A collaboration between two US firms has propelled a new counter-drone missile to fly at twice the speed of sound, covering more than 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) in a recent test.
New York-based iRocket’s missile, named iRX-100, successfully hit the mark after integrating with a 70mm launcher from Missouri firm Arnold Defense.
This milestone brings the weapon closer to operational use, positioning it as a scalable, rapid-response solution for drone defense.
iRocket plans to mass-produce the missile for rapid, time-sensitive defense needs, leveraging robotics-driven manufacturing to expand capacity and maintain consistent quality.
The partnership with Arnold Defense reflects a shift toward combining combat-proven weapons with next-gen production techniques, ensuring systems can meet high operational demands.
“Today’s successful iRX-100 demonstration with Arnold Defense’s launcher proves we can deliver a modern, scalable counter-UAS effect with speed and repeatability,” iRocket Chief Executive Officer Asad Malik said.
“We’re rebuilding the arsenal of freedom … that can surge production when the mission demands it.”
Building on Big Partnerships
No stranger to landmark deals, iRocket previously secured a $640-million agreement with SpaceBelt KSA to help the Saudi-based firm send low-orbit security satellites into space.
It has also been added to the Pentagon’s Golden Dome initiative, a 10-year, $151-billion effort to strengthen homeland missile defense.
“By working closely with our partners and focusing on compatibility with launchers already used by the services, we’ve been able to move quickly and accelerate meaningful capability to the field,” said Chris Mignano, iRocket vice president of Business Development and Manufacturing.
“This kind of collaboration across the defense industrial base is what will ultimately make the difference for the future of our nation’s security.”
