Military & Defense Forging

Canton Drop Forge is a trusted supplier of forged products for defense, supplying high-integrity components for some of the most advanced weapons systems in operation today. As a longstanding defense forging contractor, we manufacture custom forged domes, nozzle bodies, AFT rings, and AFT closures used across critical military and aerospace platforms. Each is forged to meet exacting specifications, supporting missile and bomb systems where failure is not an option.

Get in touch with our trusted team to learn more about our military and defense forging services. Get started on your next project with CDF today.

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Forgings for the Defense Industry

As a proven partner in forged products for the defense industry, Canton Drop Forge supplies precision components to a wide range of advanced defense systems. Each part we produce is engineered to meet stringent tolerances, manufactured using precision defense forging techniques that ensure structural integrity under extreme conditions.

Our work supports several high-profile missile and weapon programs, reinforcing our role as a leading name in reliable military forgings.

Military Forging

US Army ATACMS

For the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), we produce forward closure domes and aft rings. These forged parts are essential to the missile’s structural framework, designed to endure high-velocity launches and extended-range trajectories with exacting tolerances.

Defense Forgings

U.S. Army – MIM-23 Hawk

Our team supplies AFT closures and forward closures for the MIM-23 Hawk, a mobile, medium-range surface-to-air missile system. These components form part of the missile casing and pressure-bearing body, requiring consistent strength under dynamic load and flight conditions.

Forgings for the Military

Patriot Missile System

In support of the Patriot missile program, Canton Drop Forge manufactures nozzle bodies and forged domes. These parts must perform under intense thermal and aerodynamic stress, playing a direct role in propulsion management and flight stability for surface-to-air engagements.

Forged Products for the Defense Industry

Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Defense

We forge AFT closures and domes for short-to-intermediate-range ballistic missile interceptors within the U.S. ABM framework. Each component is engineered for durability and dimensional precision to maintain effectiveness during high-G launches and mid-course corrections.

Military Forgings

U.S. Navy – Standard Missile Program

CDF produces high-integrity naval forgings used in the Standard Missile line—ship-launched guided missiles deployed by the U.S. Navy. Our sea defense forgings, like forged domes and AFT rings, can withstand maritime launch conditions, including extreme vibration, thermal cycling, and corrosive saltwater environments.

Inspection, Testing, and Traceability You Can Depend On

Canton Drop Forge proudly maintains a fully integrated quality assurance system to validate forged products for the defense industry before they enter the supply chain. From raw material verification to final inspection, we supply reliable military forgings that meet or exceed the standards expected by military and aerospace contractors.


All testing is performed in-house under strict procedural controls, supporting traceability and repeatability across every batch.

As part of our commitment to excellence, CDF maintains industry-recognized certifications, including:

  • Nadcap accreditation for heat treating processes
  • ISO-compliant quality management systems
  • Full documentation and lot traceability for defense and aerospace projects
Defense forging

Collaborative Engineering for Complex Military Components

Defense programs demand more than reliable hardware—they require a manufacturing partner who can engage early, adapt fast, and engineer with precision. At Canton Drop Forge, we provide full-spectrum support for custom defense forging programs, working alongside engineering teams, program leads, and procurement specialists from concept through production.

Our in-house engineering group brings deep experience in:

  • Closed-die design and simulation, optimizing material flow and minimizing stress concentrations
  • Reverse engineering of legacy or low-volume components, with full spec reconstruction when drawings are limited
  • Collaborative prototyping for qualification runs, early-stage designs, and R&D initiatives
  • Tooling development and rapid die production, enabling short lead times and responsive iteration

This engineering-first approach makes us a trusted partner in forging for the defense industry. Whether adapting to evolving Department of Defense (DoD) requirements or supporting accelerated timelines, our team has the technical insight and flexibility needed to meet your mission-critical goals.

See Our Facilities in Action

Want a closer look at what sets Canton Drop Forge apart? Watch this quick video to explore the facilities, forging capabilities, and defense-ready processes that power every part we produce. Whether you’re sourcing components or evaluating potential partners, this is a firsthand look at the quality and expertise behind our military forging operations

Frequently Asked Questions: Forgings for the Defense Industry

If you’d like to learn more about our forging capabilities for defense industry products, take a look at our FAQs below.


What metals are typically used in military and defense forging applications?

Defense forgings often rely on high-strength, heat-resistant materials such as carbon steels, alloy steels, stainless steels, and titanium alloys. These offer a balance of strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance necessary for performance in combat environments and thermal extremes.


What are the lead times typically required for custom forgings for defense?

Lead times of forgings for the defense industry vary depending on part complexity, material availability, and whether new tooling is required. However, forgers with in-house die production and vertically integrated operations like Canton Drop Forge can reduce turnaround times compared to outsourced or multi-vendor workflows.


Are Navy forgings subject to ITAR or export restrictions?

Yes. Many military forging applications fall under ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) or DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement) compliance. It’s essential to work with a forging partner familiar with these regulations and capable of maintaining secure, compliant workflows.

Partner with a Proven Leader in Defense Forging

When failure isn’t an option, you need a forging partner with the technical capability, industry experience, and compliance framework to deliver. At Canton Drop Forge, we specialize in forgings for the defense industry that meet the highest standards for precision, strength, and reliability. Whether you’re developing next-generation missile systems, sourcing legacy parts, or facing aggressive production timelines, our team is equipped to support your mission.

Contact us today to discuss your requirements or request a custom quote.

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