Ursa Major Secures $10 million U.S. Navy Contract to Advance MK 104 Solid Rocket Motor

The U.S. Navy has awarded Ursa Major a $10 million contract to advance its MK 104 solid rocket motor design through critical design review and static fire testing, aiming to modernize and expand the defense sector's propulsion supply chain.

In an effort to modernize its tactical missile capabilities and resolve long-standing supply chain vulnerabilities, the U.S. Navy has finalized a $10 million development contract with aerospace propulsion specialist Ursa Major. Under the terms of the agreement, the company will advance its proprietary MK 104 solid rocket motor (SRM) design through two crucial technical milestones: the critical design review (CDR) and physical static fire testing.

Ursa Major is an American aerospace firm specializing in the development and manufacture of advanced rocket propulsion systems. Utilizing 3D printing and modern manufacturing techniques, the company focuses on creating scalable, reliable liquid and solid-propellant engines to support defense, national security, and commercial space applications.

This developmental milestone addresses a critical vulnerability within the Western defense industrial base. Over the past several years, the production of solid rocket motors has emerged as a primary bottleneck in tactical missile manufacturing, directly limiting the rate at which defense contractors can deliver essential precision munitions to the military. By introducing an agile, technology-driven manufacturer into the SRM segment, the military aims to establish a more resilient, rapid-response supply chain capable of scaling production quickly during high-demand scenarios.

The policy and industry impacts of this contract are significant for the aerospace and defense sectors. Historically dominated by a small number of legacy propulsion providers, the SRM market is undergoing a strategic shift as defense planners actively encourage non-traditional contractors to enter the space. The integration of advanced manufacturing technologies, such as additive manufacturing, is expected to compress production timelines and lower unit costs for the next generation of defense procurement programs.

For defense primes and institutional investors, this development underscores the growing market opportunity in defense tech modernization. As geopolitical tensions demand sustained munitions readiness, companies capable of offering automated, highly scalable propulsion solutions are well-positioned to capture significant market share. This contract signalizes that the Pentagon is willing to fund alternative suppliers to diversify its industrial base, potentially shifting the competitive landscape for future missile and rocket procurement programs.