The U.S. Department of War (DoW) is looking to L3Harris and Lockheed Martin to expand the long-term production capacity of two major defense systems: the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon system.

The seven-year framework agreements expand the propulsion production for the systems. They also provide the defense electronics industry with stable, long-term demand to help plan for the production of required components within those systems.

Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment, explained, “Rebuilding the Arsenal of Freedom requires moving with speed and precision to scale the production of critical munitions.”  

Regarding work with L3Harris, Duffey added, “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.” Under the agreements, L3Harris will accelerate the production of its advanced two-pulse solid rocket motor, Attitude Control Motors, and the Lethality Enhancer in support of the PAC-3 MSE interceptor. 

In support of the THAAD interceptor propulsion system (see image above), the extended agreement, signed by the DoW, L3Harris, and Lockheed Martin, will expand manufacturing of the solid rocket booster motor that launches the interceptor and the Liquid Divert and Attitude Control System (LDACS). The latter delivers the impressive in-flight maneuverability required to eliminate enemy missile threats both inside and outside the Earth’s atmosphere.