On Monday, July 27, 2026, the US Department of Defense, in cooperation with L3Harris Technologies and Lockheed Martin, announced two landmark seven-year framework agreements aimed at expanding production capacity for key propulsion-system components used in PAC-3 (Patriot Advanced Capability-3) interceptor missiles for the MIM-104 Patriot system and in interceptors for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system.
Image: Lockheed Martin
„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,” he said.
Under the agreement, L3Harris will accelerate production of the advanced two-pulse solid rocket motor, Attitude Control Motors (ACMs) forming part of the Attitude Control Section (ACS), and the Lethality Enhancer. These components provide the critical speed, extended range, and precise maneuverability required for PAC-3 MSE missiles to defeat advanced tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and enemy aircraft.
At the same time, the agreement covering propulsion systems for THAAD interceptors, signed by the Department of Defense, L3Harris, and Lockheed Martin, will enable increased production of two key components: the Solid Rocket Boost Motor (SRBM), which propels the interceptor into the air, and the highly responsive liquid-fueled Liquid Divert and Attitude Control System (LDACS). LDACS provides the in-flight maneuverability required to intercept and neutralize ballistic missile threats both within and beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.
The agreement continues a series of framework arrangements concerning the PAC-3 MSE system concluded with prime contractor Lockheed Martin, seeker manufacturer Boeing, and multi-component supplier Honeywell.
These agreements are a direct result of the US Department of Defense’s Acquisition Transformation Strategy, which reduces bureaucracy and enables direct cooperation with suppliers at every level of the industrial base. The strategy underpins the Department’s efforts to place the national defense acquisition system on a wartime footing. By providing industry with clear, stable, and long-term demand signals, the Department of Defense is building a stronger, more resilient, and more agile defense industrial base, ensuring that the US Armed Forces will always outproduce any adversary.
Through a framework agreement with the @DeptofWar and @LockheedMartin, we’re scaling propulsion production for PAC-3 MSE to meet growing demand. This model allows us to move faster, ramp production and deliver at unprecedented rates: https://t.co/r2MuMAColN pic.twitter.com/HqkOXfdoQ0
— L3Harris (@L3HarrisTech) July 27, 2026
Faster timelines. Expanded capacity.
Through a new framework agreement with the @DeptofWar and @LockheedMartin, we’re set to quadruple THAAD propulsion production. Learn more: https://t.co/yxRQIE3hvG pic.twitter.com/dvfxMOValP
— L3Harris (@L3HarrisTech) July 27, 2026
See also:
- Lockheed Martin and GM Defense partner to strengthen the industrial base
- Billions of Dollars for Export Production of PAC-3 MSE Missiles
- Boeing to Triple Production of Seekers for PAC-3 Missiles
- Lockheed Martin to Quadruple Production of THAAD System Missiles
- Lockheed Martin Plans to Triple Output of PAC-3 MSE Missiles