for one-way missions. This moves the company beyond Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) into direct combat support.
“Modern conflicts demand systems that can operate at range, persist over time, and execute missions without continuous human control.”
, Eric Brock, CEO of Ondas Holdings
A critical component of the deal is Rotron’s expertise in heavy-fuel engines, which run on JP-8 or Jet-A1 fuel. These fuels are standard for military logistics, making the engines highly valuable for NATO and allied defense programs. By owning the engine manufacturer, Ondas mitigates supply chain risks often associated with high-performance drone propulsion. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Rotron Aero was established in 2008 and has developed a reputation for high-power-to-weight ratio propulsion systems. The company’s technology portfolio includes:
Gilo Cardozo, Founder of Rotron, emphasized the synergy between the two companies in the official release.
“This marks a defining moment in Rotron’s journey… By combining our propulsion-led engineering… with Ondas’ autonomous systems architecture… we will gain the scale to deliver more capability, faster.”
, Gilo Cardozo, Founder of Rotron Aero
From Surveillance to Strike: This acquisition places Ondas in direct competition with established defense players like AeroVironment, maker of the Switchblade, and newer disruptors like Anduril Industries. The shift to “kinetic” systems suggests Ondas is responding to the rapid evolution of drone warfare observed in recent global conflicts, where the line between reconnaissance and strike capabilities has blurred.
Regulatory Hurdles: The requirement for approval under the UK’s National Security and Investment Act is not a trivial formality. As Rotron possesses sovereign UK defense capabilities, regulators will likely scrutinize the transfer of intellectual property to a US-based holding company. However, the deal also promises to establish a stronger physical foothold for Ondas in the UK and NATO markets, potentially opening doors to Ministry of Defence programs that require local manufacturing.
Financial Context: While specific financial terms were not disclosed in the press release, market data suggests Rotron is a specialized engineering firm rather than a mass manufacturer. This indicates the acquisition is likely an “acqui-hire” and IP play intended to bolster Ondas’ technical depth rather than immediately adding massive revenue volume.
What is the difference between Rotron Aero and AMETEK Rotron? What is a “heavy-fuel” engine? When will the deal close? Sources: Ondas Holdings Press Release
Ondas Holdings to Acquire Rotron Aero, Signaling Shift into Kinetic Defense Market
Strategic Rationale: Vertical Integration and Lethal Capabilities
Entering the Loitering Munition Market
Securing the Supply Chain
About Rotron Aero
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Rotron Aero (Rotron Aerospace Limited) is a UK-based company founded by Gilo Cardozo that specializes in drone engines and loitering munitions. AMETEK Rotron is a separate, US-based entity known for manufacturing cooling fans and blowers. Ondas is acquiring the UK-based Rotron Aero.
Heavy-fuel engines operate on kerosene-based fuels like JP-8 or Jet-A1, which are the standard fuels used by military aircraft and vehicles. Most commercial drones use gasoline or batteries, which creates logistical challenges in combat zones where gasoline is scarce and dangerous to transport.
The deal was announced on February 2, 2026. It is currently subject to regulatory review, including a standard assessment period under the UK NSI Act, which typically takes 30 working days but can be extended.
Photo Credit: Ondas
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