TOKYO, Japan – Dec. 2, 2025 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) and IHI AEROSPACE Co., Ltd. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore potential collaborative opportunities in propulsion technology for space and national security applications. The companies will focus on exploring innovative propulsion solutions to meet the evolving needs of customers in the U.S., Japan under the strong alliance between both countries.
Northrop Grumman and IHI AEROSPACE intend to leverage their expertise in propulsion system development and advanced manufacturing capabilities for future collaborative efforts.
Lisa Brown, country executive for Japan, Northrop Grumman and Fumiharu Namiki, president, IHI AEROSPACE sign MOU to collaborate to advance global propulsion technology. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)
Experts:
Lisa Brown, country executive for Japan, Northrop Grumman: “Collaborating with IHI AEROSPACE to explore the future of propulsion technology allows us to drive innovation by combining our unique capabilities. This MOU highlights our dedication to fostering international partnerships that push the boundaries of solid rocket motor technology.
Fumiharu Namiki, President, IHI AEROSPACE: “This partnership with Northrop Grumman marks the first step in what we believe will be a highly productive collaboration. Northrop Grumman has extensive experience and a proven track record in this field, and we share a long-standing cooperative relationship. We are confident that this partnership will further promote international cooperation between the United States and Japan.
About Northrop Grumman’s Propulsion Technology:
Northrop Grumman is a preeminent manufacturer of advanced weapons systems including hypersonic propulsion, armaments, components, missiles, electronics and interceptors. The company’s missile and propulsion components include tactical rocket motors, medium and large caliber ammunition, composite structure, mechanical and electronic fuzes and advanced weapons for the U.S. and its allies.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our employees define possible every day.
About IHI AEROSPACE’s Propulsion Technology:
IHI AEROSPACE is a Japanese leading manufacturer of advanced propulsion systems and space equipment, highly regarded both domestically and internationally. The company provides a wide range of products, including space transportation systems, solid propulsion systems for guided missiles and satellite propulsion systems. IHI AEROSPACE’s technology support national security and space exploration in Japan and around the world.
