A U.S. Army program based at Redstone Arsenal is taking aim at a growing battlefield threat, awarding L3Harris Technologies a contract worth up to $60 million to develop a longer-range missile interceptor capable of taking down enemy drones.
The three-year contract supports the Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center’s Xtended Range Counter-sUAS Missile program, which is developing new technology to defend against unmanned aircraft and other short-range aerial threats.
L3Harris has advanced to the program’s second phase, which includes flight-performance testing of a fully integrated interceptor designed to deliver greater range, speed and maneuverability than current systems.
The interceptor is intended to counter small- and medium-sized drones as well as traditional short-range air defense threats.
“We are leveraging L3Harris’ deep technical expertise across propulsion, guidance and advanced manufacturing to deliver a next-generation interceptor that meets the Army’s evolving mission requirements,” said Scott Alexander, president of Propulsion Systems, Missile Solutions at L3Harris. “This design combines innovative propulsion with advanced seeker technologies to provide a highly capable, modular and cost-effective solution deployable from existing launch platforms.”
The company is also working to make the system compatible with existing U.S. military launch platforms, allowing the technology to be integrated into current defense operations.
A key part of the design involves air-breathing ramjet propulsion, which can improve fuel efficiency and extend the distance at which an interceptor can engage a target.
The contract adds to the Army’s efforts to develop more capable defenses against drones, which have become an increasingly significant threat to military personnel, equipment and installations.
The program is managed through DEVCOM’s Aviation & Missile Center at Redstone Arsenal, placing Huntsville at the center of the Army’s effort to advance the technology.
L3Harris also maintains a significant Huntsville presence, including missile propulsion and manufacturing operations. The company has previously announced investments to expand solid rocket motor production in the area.
While the contract announcement does not specify where the new interceptor will be manufactured, the award highlights the continued role of Redstone Arsenal and the Huntsville defense industry in developing next-generation missile and counter-drone capabilities.
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