The Department of Defense (DoD) awards $14.3 mln to Anduril Industries, a leading defense technology company based in Costa Mesa, California. The funding is allocated under Title III of the Defense Production Act (DPA). It aims to expand the production capabilities of solid rocket motors (SRMs). SRMs are a critical component in modern defense systems.
This award is part of a broader effort to enhance U.S. manufacturing capabilities in strategic areas. The funding builds upon Anduril’s own $75 million private capital investment. It aligns with the National Defense Industrial Strategy’s goal to strengthen supply chain resiliency. It also aims to increase domestic production.
Strengthening U.S. Manufacturing for National Defense
Dr. Laura Taylor-Kale is the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy. She emphasized that the investment would support the growth of Anduril’s SRM production capabilities.
“The collective capital will expand efforts to increase production capacity at Anduril’s facility for designing, producing, and testing solid rocket motor systems,” said Dr. Taylor-Kale. “This will, in turn, provide domestic manufacturing capabilities to meet critical demand for current and future U.S. systems.”
The award will facilitate modernization and expansion efforts at Anduril’s production facility in McHenry, Mississippi. The focus will be on enhancing the company’s ability to develop, qualify, and scale SRM production processes.
Streamlining Production and Improving Quality
One of the main objectives of the project is to streamline SRM production. This includes designing more efficient processes to cut costs, boost manufacturing speed, and improve product quality. Mr. Anthony Di Stasio, Director of the Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization (MCEIP) directorate, stated that the initiative will reduce the cost of developing new SRMs. It will also be faster. It will also reduce the risk of non-conformances in the manufacturing process.
The improvements will occur at the Geisler Building in McHenry, Mississippi. Anduril will conduct energetics work, casting, curing, quality assurance, and final assembly activities there. These upgrades are expected to increase the company’s capacity to meet both current and future defense needs.
Boosting the U.S. Industrial Base
This funding is part of a larger effort by the Department of Defense to support industrial base growth. Since the start of fiscal year 2025, the DPA Purchases Office has issued five awards totaling $290.8 million. These awards are distributed across various strategic sectors, helping the U.S. military meet its evolving needs for advanced munitions and defense technologies.
The collaboration between the DoD and Anduril is expected to be a game-changer in increasing the U.S. industrial base’s capacity to produce high-demand defense technologies, ensuring that the nation remains prepared to meet future military challenges.
This strategic initiative demonstrates how investments in domestic production are crucial to ensuring that the U.S. military can rely on cutting-edge, homegrown technologies for its defense operations. As the production capacity expands, Anduril’s efforts will play a key role in securing the nation’s future defense needs.
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