Arthur McMiler 
- The seven-year undefinitized award is worth more than $6 billion, excluding escalations
- L3Harris will build a new plant for THAAD solid rocket boost motor production
- The deal follows a July framework agreement to increase THAAD propulsion output fourfold
L3Harris Technologies has secured an undefinitized contract from Lockheed Martin worth more than $6 billion, excluding escalations, to scale up propulsion manufacturing for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, system over seven years. The Melbourne, Florida-based company announced the award Tuesday.
What Does the THAAD Propulsion Contract Cover?
L3Harris will build a new plant dedicated to the solid rocket boost motor, which launches the interceptor. It will also add capacity for the Liquid Divert and Attitude Control System, or LDACS, which gives the interceptor its in-flight maneuverability. The company currently makes boost motors in Huntsville, Alabama, and Camden, Arkansas, and LDACS at a Los Angeles site.
How Does the Award Fit into Broader Missile Production Efforts?
The contract builds on a July framework agreement with the Department of War to increase L3Harris’ THAAD propulsion output fourfold. It also comes after the company received in September a $4.7 billion Lockheed Martin award for PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement propulsion. L3Harris said both deals are in line with the guidance it had already given for the programs.
Lockheed Martin is speeding up its own THAAD work under a potential $35 billion contract awarded in June. That contract raises annual interceptor production from 96 to roughly 400 over seven years.
What Did L3Harris Leadership Say About the Contract?
Ken Bedingfield, president of Missile Solutions at L3Harris, said the award shows the company can field critical defense technologies at the pace and volume the department requires. He added that planned facility expansions and continued propulsion investments will keep L3Harris “ready to support the nation’s most important missile defense missions.”
What Makes THAAD a Key Missile Defense Asset?
THAAD can destroy short-, medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles both inside and beyond the atmosphere. It has a perfect intercept record in flight testing since production started. Aerojet Rocketdyne, now an L3Harris business, delivered its 1,000th THAAD boost motor and LDACS unit to Lockheed Martin in 2024.
