(Reuters) – Rocket engine maker Aerojet Rocketdyne said it would develop a propulsion system for the Long Range Maneuverable Fire Missile (LRMF) that Lockheed Martin is manufacturing for the U.S. military.
There is a growing demand for missiles fueled by the Ukrainian conflict and geopolitical uncertainties, as countries seek to strengthen their defenses.
LRMF missiles could be launched from existing US Army launchers to engage targets at longer ranges, serving as a powerful deterrent.
The announcement comes a day after Reuters reported that Lockheed raised concerns with the US Department of Defense and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over L3Harris’ acquisition of Aerojet.
Lockheed last year offered to buy Aerojet in a $4.4 billion deal, but backed out of the acquisition after the FTC filed a lawsuit to block the deal, fearing that Lockheed would hinder competitors’ fair access to Aerojet products.
(Reporting by Pratyush Thakur in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri)