Aerojet Rocketdyne, a vital supplier of solid rocket motors for munitions, was acquired by L3Harris approximately two years ago. Since then, the company has aimed to scale up production due to increasing demands for tactical and strategic missiles.
Earlier this year, Aerojet commenced the construction of four new solid rocket motor production facilities at its campus located in Camden, Arkansas. In an interview with Defense News earlier this month, Ken Bedingfield, who serves as both L3Harris’ Chief Financial Officer and Aerojet Rocketdyne’s President, discussed the growing solid rocket motor industry and the company’s innovative approaches to manufacturing and partnerships.
Bedingfield addressed the high demand for solid rocket motors and outlined plans for the company’s capacity expansion over the next five years. He noted that the acquisition came with a backlog of deliveries, which has since been reduced by about 60%. He highlighted programs with the most significant delays, including those associated with tactical motors like Stinger, Javelin, and GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System missiles). The company has nearly doubled its capital expenditures to enhance capacity at existing Camden facilities while also investing in a new facility focused on producing tactical motors.
Aerojet Rocketdyne is committed to improving efficiency and affordability in production. Bedingfield mentioned ongoing investments in research and development, as well as innovations in manufacturing techniques, such as resistance to rework through automation, robotics, and changes in materials used for propellants.
Regarding labor, automation is anticipated to alter the roles of workers in production. While hiring continues in Camden and Huntsville, the nature of work will shift towards quality control and research and development rather than traditional production tasks. The company aims to empower labor in areas requiring less repetition and lower volume, possibly redirecting some resources into R&D.
Bedingfield expressed confidence in the company’s ability to accelerate motor production, although contract acquisition and supply chain complexities can extend timelines. Investments in the supply base are part of their strategy to mitigate long lead times for essential components.
To ensure flexibility in manufacturing amidst fluctuating demands, the company plans to make investments that allow for product adaptability. Instead of being strictly program-centric, facilities will be designed for multi-product manufacturing flows, fostering efficiency in production transitions.
Bedingfield also noted a willingness to collaborate with nontraditional companies and new entrants in the defense industry, viewing Aerojet Rocketdyne as an agile and trusted disruptor.
Addressing initiatives such as President Trump’s executive order for a missile defense shield known as Golden Dome, Bedingfield confirmed that Aerojet Rocketdyne has responded to multiple requests for information from the Missile Defense Agency and is prepared to provide technology addressing space-based missile warning, tracking, and interceptor capabilities.
Recently, the company contributed to a ballistic missile test, FT-X 40, which successfully employed a new motor, showcasing Aerojet Rocketdyne’s advancements in propulsion technology and interests in hypersonic capabilities.
Jen Judson, the author of this report, is an award-winning journalist specializing in land warfare for Defense News, and holds advanced degrees in journalism.
