$RKLB (+2,13%) Rocket Lab has secured major defense contracts with the US and UK to further develop its hypersonic technology with the Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron (HASTE) program. The company has been selected for the US Air Force's $46 billion EWAAC program and the UK MoD's £1 billion HTCDF program, both of which are aimed at the rapid development of innovative technologies.
HASTE is a sub-orbital variant of the Electron rocket with a payload capacity of up to 700 kg and speeds above 7.5 km/s, designed to test hypersonic technologies such as scramjets and re-entry systems. To date, three successful HASTE missions have been carried out for the US Department of Defense, including two within just 21 days.
These contracts have had a positive impact on Rocket Lab's financial guidance: Revenue is expected to increase from $436 million in 2024 to $580 million in 2025, and profitability is expected from 2026.
(translated from English)
