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

Canonical page: https://technooptimist.io/stories/avio-usa-and-lockheed-martin-sign-a-deal-to-build-solid-rocket-motors-d95d992f
Date: 13 Oct 2026
About: [Avio](https://technooptimist.io/companies/avio.md)
Original source: https://breakingdefense.com/2026/10/avio-lockheed-sign-agreement-for-solid-rocket-motor-production/

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.

## Key facts

- 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

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