iRocket completes successful iRX-100 missile test with Arnold Defense Launcher

iRocket has announced the successful completion of the iRX-100 test using a launcher provided by Arnold Defense. The demonstration validated launcher integration and system performance, marking a significant milestone: the missile successfully reached Mach 2, traveled approximately 6 km, and is now fully qualified for use with Arnold Defense's launcher system.

The test supports iRocket’s efforts to deliver a scalable, production-ready capability for urgent defense needs. By focusing on repeatability, traceability, and high throughput, the company is industrializing missile and propulsion manufacturing capacity in the United States to meet rapidly evolving requirements.

“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,” said Asad Malik, CEO of iRocket. “We’re rebuilding the arsenal of freedom by combining high-rate manufacturing, robotics-driven quality, and a partner ecosystem that can surge production when the mission demands it.”

The partnership highlights a shift toward pairing combat-proven systems with 21st-century manufacturing techniques. This approach ensures that defense solutions are not only effective in the field but can also be mass-produced to meet large-scale demand.

Former Secretary of Commerce Hon. Wilbur Ross plays a pivotal role in iRocket’s strategic growth as a member of its Board of Directors and is taking the company public in 2026. Ross has been instrumental in securing international partnerships, such as the $640 million agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Spacebelt, and facilitating other introductions with government customers for iRocket. Highlighting the company's critical role in modern warfare, Ross noted, “Every day, we and our allies are using up their inventories of small missiles to intercept drones at one-tenth the cost of Patriot missiles. iRocket’s recent launch successes prove its qualifications to meet the demand.”

By leveraging robotics-enabled consistency and a quality-first discipline, iRocket is positioning itself as a leader in high-rate defense production, ensuring the US and its allies maintain a decisive advantage through industrial readiness.

iRocket has also secured a position on the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense (SHIELD) indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle. The 10-year program, valued at up to $151 billion, enables the rapid procurement of advanced technologies, engineering capabilities, and research supporting U.S. homeland missile defense, including interceptor and missile systems.

“Advancing extended-range capability for the 70mm system is about delivering greater reach and effectiveness to the warfighter,” said Chris Mignano, VP of Business Development and Manufacturing at iRocket. “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. This kind of collaboration across the defense industrial base is what will ultimately make the difference for the future of our nation’s security.”

“As the preeminent 2.75in. rocket launcher manufacturer in the world, we are excited to be working with iRocket as they bring needed improved capability to the 2.75in./70mm rocket,” said Frank Ferrante, Vice President of Programs and Business Development at Arnold Defense and Electronics. “The speed at which they moved to get to this round of testing has been impressive to watch first hand and participate in, and we look forward to continued collaboration efforts between our companies.”