Firehawk Aerospace Receives Investment from Hanwha Defense USA
Firehawk’s recent achievements underscore its momentum within the energetics sector. On Monday, November 3rd, the startup disclosed an additional “eight-figure” strategic investment from Hanwha Defense USA, following its $60 million funding round just two months prior.
Chief Executive Officer of Firehawk, Will Edwards, indicated that the partnership will substantially augment Firehawk’s manufacturing capabilities in propellant and rocket motors, as well as advance the development of complete missile systems. “[Hanwha] is equipped to build comprehensive missile systems, while Firehawk provides them with an opportunity to invest in one of the few companies, perhaps the only company, capable of scaling up production of propellant and rocket motors,” Edwards remarked.
The infusion of capital will facilitate expansion at Firehawk’s Oklahoma facility, scheduled to begin operations next year. The site aims to produce thousands of pounds of propellant annually and support future acquisitions.
Firehawk has made notable strides since its founding in 2019. In September, the company completed a $60 million funding round and formed a strategic alliance with Presto Ventures, a joint venture between Czech VC Presto Ventures and Czechoslovak Group (CSG), to establish a presence in Europe. That same month, Firehawk secured a $4 million AFWERX contract focused on the development and testing of proprietary 3D-printed, thermoplastic-based propellants. Earlier, in June, Firehawk received a $4.9 million AFRL contract supporting next-generation hybrid rocket engine research and financing the construction of a new $22 million-plus facility in Oklahoma. August saw Firehawk execute a successful flight test of a hybrid rocket engine utilizing its 3D-printed propellant for the Army Applications Laboratory.
Energetics remains integral to national defense, particularly as the United States and its allies encounter persistent challenges in propulsion technologies, notably solid rocket motors (SRMs). Historically, SRM production has been dominated by key suppliers employing conventional methods. Aerojet Rocketdyne, acquired by L3Harris in 2023, recently reported significant SRM delivery delays. Raytheon and Department of Defense officials have identified SRM shortages as a major constraint on missile output.
Dallas, TX head-quartered Firehawk addresses these supply chain obstacles through advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing for propellant and motor fabrication, resulting in significantly reduced production times. In 2022, the company entered into a collaborative agreement with Raytheon (RTX) to explore hybrid rocket propulsion technology.
Regarding potential expansion in the Indo-Pacific region facilitated by Hanwha’s Korean connections, Edwards stated, “Firehawk is uniquely positioned to establish propellant and rocket motor production facilities globally.” Currently, Firehawk intends to manufacture all required propellant and motors for Hanwha at its Fort Sill, Oklahoma plant, which is expected to achieve full operational capacity by late 2026.
Firehawk plans to collaborate extensively with Hanwha Defense USA on co-development initiatives and integrate its motors and propellants into Hanwha’s weapon systems, although specific platforms were not disclosed. The company also anticipates multiple acquisitions to further enhance cooperative capabilities.
Edwards highlighted Firehawk’s growing influence within the defense supply chain: “The investments are valuable, but defense fundamentally operates as a components business. While firms like Northrop, Raytheon, and Lockheed frequently compete, they also rely on each other’s strengths. Firehawk seeks to partner with emerging incumbents such as Hanwha and CSG. These organizations generate billions in revenue and have the capacity to procure motors from us at scale.”
Hanwha Defense USA president Mike Smith remarked: “Hanwha is developing strategic partnerships and making strategic investments in US defense companies such as Firehawk, which is at the forefront of energetics and propulsion technology.”