USAF plans to build AIM-120s in-theater, starting with solid rocket motor factory in a shipping container

The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory plans to accelerate solid rocket motor (SRM) prototyping by building a SRM factory that fits in a shipping container.


For a start, the pilot factory will be producing SRMs for AIM-120C-5 missiles. Ultimately, the aim is to have the SRM factory next to a missile production factory, also inside a box. This allows the in-theater production of missiles, guaranteeing a constant supply of munitions at the frontline.