Rafael and Kratos have formed a joint venture in the US to develop solid rocket motors for military applications.
Named Prometheus Energetics, the venture will operate from a 500-acre site near the US Navy and Army facility in Crane, Indiana.
Both companies will have a 50/50 share in the partnership, jointly committing $175 million in capital to support its operations.
The venture is expected to begin solid rocket motor production in 2027 after the site’s construction and Rafael’s key technology transfer are completed.
“Prometheus responds to a critical need to strengthen the US industrial base and will also provide tens of thousands of [solid rocket motors] and casted warheads supporting both America’s most reliable partner in the Middle East and the US,” Kratos President Eric DeMarco stated.
‘A Strategic Leap Forward’
The US military is actively seeking advanced solid rocket motors for its hypersonic missiles and launch vehicles.
In June 2024, the US Navy selected Anduril and X-Bow to develop solid rocket motors for its Standard Missile-6.
The creation of Prometheus Energetics allows the US military to have an expanded pool of choices for solid rocket motors, providing more flexibility and opportunity to choose the best solutions.
Kratos is expected to bring its expertise from developing solid rocket motors like Zeus 1, which successfully completed its first live-fire test in 2023.
Rafael will also leverage its technological prowess as one of Israel’s leading defense contractors, known for innovations like the Iron Dome air defense system.
“The establishment of Prometheus Energetics is a strategic leap forward,” Rafael President Yoav Tourgeman noted.
“Through this joint venture, we are deepening our longstanding partnership with the US, strengthening supply chain independence, and bolstering the critical capabilities needed to address evolving national security challenges.”
