Avio USA and Lockheed Martin sign a deal to build solid rocket motors for GMLRS and PrSM

Avio

Avio USA, the American arm of Italian rocket maker Avio, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Lockheed Martin. Avio would build and qualify solid rocket motors for Lockheed's Extended Range GMLRS and Precision Strike Missile, which could make it a full-time supplier. Production at a new Virginia plant is scheduled to start in 2029.

• Lockheed gets a second motor source for PrSM and an extra GMLRS source once the motors are fully qualified; Avio USA says the companies are 'reserving capacity'
• Separate engineering work on the Mk104 motor for Raytheon's Standard Missile family; critical design review slated for spring 2027
• New 900,000 sq ft plant in Hurt, Virginia; groundbreaking was in September 2026 and motor production starts in 2029
• Avio USA plans to make cases and nozzles in-house; steel is already on order and long-lead equipment is to be bought by year-end
• The article gives no production volumes or contract values