Northrop Grumman and IHI Aerospace Collaborate on Solid Rocket Motor Technology

This article is based on an official press release from Northrop Grumman.

Northrop Grumman and IHI Aerospace Forge New Pact on Solid Rocket Motor Technology

Northrop Grumman Corporation and Japan’s IHI Aerospace Co., Ltd. have formally agreed to collaborate on the development of advanced Propulsion technologies. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on December 2, 2025, signaling a deepening industrial tie between the United States and Japan in the sectors of space and national security.

According to the official announcement, the partnership will focus primarily on Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) technology. By leveraging their respective Manufacturing and engineering strengths, the companies aim to address the evolving defense requirements of both nations. This agreement builds upon a growing history of cooperation between the U.S. defense prime and the Japanese aerospace leader.

Strategic Focus on Propulsion Innovation

The MOU outlines a framework for the two companies to explore joint opportunities in propulsion solutions. While specific programs were not detailed in the initial press release, the collaboration is explicitly targeted at enhancing capabilities for space launch and defense systems.

Lisa Brown, Country Executive for Japan at Northrop Grumman, emphasized the importance of cross-border innovation in the company’s statement:

“Collaborating with IHI AEROSPACE to explore the future of propulsion technology allows us to drive innovation by combining our unique capabilities. This MOU highlights our dedication to fostering international partnerships that push the boundaries of solid rocket motor technology.”

IHI Aerospace, a subsidiary of IHI Corporation, brings decades of experience in solid propulsion, having developed systems for Japan’s Epsilon launch vehicle and the H3 rocket’s boosters. Fumiharu Namiki, President of IHI Aerospace, expressed optimism about the long-term potential of the alliance:

“This Partnerships with Northrop Grumman marks the first step in what we believe will be a highly productive collaboration… We are confident that this partnership will further promote international cooperation between the United States and Japan.”

Context: The Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) Connection

While the December 2 announcement focuses on general propulsion technology, industry observers note that this collaboration aligns closely with the requirements of the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) program. The GPI is a major bilateral initiative between the U.S. and Japan designed to defeat hypersonic threats.

According to defense reporting from May 2024, Japan has been tasked with leading the development of rocket motors and propulsion components for the GPI. As Northrop Grumman is a primary competitor designing the GPI system for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA), this MOU likely serves as the industrial mechanism to execute that shared development workload.

Technical Synergies

The collaboration appears to marry distinct technical strengths. Northrop Grumman has recently focused on rapid digital engineering, evidenced by its “Solid Motor Annual Rocket Technology” (SMART) demonstrator, which proved the company could develop new solid rocket motors in under a year. Conversely, IHI Aerospace holds specialized expertise in reaction control systems (RCS) and divert attitude control systems (DACS), technologies critical for the precise maneuvering required by missile interceptors.

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Supply Chain Resilience and Integrated Deterrence

This agreement represents more than just a technical exchange; it is a strategic move to fortify the defense industrial base of the Pacific Rim. The global demand for solid rocket motors has surged due to ongoing conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, straining U.S. domestic capacity.

By formally partnering with IHI Aerospace, Northrop Grumman effectively expands its Supply-Chain capacity into Japan. This supports the broader U.S.-Japan Strategy of “integrated deterrence,” ensuring that critical munitions and interceptors can be produced at scale and with greater redundancy. Furthermore, this moves the relationship beyond the satellite bus collaboration established in March 2023, indicating a shift toward more complex, lethal, and high-performance subsystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of the MOU?
The Memorandum of Understanding aims to facilitate collaboration on solid rocket motor (SRM) technology for space and national security applications.

Who are the companies involved?
The agreement is between Northrop Grumman, a U.S. aerospace and defense prime, and IHI Aerospace, a leading Japanese Manufacturers of rocket propulsion systems.

Does this relate to missile defense?
Yes. While the press release cites “national security,” the partnership aligns with the U.S.-Japan Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) program, where Japan is responsible for propulsion development.

Sources

• Northrop Grumman Press Release