Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. have revealed a joint venture, Prometheus Energetics, to produce solid rocket motors (SRMs) and other energetics. This 50/50 partnership will be U.S.-based, headquartered on a 500-acre site near the U.S. Navy and Army facility in Crane, Indiana.

The two companies have committed up to $175 million in capital for Prometheus, including property, plant, equipment, and personnel needed. The production of SRMS is set to start in 2027 following the construction of the “state-of-the-art energetics manufacturing campus” and after Rafael completes a technology transfer and receives the relevant certification. 

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., one of Israel’s largest defense technology companies, develops and manufactures combat-proven technologies and systems for air, land, naval, space, and digital applications. Rafael developed world-renowned missile defense systems, the Iron Dome and David’s Sling, as well as other significant technologies such as Trophy APS, an active protection system for armored vehicles. Yoav Tourgeman, President and CEO of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., said in the joint statement that the establishment of Prometheus is a “strategic leap forward, reinforcing Rafael’s commitment to strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base while ensuring our allies and partners have access to the most advanced, combat-proven energetics solutions […] Through this joint venture, we are deepening our longstanding partnership with the United States, strengthening supply chain independence, and bolstering the critical capabilities needed to address evolving national security challenges.”

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is an American defense technology and software company. They are a leader in hypersonic or advanced systems, strategic systems, ballistic missile targets, sub-orbital research vehicles, sounding rockets, solid rocket motors, and the “only company today delivering both propulsion and advanced flight systems.” Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos Defense, said: “Prometheus responds to a critical need to strengthen the U.S. Industrial Base and will also provide tens of thousands of SRMs and casted warheads supporting both America’s most reliable partner in the Middle East and United States national security-related demand from a true SRM and energetics merchant supplier.”
Prometheus marks another step in the deepening of the Israel-US defense partnership, which has been crucial for the establishment of the Israel Defense Forces into one of the world’s most capable and effective militaries, as well as its defense technology sector. By establishing this joint venture, Rafael and Kratos are expanding the U.S.-Israeli partnership beyond military cooperation into the realm of industrial and technological collaboration.