Department of War and L3Harris ink major deals to expand propulsion production for PAC-3 MSE and THAAD

WASHINGTON — The Department of War unveiled two seven-year framework agreements with L3Harris, and with L3Harris and Lockheed Martin, to expand manufacturing capacity for critical propulsion components tied to the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) interceptor and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) 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 the PAC-3 MSE framework, L3Harris will accelerate production of its two-pulse solid rocket motor, Attitude Control Motors, and the Lethality Enhancer. Those propulsion elements are intended to provide the speed, range, and maneuverability the interceptor uses to counter advanced tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and hostile aircraft.

A separate THAAD interceptor propulsion agreement, signed by the DoW, L3Harris, and Lockheed Martin, will increase output of two components: the solid rocket boost motor that launches the interceptor and the Liquid Divert and Attitude Control System (LDACS). LDACS enables in-flight maneuvering to engage ballistic missile threats both within and beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

The new arrangements build on prior PAC-3 MSE framework agreements with prime contractor Lockheed Martin, seeker manufacturer Boeing, and multi-component supplier Honeywell.

Officials described the deals as products of the Department’s Acquisition Transformation Strategy, which reduces bureaucracy and enables direct engagement with suppliers across the industrial base. By offering clear, stable, long-term demand, the initiative is intended to strengthen the resilience and responsiveness of the defense industrial base and keep U.S. production ahead of adversaries.