Northrop Grumman and Australian Government formalize solid rocket motor engagement

Canberra, Australia – May 1, 2026 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has been selected by the Commonwealth of Australia to participate in formal engagement as a critical step toward establishing sovereign solid rocket motor (SRM) manufacturing capabilities in Australia.  

Northrop Grumman and the Commonwealth of Australia will commence a structured industry-engagement process to explore, discuss and clarify potential requirements and processes relating to solid rocket motor production in Australia. A core element of the program will be the integration of Australian suppliers into the production line, ensuring Australia benefits from access to Northrop Grumman’s world-leading propulsion technology while establishing a sovereign manufacturing base. 

Experts: 

Pat Conroy, Australian Minister for Defence Industry: “The Albanese Government’s investment in rocket motor manufacturing will strengthen Australia’s self-reliance, while supporting our industrial base and creating jobs for locals.” 

Rob Denney, country executive, Northrop Grumman Australia: “Northrop Grumman’s world-leading propulsion technology will be critical to rapidly establishing solid rocket motor production in Australia, and partnering with Australian component suppliers will build a sovereign manufacturing base of a critical defence capability.”  

Details: 

As one of the world’s preeminent propulsion providers, Northrop Grumman is bringing more than seven decades of solid rocket motor expertise to Australia to establish the foundations of a sovereign production capability that will be central to Australia’s long-range strike capability and provide the sovereign industrial depth Australia needs for long-range strike systems and the resilience to protect itself.  
Northrop Grumman has invested $USD 2 billion over the past several years in munitions-related technology, facilities modernization and capacity expansion to produce advanced weapons and solid rocket motors affordably at scale. With 1.3 million motors delivered, Northrop Grumman is a trusted provider of SRM that power long-range strike systems and key defence platforms around the world and have supported major space missions including the boosters that launched NASA’s recent Artemis mission to the moon. 

Photo courtesy Northrop Grumman