US Army Orders $200M in Anti-Drone Shells From Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman has secured a contract worth more than $200 million to produce XM1211 High Explosive Proximity rounds for the US Army.
The XM1211 is a medium-caliber munition being fielded by the service as part of its short-range capabilities against small unmanned aerial systems.
Commonly fired from XM914 and M230LF Bushmaster 30-millimeter chain guns, the shell is equipped with a proximity sensor that detonates and releases fragmentation effects when near a target.
The ammunition was developed in collaboration with several US Army organizations, including the Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition, PM Maneuver Ammunition Systems, and the Combat Capabilities Development Command.
It was then fast-tracked in 2021 to meet an urgent operational need. Currently, Northrop Grumman is increasing production capacity to meet rising demand in the US military and partner forces.
Production will take place across the company’s sites in Minnesota, West Virginia, and Virginia.
“As the only qualified producer of the XM1211 proximity round, Northrop Grumman is uniquely positioned to deliver this urgent need for advanced munitions with speed,” said Dave Fine, vice president of armament systems at Northrop Grumman.
“Our partnership with the US Army drives innovation and ensures that we meet the critical needs of soldiers on the battlefield today.”
Rocket Motor Milestone Under SMART Demo
Concurrently, Northrop finalized a static test of one of two new solid rocket motors designed under the company’s Solid Motor Annual Rocket Technology Demonstrator, or SMART Demo program.
SMART Demo is a yearly event that combines Northrop’s expertise with other defense industry partners to launch innovative military solutions.
The recent test involved the 22-inch (559-millimeter) diameter Solid Motor Adaptable, Scalable, Half Time/Cos or “SMASH!22,” with evaluations focused on the platform’s manufacturing methods and materials designed for faster production, improved effectiveness, and lower costs.
Data from the firing will guide work on the second rocket motor, the 29-inch (737-diameter) Bombardment Attack Missile Motor 2.0, or “BAMM!29 2.0,” scheduled for testing in early 2026.
Both motors were assembled using lessons from Northrop’s earlier projects and incorporated 3D printed components as well as updated tooling to cut manufacturing timelines.
