The agreement covers two components that are central to the THAAD interceptor. L3Harris produces the solid rocket boost motor that launches the missile and the Liquid Divert and Attitude Control System used to maneuver the interceptor in flight.
The LDACS gives the interceptor the agility needed during the later stages of an engagement. It supports THAAD’s ability to engage ballistic missile threats both inside and outside Earth’s atmosphere.
The production plan is part of a broader U.S. effort to expand output of high-priority munitions and missile systems. The Department of War said the framework was enabled by its Acquisition Transformation Strategy, which is designed to reduce procurement delays and give suppliers more stable long-term demand.
“Rebuilding the Arsenal of Freedom requires moving with speed and precision to scale the production of critical munitions,” said Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment. “Today’s agreements with L3Harris are a decisive win for the Warfighter, underscoring our commitment to sending clear demand signals to the entire supply chain.”
For L3Harris, the agreement provides a multi-year production outlook for a system already identified for capacity expansion by the Department of War’s Munitions Acceleration Council. The company said it is delivering THAAD propulsion components on or ahead of existing contract schedules.
“This framework agreement reaffirms L3Harris’ proven capability to quickly deliver critical defense systems at the rate the Department of War demands,” said Ken Bedingfield, President, Missile Solutions, L3Harris. “The agreement builds upon our ongoing investments to build new facilities, incorporate modern manufacturing practices and bolster our suppliers to ensure we can support the critical systems that protect our nation and allies.”
L3Harris manufactures THAAD solid rocket boost motors in Huntsville, Alabama, and Camden, Arkansas. The company produces LDACS at its Los Angeles facility.
THAAD is designed to defend against short-, medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. L3Harris said the system has achieved a 100% success rate in intercept tests since production began.
The fourfold production increase is tied to a wider expansion of L3Harris’ propulsion manufacturing base. The company said it is investing billions of dollars across its solid rocket motor operations.
That expansion includes construction of about 60 facilities and the addition or upgrade of nearly 1 million square feet of manufacturing and office space. The work spans L3Harris sites in Alabama, Virginia and Arkansas.
The Department of War said its acquisition strategy is intended to engage suppliers directly across multiple levels of the industrial base. The policy also seeks to give manufacturers the long-term demand signals needed to add capacity and strengthen supply chains.
For THAAD, the seven-year framework links those industrial investments to a defined increase in propulsion output. It also gives L3Harris and Lockheed Martin a longer production horizon for one of the U.S. military’s primary ballistic missile defence systems.
