Lockheed Martin is fast-tracking X-Bow Systems as a new, independent supplier of [solid-rocket motors](https://www.axios.com/2018/05/26/new-warning-signs-us-munitions-industry-missiles) and other services, the defense upstart’s CEO, Jason Hundley, told Axios.

**Why it matters:**“The Lockheed Martin Corporation, I will say, is one of the largest producers and procurers of solid-rocket motors in Western civilization,” he said in an interview.

- Lockheed, also the world’s [largest defense contractor](https://people.defensenews.com/top-100/) by revenue, “does not enter these agreements lightly, is what we understand,” he added. “They get their choice of investments in these areas.”

**The latest:** The arrangement coincides with the closure of X-Bow’s Series B funding round at a little more than $105 million.

- Investors include Razor’s Edge Ventures, Crosslink Capital, Balerion Space Ventures and Capital Factory Ventures.
- Lockheed Martin Ventures and Boeing Ventures were early backers, as well.

**Between the lines:** X-Bow (pronounced crossbow) is among a handful of fresh SRM competitors in the U.S. The cadre’s breakout comes as pricey munitions are expended across the world and the Pentagon sweats industrial health back home.

**State of play:** X-Bow is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is building an [energetics](https://www.axios.com/2024/12/18/deterrence-automation-dhruva-rajendra-interview) campus near Austin, Texas. It will open soon. Read rest [here](https://www.axios.com/2025/05/12/xbow-lockheed-rocket-motors-texas).