L3Harris Technologies will expand production of critical missile propulsion systems under two new seven-year framework agreements announced by the Department of War, a move that supports ongoing manufacturing operations at the company’s Huntsville facility.
The agreements, announced Monday in partnership with Lockheed Martin, are intended to increase production capacity for key components used in the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement 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 the PAC-3 MSE agreement, L3Harris will accelerate production of its advanced two-pulse solid rocket motor, attitude control motors and lethality enhancer. According to the Department of War, the propulsion systems provide the speed, range and maneuverability needed for the interceptor to engage tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft.
The separate THAAD agreement will expand production of two critical interceptor components: the solid rocket boost motor and the Liquid Divert and Attitude Control System, or LDACS. The Department said the propulsion and guidance components enable THAAD interceptors to maneuver in flight and engage ballistic missile threats both inside and outside Earth’s atmosphere.
L3Harris said the THAAD framework agreement will be its largest propulsion award for the missile defense system to date and is expected to be finalized later this year.
“This framework agreement reaffirms L3Harris’ proven capability to quickly deliver critical defense systems at the rate the Department of War demands,” said Ken Bedingfield, president of Missile Solutions at L3Harris. “The agreement builds upon our ongoing investments to build new facilities, incorporate modern manufacturing practices and bolster our suppliers to ensure we can support the critical systems that protect our nation and allies.”
The announcement has significance for Huntsville, where L3Harris manufactures THAAD solid rocket boost motors as well as other solid rocket motors and inert missile components. The company completed a $25 million expansion of its Advanced Manufacturing Facility-South last year, adding approximately 130,000 square feet of production space.
According to L3Harris, its Huntsville operation supports more than half of the company’s solid rocket motor programs and employs more than 700 workers.
The company said it is investing billions of dollars to increase production capacity, including constructing approximately 60 facilities and adding or upgrading nearly 1 million square feet of manufacturing and office space across its propulsion sites in Alabama, Virginia and Arkansas.
The Department of War said the agreements are part of its Acquisition Transformation Strategy, which aims to strengthen the defense industrial base by providing suppliers with long-term production commitments and reducing acquisition delays.
The L3Harris agreements follow similar long-term framework agreements previously announced with Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Honeywell to support production of the PAC-3 MSE missile system.
Got a tip for OTR? Send your tip to [email protected] with related photo/video, your name, phone number, and e-mail address.
