L3Harris wins deal for THAAD missile system components
L3Harris Technologies has been awarded a contract worth around $400m to power the US Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors.
As a supplier to the prime contractor for the MDA THAAD system, the company will manufacture additional solid rocket boost motors and Liquid Divert and Attitude Control Systems (LDACS).
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The solid rocket motors are produced at L3Harris facilities in Huntsville, Alabama, and Camden, Arkansas, while LDACS units are manufactured in Los Angeles.
The LDACS thruster system guides the kinetic kill vehicle during the latter phases of missile interception.
Ken Bedingfield, President of Missile Solutions at L3Harris, said: “THAAD is the only US system designed to intercept targets outside and inside the atmosphere, making it a critical part of the US’ missile defense system. THAAD is paramount to the security of this nation and our allies, and we are dedicated to delivering our proven propulsion for years to come.”
The contract was announced following a new framework agreement between Lockheed Martin and the US Department of Defense (DoD) that aims to rapidly expand production capacity for THAAD interceptors.
Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor of the programme, confirmed in a statement released on 29 January 2026 that annual output of THAAD interceptors will increase from 96 to 400 units.
THAAD forms a key part of the US missile defence network, providing protection against short, medium and intermediate-range missile threats.
The system is designed to intercept incoming missiles both inside and outside Earth’s atmosphere. It can be deployed quickly to provide defence for military units, allied forces, population centres, infrastructure and other designated assets across the globe.
In 2024, L3Harris delivered its 1,000th solid rocket boost motor and 1,000th LDACS unit ahead of schedule.
