IperionX Limited has secured a pivotal U.S. Department of Defense Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III contract worth up to $99 million, marking a significant milestone in the company's transition from research and development to commercial-scale titanium production for defense applications.
The contract, structured as an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) agreement, establishes a funding mechanism through which qualifying U.S. Government agencies can place project-specific task orders for IperionX titanium components and parts, collectively capped at $99 million.
Strategic Defense Manufacturing Initiative
The SBIR program, administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration, progresses innovations through three distinct stages. Phase III contracts are specifically reserved for commercialization activities, allowing Federal agencies to procure proven SBIR-funded technologies without further competition. This award recognizes IperionX's readiness to deliver strategic titanium components for U.S. defense applications.
IperionX is currently working with U.S. DoD agencies on project task orders that will draw down on the contract ceiling. Initial titanium manufacturing and supply projects, expected to commence in the coming months, will include titanium fasteners produced using IperionX's patented titanium production and advanced forging technologies.
Domestic Manufacturing Capabilities
These titanium parts will be manufactured at IperionX's Titanium Manufacturing Campus in Virginia, supporting local skilled jobs and strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base. The contract aligns with recent U.S. Government funding priorities aimed at fortifying U.S. critical-material manufacturing capabilities.
Task orders may encompass additional product forms outside of fasteners, including higher-value aerospace components, positioning IperionX as a partner in the U.S. DoD's drive for secure, American-made and cost-competitive titanium.
Technology Validation and Market Impact
"Securing this Phase III contract is a pivotal milestone for IperionX," commented Anastasios (Taso) Arima, IperionX CEO. "It validates the performance of our technologies and underscores the Department of Defense's commitment to reshore an all-American titanium supply chain. We look forward to delivering mission-critical components that are lighter, stronger and more cost-effective while reducing reliance on international supply chains."
IperionX describes itself as a leading American titanium metal and critical materials company, using patented metal technologies to produce high-performance titanium alloys from titanium minerals or scrap titanium at lower energy, cost and carbon emissions. The company's Titan critical minerals project represents the largest JORC-compliant mineral resource of titanium, rare earth and zircon mineral sands in the United States.
The company's titanium metal and critical minerals serve essential roles in advanced U.S. industries including space, aerospace, defense, consumer electronics, hydrogen, automotive and additive manufacturing sectors.
