Defence startups raid auto and fracking sectors for parts to speed weapons output

Defense tech startups are repurposing automotive chips and pipes used in fracking — while copying production methods from drugmakers — in an effort to deliver weapons to the Pentagon faster and at lower cost.

Soaring demand for rocket ​motors used to power missiles and other weapons has spurred new thinking about supply ​chains. Seeking big returns, Silicon Valley-style startups are now taking on defense companies that have long dominated the industry, pulled into the competition by a need for ​production speed, high volume and lower costs, according to ten industry executives, experts and U. S officials interviewed by Reuters.