General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems Announces Strategic Partnership with Firehawk Aerospace to Advance 155mm Base Bleed Motor Production

May 04, 2026

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GDOTS), a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) announced today a teaming agreement has been signed with Firehawk Aerospace. This strategic partnership is designed to accelerate the development and production of next generation 155mm base bleed motors, strengthening both companies’ ability to meet growing international demand for extended range artillery systems.

 The agreement establishes an exclusive teaming arrangement focused on Direct Commercial Sales opportunities, while simultaneously reinforcing the U.S. defense industrial base through expanded production capacity and enhanced readiness.

 Firehawk Aerospace brings cutting-edge capabilities to the partnership, including thermoplastic propellant formulations and innovative injection and compression molding processes. With established facilities dedicated to propellant development, testing, and small-batch production, Firehawk is uniquely positioned to deliver scalable, high-quality manufacturing solutions for 155mm base bleed motors.

 By integrating these advanced technologies with GDOTS’s extensive expertise in metal parts production and munitions integration, the partnership will directly address current supply chain constraints impacting base bleed projectile production.

 “Teaming with Firehawk Aerospace represents a significant step forward in our commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance artillery solutions to our international allies,” said Michael Bate, senior vice president and general manager at GDOTS. “This collaboration enhances our production scalability while ensuring we remain responsive to evolving global defense requirements.”   

 “Firehawk Aerospace is proud to be at the forefront of innovation in base bleed production,” said Will Edwards chief executive officer at Firehawk Aerospace. “Through our partnership with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, we are leveraging our Lawton, Oklahoma facility to expand operations and establish ourselves as the world’s leading and most advanced producer. Together, we are bringing cutting-edge manufacturing solutions to address critical supply chain demands with urgency and precision.”

About General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GDOTS) is a leading provider of capabilities across munitions, weapon systems, artillery, and energetics, with over 25 locations across the United States and Canada. Backed by decades of technical expertise and operational excellence, the company’s broad footprint enables delivery of capabilities at scale with efficiency and reliability. The breadth and depth of the portfolio allow GDOTS to support air, land, and sea domains with solutions that enhance readiness and operational advantage for U.S., Canada, and allied forces. More information about General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems is available online at www.gdots.com

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