Northrop Grumman has signed a long-term sourcing agreement with Norwegian company Chemring Nobel for HMX, a critical element of warhead production.
The 15-year agreement ensures that Northrop Grumman’s Missile Products manufacturing facilities in Rocket Center, West Virginia, will have a reliable supply of the high-energy explosive powder. The deal provides guaranteed lead times, annual quantities and predictable pricing, the company said.
According to Stephen O’Bryan, Northrop Grumman corporate vice president and global business development officer, the collaboration fits the company’s mission to support Norway, NATO and security in the High North.
“The company is forging enduring partnerships with Norwegian industry, having awarded more than $500 million in contracts in the last 10 years,” the executive said in a statement.
Chemring Nobel is Europe’s largest producer of HMX. The Saetre-based specialty chemicals company recently secured a $40 million grant to build Norway’s capacity to produce ammunition and missiles, part of the European Union’s $542.5 million effort to deliver and stock up armaments for Ukraine.
Northrop has also received funding to boost its manufacturing capacity. In March, Naval Sea Systems Command awarded the company a $178 million contract to expand the Naval Industrial Reserve Ordnance Plant at the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in Rocket Center.
The government contractor said the expanded facility will increase the defense supply chain and production capacity to meet the rising global demand for solid rocket motors and warheads.