Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics have announced a strategic teaming agreement aimed at enhancing the production of solid rocket motors, thus reinforcing a crucial domestic supply chain.
“Maintaining a robust and diverse supply chain for solid rocket motors is critical to advancing our 21st Century Security® vision for a stronger, more resilient defense industrial base that keeps our customers around the globe ahead of emerging threats. This agreement enables Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics to ramp production of in-demand solutions more quickly going forward,” stated Tim Cahill, President of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.
Firat Gezen, President of General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS), added, “We are proud to apply our expertise in missile subsystems to deliver new capabilities that will add resiliency to the domestic supply chain. The collaboration between GD-OTS and Lockheed Martin underscores our shared commitment to strengthening the defense industrial base and providing critical capability to the warfighter.”
The initial phase of this partnership will focus on producing solid rocket motors for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) at the General Dynamics facility in Camden, Arkansas, starting in 2025. This project will be followed by a phased approach to transition to other products.
GD-OTS plans to expand its operations in Camden, utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques to deliver affordable and reliable solid rocket motors at a production scale. This development follows the recent establishment of Lockheed Martin’s Solid Rocket Motor Product Center, which is designed to enhance the reliability and cost-effectiveness of propulsion systems.