WASHINGTON — The Department of War, in cooperation with L3Harris and Lockheed Martin, announced two landmark seven-year framework agreements to expand production capacity for key components of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon system.
"Rebuilding the Arsenal of Freedom requires moving with speed and precision to scale the production of critical munitions," said Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment. "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 this agreement, L3Harris will accelerate the production of its advanced two-pulse solid rocket motor, Attitude Control Motors, and the Lethality Enhancer. The motors deliver the critical speed, extended range, and precise maneuverability the PAC-3 MSE needs to defeat advanced tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and enemy aircraft.
Concurrently, the THAAD interceptor propulsion agreement, signed by the DoW, L3Harris, and Lockheed Martin, will expand manufacturing of two critical components: the solid rocket boost motor that launches the interceptor and the highly responsive Liquid Divert and Attitude Control System (LDACS). The LDACS provides the vital in-flight maneuverability required to engage and neutralize ballistic missile threats both inside and outside Earth's atmosphere.
This agreement follows a series of PAC-3 MSE framework agreements with prime contractor Lockheed Martin, seeker manufacturer Boeing, and multi-component supplier Honeywell.
These agreements are a direct outcome of the Department's Acquisition Transformation Strategy, which slashes bureaucratic red tape and allows the Department to engage directly with suppliers at every level of the industrial base. The Acquisition Transformation Strategy is a cornerstone of the Department's effort to place the nation's defense acquisition system on a wartime footing. By providing industry with clear, stable, long-term demand, the Department of War is fostering a more robust, resilient, and responsive defense industrial base, ensuring the U.S. military always outpaces any adversary on the factory floor.