Firehawk Aerospace has raised $60 million in an oversubscribed Series C round, led by 1789 Capital, helmed by partners including Donald Trump Jr., with participation from Draper Associates, Decisive Point, Stellar Ventures, and Presto Tech Horizons (PTH).
The investment carries strategic weight, particularly for Europe. By backing Firehawk, Presto Tech Horizons aims to strengthen NATO and allied forces’ ability to locally source vital elements of the munitions supply chain. This reduces dependency on slow, traditional supply routes and ensures readiness during high-pressure scenarios.
PTH itself is an unusual alliance. Formed by venture firm Presto Ventures and defence technology leader CSG (Czechoslovak Group), it serves as a bridge between innovation and industry. Its involvement ensures that Firehawk’s technology does not remain confined to labs but moves rapidly into deployment across allied defence networks.
3D printing for propellant and solid rocket motors
Firehawk Aerospace was founded in 2019 by Will Edwards, Steve Edwards, and Ronald Jones. The company specialises in developing advanced, 3D-printed hybrid rocket fuel and engines for aerospace and defence applications, using a patented additive manufacturing process to create custom fuel structures. The founders aimed to revolutionise rocketry by creating safer, cost-effective, and high-performance rocket propulsion systems through innovative 3D printing technology.
At the heart of Firehawk’s breakthrough is its use of 3D printing for rocket propellant and solid rocket motors, a process that replaces the traditional, hazardous casting method that can take up to two months. Additive manufacturing not only cuts production times by more than 99% but also enables complex geometries previously impossible to achieve. This makes motors safer, faster to produce, and adaptable across a wide range of weapon systems.
The innovation extends beyond rockets. Firehawk’s techniques can also be applied to artillery charges, creating new ways to scale reliable ammunition production. In an era where munitions demand often outpaces supply, the technology offers a critical advantage.
Scaling for the future of defence
Firehawk is building out a vast operational footprint to support its growth. From its Dallas headquarters, the company oversees design and development. In Lawton, Oklahoma, it is constructing a 340-acre production facility that will become central to scaling operations. Meanwhile, testing takes place at two West Texas sites, including a 30-square-mile launch range.
By combining speed, safety, and flexibility, Firehawk positions itself as a critical supplier for both U.S. and allied defence systems. The latest funding round underscores growing investor confidence in defence technologies that enhance readiness and resilience. With backing from U.S. venture firms and a strategic European partner, Firehawk is set to accelerate production and push its technology into real-world applications.
By reimagining how propellant is made, Firehawk is reshaping the foundation of defence manufacturing for the 21st century.
“The conflict in Ukraine proves that while drones give warfighters a decisive edge, munitions like missiles and rockets are the core of combat power,” said Will Edwards, CEO of Firehawk. ”A supply chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and propellant and energetics production are the biggest constraints on missile, rocket, and artillery manufacturing. Enabling the European defence industry to also produce these weapons quickly and at scale is the core of Firehawk’s mission. We’re proud to partner with Presto Tech Horizons and CSG to help bolster the European energetics supply chain and ensure our allies can fuel the production of key defence equipment.”
“The current geopolitical situation underscores the need to invest in innovative defence technologies,” said Michal Strnad, Chairman of the Board and owner of CSG. “Firehawk can play a crucial role in the future of not only rocket propulsion, but also ammunition production. This innovative project can strengthen cooperation between leaders of the American and European defence industries.” The parties are already exploring opportunities for industrial application of Firehawk’s technologies.
“Since the early 2010s, scientists and engineers have explored 3D printing as a way to unlock faster, safer, and more flexible solid propellant production. Firehawk is the first to truly deliver on that promise. They combine rapid manufacturing with complex grain designs that were once impossible, improving performance while enabling distributed production at scale. Firehawk’s technology doesn’t just speed up how propellants are made – it fundamentally reshapes the supply chain for missiles and rockets. That’s why this partnership is so important for Europe’s defence resilience,” added Matej Luhovy, newly appointed Partner at Presto Tech Horizons.
