Latest Propulsion Technology News

Aurora Labs has marked a significant milestone by securing its first purchase order for micro gas turbine engines, alongside strategic MOUs with major defence groups and a $5.5 million capital raise to fuel growth.

Aurora Labs has signed a landmark MOU with European defence giant MBDA to explore integrating its 3D-printed turbojet engines into advanced missile systems, marking a significant step into international defence markets.

Aurora Labs has secured its first $250,000 order for AU4 propulsion engines from Sovereign Propulsion Systems, marking a key step in its commercialisation strategy targeting unmanned aerial vehicles and defence markets.

VEEM Limited has launched its most efficient marine propulsion system, the VEEM Extreme package, delivering up to 18.1% fuel savings and speed gains. Early trials with Manly Fast Ferries signal strong commercial interest.

Aurora Labs has raised $5.5 million through a strategic placement, partnering with Sovereign Propulsion Systems to advance its drone propulsion technology and expand manufacturing capabilities.

Aurora Labs has secured a $450,000 Phase 2 contract from the Australian Department of Defence to prototype a high-thrust, fuel-efficient propulsion system for unmanned aerial systems, building on its innovative 3D metal printing technology.

Aurora Labs reported a 34% increase in loss after tax to $3.75 million for FY2025, alongside a 327% surge in revenue driven by defence contracts and 3D printing services. The company is progressing its micro gas turbine propulsion systems and pursuing aerospace certification to expand its market footprint.

Ionic Rare Earths advances its rare earths strategy with major UK government funding, Brazilian JV progress, and US expansion talks amid China export controls.

Ionic Rare Earths’ UK subsidiary, Ionic Technologies, has won £11 million in government funding to spearhead a pioneering rare earth permanent magnet supply chain for electric vehicles, aiming to reduce UK dependence on Chinese exports and boost domestic EV manufacturing.

Aurora Labs has been awarded a $544,333 Defence Industry Development Grant to expand its production capabilities for gas turbine propulsion systems, reinforcing Australia’s sovereign defence manufacturing.

Orbital Corporation has appointed Stephen Pearce as CEO, marking a strategic shift from engine development to commercialising propulsion and flight management systems for defence UAVs.

Aurora Labs has reached a critical design freeze milestone under its Australian Defence Force contract, advancing its novel 3D-printed propulsion system towards testing and validation phases.