The Department of War announced $32.7 million in spending to boost solid rocket motor production capacity.
Systima Technologies and R.E. Darling were the recipients of the funding, which aims to eliminate production bottlenecks plaguing America’s munitions supply chain. These contracts represent critical expansions in domestic weapons manufacturing capacity.
The announcement of the contracts, which were solidified on September 30, was delayed due to the October 1 -November 12 government shutdown, according to the DOW.
“The surge in demand for propellant-based weaponry, coupled with a narrow supplier base, has created a bottleneck in SRM production,” Under Secretary of War Michael Duffey said in a press release. “With these strategic investments, we are fortifying our national security by expanding critical nodes of the SRM supply chain to accelerate munitions manufacturing.”
Systima Technologies received $5 million to expand nozzle production capabilities. The Mukilteo, Washington, company will create a dedicated production line for major programs.
R.E. Darling Co. secured the larger contract, valued at $27.7 million. The Tucson, Arizona firm will modernize its manufacturing of case insulation materials for rocket motors.
Internal insulation protects rockets from extreme heat and erosion during flight. The investment addresses critical gaps in manufacturing thermal protection components.
These awards bring total solid rocket motor investments to eight projects worth $120 million. The Defense Production Act funding supported 21 industrial base projects totaling $939.7 million in fiscal year 2025.
Private companies contributed $88 million in cost-sharing arrangements. The Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization Directorate oversees the funding program.
