L3Harris Technologies has secured a contract worth more than $6 billion to expand production of propulsion systems for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system.
The seven-year contract, which has yet to be definitized, follows a framework agreement signed in July between L3Harris, Lockheed Martin, and the Pentagon to quadruple THAAD propulsion production capacity.
As part of the expansion, L3Harris will modernise and upgrade its existing solid rocket motor (SRM) manufacturing facilities while constructing a new production site. The initiative will support increased manufacturing of THAAD solid rocket motors and expand production capacity for the system’s liquid Divert and Attitude Control System (DACS).
Expanding THAAD Production Capabilities
THAAD is designed to intercept and destroy ballistic missile threats using hit-to-kill technology, which neutralises incoming targets through direct impact rather than an explosive warhead.
Lockheed Martin serves as the programme’s prime contractor and systems integrator, while L3Harris supplies critical propulsion components, including solid rocket motors and liquid DACS.
In June, Lockheed Martin secured a separate seven-year contract valued at up to $35 billion to increase THAAD interceptor production. The agreement complements the propulsion expansion led by L3Harris and forms part of broader efforts to strengthen manufacturing capacity for the missile defense system.
International Deployment
Beyond the United States, THAAD is operational in the United Arab Emirates, which became the system’s first international customer.
Saudi Arabia has also acquired the US-built missile defense system and is developing domestic industrial capabilities to support it. In May 2025, the country produced its first batch of locally manufactured components for the THAAD missile launcher, marking progress in its efforts to expand local defense manufacturing.
The latest L3Harris contract is expected to strengthen the THAAD supply chain by increasing propulsion manufacturing capacity and supporting the programme’s broader production requirements.
