DSTG–Thales Australia KR3.0 Solid Rocket Motor

History

The Koonibba Rising 3.0, or KR3.0, is an Australian solid-propellant rocket motor developed under the Advanced Rocket Motor Technology Demonstrator Programme. The programme is a partnership between the Defence Science and Technology Group and Thales Australia.

KR3.0 is a 100 kg-class motor intended to demonstrate technologies and design features for high-performance, military-relevant applications. Its development supports Australian efforts to establish domestic capabilities for designing, manufacturing, testing, and evaluating solid rocket motors.

Development

Thales Australia supplied propellant and igniter technologies for KR3.0. The motor was developed and manufactured through a broader Australian industry network. Thales also invested in infrastructure and workforce development for the programme, contributing nearly AUD 10 million.

The programme forms part of a wider effort to strengthen Australia's domestic rocket-motor industry. In April 2026, the Australian government separately announced an initial AUD 126.9 million investment in solid rocket motor production. That initiative includes planned domestic production of motors for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System missiles by 2030 and a multi-type Rocket Motor Manufacturing Complex planned to become operational in 2033. These wider plans are described in an official Defence Ministers release.

Flight testing

The first KR3.0 flight test took place at the Koonibba Test Range near Ceduna, South Australia, and was announced on 6 August 2026. Australian spaceport operator Southern Launch conducted the flight.

Post-flight analysis found that the motor performed as designed throughout the test. The test also demonstrated real-time monitoring of the flight vehicle and rocket motor performance data. The flight vehicle was recovered for physical inspection and validation of the recorded data. A contemporary account of the test was published by Janes.

Design

KR3.0 is a solid-propellant rocket motor in the 100 kg class. It incorporates propellant and igniter technologies supplied by Thales Australia. The programme has not disclosed the motor's dimensions, propellant composition, thrust, burn duration, or intended production application.

The flight-test configuration supported continuous monitoring of both vehicle and motor performance. Recovery of the vehicle allowed the measured data to be compared with the physical condition of the test article after flight.

Program status

As of August 2026, KR3.0 had completed its first flight test. The available information identifies it as a technology demonstrator rather than an operational missile motor. No production contract, operational user, or specific weapon integration has been announced.

The completed test established a practical pathway for further Australian development, manufacture, testing, and evaluation of solid rocket motors. It also provided experience relevant to advanced defence technologies and domestic industrial capability.

Specifications (KR3.0)

General characteristics

• Type: Solid-propellant rocket motor and technology demonstrator
• Class: 100 kg class
• Programme: Advanced Rocket Motor Technology Demonstrator Programme
• Development partners: Defence Science and Technology Group and Thales Australia
• Propellant and igniter technology: Thales Australia
• First flight test: 2026
• Test location: Koonibba Test Range near Ceduna, South Australia
• Flight-test operator: Southern Launch