Albuquerque, N.M. – October 07, 2026 -- X-Bow Systems has secured a prototype agreement worth up to $69.7 million to develop and qualify a solid rocket motor booster for a U.S. Navy next-generation weapon program targeting surface warfare threats.
Pentagon funds phased development with $50 million obligated upfront
The agreement, administered by U.S. Army Contracting Command – Rock Island, splits into a $50.4 million Phase 1 development effort and a $19.3 million Phase 2 qualification option. Of the total, $50 million has been obligated at award to fund a 12-month Phase 1 timeline.
Navy targets early FY 2031 fielding of common interceptor architecture
The program replaces single-purpose interceptors with a shared architecture, including variants designed to pack more interceptors into each launch system. The Navy expects an initial operational capability in early FY 2031.
Deal is sixth propulsion award for X-Bow in 2026 alone
The Navy booster contract marks the latest of six propulsion programs X-Bow has won this year across the Navy, Army, and Missile Defense Agency. It follows the company's first major production contract, under which X-Bow delivered more than 2,100 combat-ready rocket motors.
Texas site to scale output to 500 motors annually
X-Bow will execute the work across manufacturing and R&D sites in California, New Mexico, and Texas. The agreement funds rate tooling for a production line capable of up to 500 motors per year at the company's Luling, Texas facility, built around its Modular Motor Architecture.
Jason Hundley, Founder and CEO of X-Bow Systems, said the award reflects Pentagon investment in advanced manufacturing aimed at resolving a decades-old bottleneck in solid rocket motor production.