Aurora Labs (ASX:A3D) completed the engine design freeze first phase under the Australian Defense Force novel engine project contract awarded in December 2024, according to a Thursday filing with the Australian bourse.

The design phase involves completing engine design engineering, establishing a test cell with integrated sensor systems, and procuring long-lead manufacturing items, the filing said.

Hardware is now being printed for the initial test and development phase, according to the filing.

Shares were up 3% in midday trade Thursday.