Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics have announced progress in their collaborative effort to develop and produce solid rocket motors (SRMs), with the goal of expanding domestic manufacturing capacity and reinforcing the national defense supply chain. Since breaking ground in April on a new manufacturing complex in Camden, Arkansas, the two companies have achieved key technical milestones. These include successful design and testing of major components, completion of a critical design review for the SRM system, and the assembly of a full-scale inert motor used to validate tooling and production methods.
The new General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GDOTS) site covers 270 acres and will include more than 50,000 square feet of manufacturing space distributed across 16 dedicated buildings. The facility will support all phases of SRM production and is on schedule to begin qualification builds in 2026. The project is expected to create approximately 100 jobs, contributing to local economic development and the long-term sustainability of U.S. defense programs.
“We’re making steady progress toward establishing a new, reliable source for solid rocket motors,” said Jerry Brode, Vice President at Lockheed Martin’s Solid Rocket Motor Product Center. “These early accomplishments reflect the strength of the partnership and the importance of expanding industrial capacity in this area.”
Chris Haynes, Senior Vice President at GDOTS, emphasized the importance of the new facility:
“This investment represents a major step forward for our solid propulsion capabilities. By combining proven techniques with automated systems, we’re increasing both reliability and output to meet growing demand. This program also enhances the stability of the overall supply network for critical defense technologies.”
The next major milestone for the program will be a static test of the newly developed solid rocket motor — a key step in demonstrating system performance ahead of future production phases. Both companies reaffirmed their commitment to building robust, scalable propulsion capabilities to meet U.S. military requirements and ensure consistent, on-time delivery of essential missile components.
Lockheed Martin is a global aerospace and defense company focused on advanced technology solutions across all military domains. Its mission is to deliver next-generation capabilities that enhance national security and support the missions of allied forces worldwide.
GDOTS designs and manufactures a wide range of munitions, weapon systems, and missile components. The company serves U.S. and allied defense forces, providing solutions that span strategic and tactical needs across multiple operational environments.
