The shrouds protect critical interceptor components from aerodynamic forces and environmental conditions during launch and flight. They must separate cleanly and reliably at the appropriate point in the mission.
“Demand for missile defense capabilities is accelerating, and meeting that demand will require significantly more capacity across the industrial base,” said Jon Rambeau, Karman’s chief executive officer. The agreement gives the company greater visibility to plan investment in personnel, equipment and production capacity.
“Karman is building the engineering expertise and manufacturing capability and capacity our customers need to increase production. This long-term agreement deepens our partnership with Lockheed Martin and enables us to support increased THAAD production for years to come.”
Karman has decades of experience designing, engineering and producing deployable shroud systems. The company uses automated processes to manufacture lightweight, high-strength structures with precision separation mechanisms.
THAAD, or Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, is a transportable missile defense system designed to intercept ballistic missile threats during their terminal phase of flight. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor and systems integrator.
The agreement was signed on September 29, 2026. It is one of three long-term agreements Karman disclosed as being under negotiation during its second-quarter earnings call on August 6.
