Aurora Labs has formalised a three-year Teaming Agreement with European defence giant MBDA to jointly develop 3D-printed turbojet propulsion for next-generation missile systems, expanding its footprint in key international defence markets.
- Three-year Teaming Agreement signed with MBDA
- Focus on integrating 3D-printed turbojet engines into missile platforms
- Collaboration targets European and Australian defence markets
- No immediate financial commitments; joint funding mechanisms possible
- Builds on prior MOU and strengthens Aurora’s international defence strategy
Strategic Alliance with European Defence Powerhouse
Aurora Labs (ASX:A3D) has taken a significant step forward by entering a three-year Teaming Agreement with MBDA, a leading European defence group known for its sovereign missile and complex weapons systems. This deal elevates Aurora’s collaboration beyond the initial Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2025, positioning the company to further embed its 3D-printed turbojet propulsion technology within MBDA’s next-generation weapon platforms.
MBDA’s stature as Europe’s only missile systems provider across land, sea, and air services, backed by aerospace giants Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, underscores the strategic weight of this partnership. With a €44 billion order backlog and €4.9 billion in 2025 revenues, MBDA offers Aurora a gateway to some of the world’s most advanced defence programs.
Expanding Aurora’s Reach in Europe and Australia
The Agreement formalises ongoing technical and commercial collaboration, focusing on European and Australian defence markets. Aurora and MBDA will jointly explore design, development, and integration of Aurora’s additive manufacturing propulsion systems, with an eye on funding mechanisms that could include co-investment. Notably, the Agreement does not impose binding financial commitments at this stage, reflecting a measured approach to partnership development.
Managing Director Rebekah Letheby emphasised the milestone nature of the deal, highlighting the shared commitment to advancing Aurora’s propulsion technology in high-demand defence applications globally. This aligns with Aurora’s broader strategy to deepen its international defence presence, a trajectory that has seen progress in manufacturing scale-up and commercial propulsion delivery under a prior purchase order from Sovereign Propulsion Systems manufacturing scale-up and commercial propulsion delivery.
Building on a Foundation of Prior Collaboration
The Teaming Agreement builds on the December 2025 MOU, which assessed the suitability of Aurora’s 3D-printed propulsion technology for MBDA’s missile systems. The expanded relationship signals mutual confidence and opens the door to more regular engagement and project opportunities, particularly within Western Europe before extending to Australia.
Earlier in 2026, Aurora secured its first defence propulsion order, a $250,000 purchase from Sovereign Propulsion Systems, marking a commercial breakthrough that complements its strategic partnerships first defence propulsion order. This order and the subsequent capital raise have underpinned Aurora’s ability to scale production and pursue certification milestones critical for aerospace applications.
Governance and Future Prospects
The Agreement introduces a governance framework with regular meetings to align technical and commercial workstreams. While funding arrangements remain exploratory, the collaboration’s three-year term provides a runway for Aurora to demonstrate the strategic relevance and technical maturity of its propulsion systems within MBDA’s complex weapons ecosystem.
For investors, the deal signals Aurora’s commitment to embedding itself in high-value defence supply chains and leveraging additive manufacturing to meet evolving defence requirements. The partnership with MBDA, a cornerstone of European defence autonomy, may prove pivotal as Aurora navigates the challenging path from technology validation to contract awards and production scale.
Bottom Line?
Aurora’s expanded partnership with MBDA marks a strategic leap into global defence markets, but the path to commercialisation depends on joint development outcomes and funding decisions over the next three years.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Aurora and MBDA translate collaboration into firm contracts or production agreements?
- What funding models will support the development and integration of Aurora’s propulsion technologies?
- Can Aurora’s 3D-printed engines meet the stringent certification and performance standards required by MBDA’s defence platforms?