Aurex Wins $8M Contract for Next-Gen ICBM Target Mission

Missile Defense Agency selects Aurex to lead rapid concept development, integration, and flight of record-breaking demonstrator.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Aurex, an aerospace and defense company based in Huntsville, Alabama, has been awarded an $8 million contract from the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to lead the development and flight test of a next-generation Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) class target mission demonstrator. This ambitious program aims to achieve the fastest concept-to-flight timeline in MDA history, showcasing Aurex's expertise in innovation and technical excellence.

Why it matters

This contract reinforces Aurex's position as a trusted leader in advanced defense solutions, supporting the nation's security and technological superiority. The successful completion of this mission demonstrator will provide the MDA with critical data and insights to enhance its missile defense capabilities, ultimately strengthening the country's deterrence against emerging threats.

The details

Under the contract, Aurex will be responsible for critical mission planning activities, including advanced trajectory design, comprehensive range safety analysis, and precise signature predictions for all mission objects. The company will also develop and produce the primary target objects, as well as flight test its Sensor Package for Optical Characterization and Ballistic Observation of Targets (SPOCBOT) fly-along sensor package. The mission demonstrator will be integrated onto a Firefly Alpha launch vehicle, with launch operations scheduled within the next calendar year.

  • Aurex's selection for this initiative was announced on February 13, 2026.
  • The launch operations for the mission demonstrator are scheduled within the next calendar year.

The players

Aurex

An aerospace and defense company based in Huntsville, Alabama, that is building the next frontier of deterrence, from hypersonic systems and missile defense to hardened networks and orbital systems.

Missile Defense Agency (MDA)

The agency responsible for developing and deploying a layered Ballistic Missile Defense System to defend the United States, its deployed forces, allies, and friends from missile attacks of all ranges in all phases of flight.

Warren Kohm

The CEO of Aurex, who stated that the company is honored to partner with the MDA on this transformative mission and is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in missile defense technology.

Firefly Alpha

The launch vehicle that will be used to integrate and launch the Aurex MDA Heavy Demonstrator payload.

Godspeed Capital

A lower middle-market defense & government services, solutions, and technology focused private equity firm that has invested in Aurex.

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What they’re saying

“We are honored to partner with MDA on this transformative mission. Our team is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in missile defense technology, and this program is a testament to our commitment to rapid innovation and mission success.”

— Warren Kohm, CEO, Aurex (EINPresswire.com)

What’s next

The launch operations for the Aurex MDA Heavy Demonstrator mission are scheduled within the next calendar year, following the successful completion of critical mission planning activities and the integration of the payload onto the Firefly Alpha launch vehicle.

The takeaway

Aurex's selection for this high-profile MDA contract reinforces its reputation as a leading innovator in the aerospace and defense industry, capable of delivering complex solutions on accelerated timelines to support the nation's security and technological superiority.