L3Harris Receives New Contract to Power THAAD Interceptors
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terminal high altitude area defense (thaad)technical
A missile-defense system designed to detect and destroy incoming short- and medium-range ballistic missiles high above the Earth during their final, descending phase, using radar and hit-to-kill interceptors—think of it as a high-altitude safety net that knocks threats out of the sky. Investors care because deployments, contracts, and government spending on such systems affect defense-company revenues, supply chains and geopolitical risk, all of which can move stock prices and sector sentiment.
solid rocket boost motorstechnical
Solid rocket boost motors are self-contained propulsion units that burn a solid fuel to provide a powerful, short-duration push at the start of a rocket’s flight, similar to the way a firework or a strong push off the ground launches you into motion. For investors, they matter because their performance, cost, supply chain and regulatory safety record directly affect launch reliability, program timelines and the profitability of manufacturers or launch-service providers.
liquid divert and attitude control systems (ldacs)technical
Liquid divert and attitude control systems are small rocket engine setups on spacecraft that use liquid propellants to make fine adjustments to a vehicle’s path and orientation, similar to tiny water jets that steer and rotate a boat. For investors, these systems matter because they affect a spacecraft’s maneuverability, mission lifetime, fuel needs and cost, influencing the value of satellite, launch and space-services businesses that use or supply them.
kinetic kill vehicletechnical
A kinetic kill vehicle is a guided, non‑explosive projectile that destroys a target by colliding with it at very high speed, like hitting a moving object with another fast‑moving object. It is carried by a missile or launch vehicle and steers itself to intercept incoming threats. Investors watch these systems because their development, testing, and procurement drive defense company revenues, influence contract awards and budgets, and carry technical and regulatory risks that affect stock value.
MELBOURNE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) has received a new contract valued at nearly $400 million to produce additional solid rocket boost motors and Liquid Divert and Attitude Control Systems (LDACS) as a supplier to the prime contract for the Missile Defense Agency’s Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. THAAD is one of the nation’s primary defenses against short, medium and intermediate-range missiles.
“THAAD is the only U.S. system designed to intercept targets outside and inside the atmosphere, making it a critical part of the United States’ missile defense system,” said Ken Bedingfield, President, Missile Solutions, L3Harris. “THAAD is paramount to the security of this nation and our allies, and we are dedicated to delivering our proven propulsion for years to come.”
THAAD is combat-proven and has a 100% success rate in intercept tests, with 17 for 17 THAAD system intercepts, since production began. In 2024, L3Harris announced it delivered the 1,000th solid rocket boost motor and 1,000th LDACS ahead of schedule.
L3Harris manufactures the THAAD solid rocket boost motor in Huntsville, Alabama, and Camden, Arkansas. The company manufactures the LDACS in Los Angeles. This highly responsive thruster system keeps THAAD's kinetic kill vehicle on target during the latter stages of an intercept.
About L3Harris Technologies
L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security. Visit L3Harris.com for more information.
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This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect management's current expectations, assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. Such statements are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements about contract values are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties. L3Harris disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
