Firehawk Aerospace launches Mississippi rocket facility

Key Points

• Firehawk Aerospace is investing $16.5 million to establish a rocket manufacturing facility in Crawford, Mississippi.
• The project is expected to create 100 high-tech jobs within Lowndes County and the Golden Triangle region.
• The facility will utilize proprietary 3D-printed propellant technology to streamline the production of munitions and rocket motors.

CRAWFORD, Miss. — In a significant boost to the “Aerospace Corridor” of the South, defense innovator Firehawk Aerospace announced Wednesday it will establish a major manufacturing and integration site in Lowndes County.

The $16.5 million investment marks a pivotal expansion for the energetics firm, which plans to bring 100 high-impact technical jobs to the rural community of Crawford. Firehawk recently acquired a 636-acre facility to serve as its primary hub for scaling the production of rocket systems and munitions.

The company distinguishes itself through a proprietary 3D-printed propellant. This technology allows Firehawk to manufacture high-performance rocket motors with greater speed and cost-efficiency than traditional methods, which often rely on complex chemical casting processes.

“Mississippi stood out to us because of its pro-industry leadership, deep talent pool and commitment to advanced manufacturing,” said Will Edwards, founder and CEO of Firehawk. He noted the facility is critical to modernizing U.S. defense infrastructure and strengthening national security.

The expansion is supported by the Mississippi Development Authority through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, known as MFLEX. This performance-based program scales with the company’s actual investment and hiring numbers, ensuring taxpayer protections while incentivizing rapid growth.

Governor Tate Reeves lauded the move, stating the Golden Triangle region is proving that Mississippi can compete globally for innovative aerospace firms.

“We move faster and deliver the workforce and infrastructure innovative aerospace companies demand — without red tape,” Reeves said.

The Golden Triangle Development LINK, which assisted in the recruitment, highlighted that the region’s speed-to-market capabilities were a primary factor in securing the project. Firehawk expects to begin operations in the near future and has already initiated recruitment for various manufacturing and technical roles.

While the defense industry has historically been concentrated on the coasts, Mississippi officials pointed to the state’s 60-year history in the rocket business as a foundation for this modern growth. Economic developers estimate that the new high-paying positions will increase the local tax base by several percentage points, contributing to a total regional growth of roughly 5 percent over the next decade.