At the Farnborough air show in the UK, Raytheon is seeking a third U.S. supplier of solid rocket motors for missile orders. Currently, they primarily use Northrop Grumman and Aerojet Rocketdyne with motors from foreign companies, but some programs require components made in the U.S. Companies like Nammo, Ursa Major, and X-Bow Systems are potential new entrants into the solid rocket motor business. The motors are used in Patriot and NASAMS interceptor missiles sent to Ukraine.
Raytheon is facing challenges getting motors from Aerojet, leading to production delays. They require more motors to increase production of various interceptors, with demands for AMRAAM and Sidewinder missiles increasing. By year’s end, production is set to double for AMRAAM and significantly increase for Sidewinder missiles. The White House announced redirecting interceptor missiles to Ukraine from other countries, primarily NATO members, who are understanding of the situation and supporting Ukraine’s needs.
NATO has ordered 1,000 Patriot missiles earlier this year, with distribution based on the members’ highest needs once produced. Raytheon officials emphasize the increasing demand for missile production and the urgency for more suppliers to keep up.
