The US Army has chosen Anduril Industries to create and manufacture a new 4.75-inch solid rocket motor for the next long-range precision firing. Affordable, scalable technology like the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) are part of the Army’s larger plan to raise ammunition volume and tactical effectiveness. Five times the present capacity of six GMLRS missiles per pod, the new rocket motor might let HIMARS launch pods carry up to 30 guided rockets. This improvement helps the US military to move towards “affordable mass,” a notion emphasising the deployment of large quantities of reasonably priced weaponry in reaction to rising worldwide concerns.
Anduril will use a mix of traditional aluminised propellant and its proprietary ALITEC fuel, which promises to increase energy density while reducing the size, weight, and power demands of each rocket. The ALITEC-powered motors are expected to extend the range and optimise payload design.
Aimed at resolving bottlenecks in US rocket motor manufacture, the Defence Production Act has provided $14.3 million in financing for the project. To increase its production capacity, Anduril is adding $75 million more, which will cover single-piece flow manufacturing lines for time and cost efficiency and high-speed mixers.
Reflecting its emphasis on fast innovation and high-volume manufacturing, this deal indicates an increasing position for Anduril inside the US military system. Famed for its expertise in artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, Anduril is currently expanding its skills into missile systems and energetic materials.
In addition to this project, Anduril signed its largest-ever deal with the US Department of Defense in October 2024: a $250 million contract for 500 Roadrunner autonomous aircraft. These loitering munitions integrate Pulsar electronic warfare systems, enabling them to identify, track, and disrupt enemy drones and radars in contested environments. The Roadrunner programme has become a cornerstone in the Pentagon’s counter-UAS strategy and further cement Anduril’s position as a next-generation defence supplier.
The company is also known for its innovative solutions.
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USAF has announced that the two contenders for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme from Anduril and GA-ASI are designated YFQ-44A and YFQ-42A.
Anduril and OpenAI will cooperate on C-UAS systems' AI development and training.
Anduril company presented a new family of Barracuda attack missiles, which consists of the Barracuda-100/250/500.
The Pentagon has launched a major project to build artificial intelligence-guided Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles.
