Pentagon signs deals to boost PAC-3, THAAD production

The US Defense Department on Monday signed agreements with Northrop Grumman, in coordination with Lockheed Martin, to expand production capacity for critical missile-interceptor components used in Patriot and THAAD systems, according to a departmental statement. The deals aim to triple output of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) interceptors and quadruple production of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) components as Washington seeks to replenish stockpiles and meet growing international demand.

Michael P. Duffey, under secretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, said the agreements ensure long-term demand signals flow to key suppliers throughout the industrial base. "Building the Arsenal of Freedom requires robust, dynamic supply chains at every level of the industrial base," Duffey stated in the release. "Framework agreements with munition components suppliers like Northrop Grumman are vital to accelerating the tripling of PAC-3 and quadrupling of THAAD interceptor production."

Component manufacturing details

"These historic agreements are critical to ensuring long-term demand signals flow to key suppliers, allowing Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) production to triple and quadruple, respectively," the department said. For the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE), the agreements establish a second source for solid rocket motors — a move intended to improve supply chain resilience and introduce competition among vendors.

The deal also increases production of ignition safety devices used in PAC-3 interceptors. For the THAAD program, the agreements call for a fourfold increase in production of interceptor structural components, including mid-body shells, muzzle covers and rail car assemblies, as the Pentagon works to strengthen air and missile defense capabilities and accelerate deliveries to military units worldwide.