US signs long-term deals to boost Patriot, THAAD interceptor production

The U.S. Department of War has signed two seven-year framework agreements with L3Harris and Lockheed Martin to expand production of key components for the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement interceptor and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defence system.

The department said the agreements are intended to increase manufacturing capacity for critical missile components and strengthen the U.S. defence industrial base.

"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 increase production of its two-pulse solid rocket motor, Attitude Control Motors and the Lethality Enhancer. The Department of War said these components provide the interceptor with the speed, range and manoeuvrability needed to intercept tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft.

A separate agreement covering the THAAD missile defence system, signed by the Department of War, L3Harris and Lockheed Martin, will expand production of the interceptor's solid rocket boost motor and the Liquid Divert and Attitude Control System (LDACS). According to the department, the system enables the interceptor to manoeuvre in flight and engage ballistic missile threats both inside and outside the Earth's atmosphere.

The announcement follows previous PAC-3 MSE production agreements with Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Honeywell.

The Department of War said the new agreements are part of its Acquisition Transformation Strategy, which aims to reduce procurement delays, strengthen cooperation with suppliers and provide long-term production commitments to the defence industry. It said the strategy is intended to improve the resilience of the U.S. industrial base and support sustained production of advanced missile defence systems.

By Aghakazim Guliyev