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Patriot launcher
The Pentagon on July 27 announced another new agreement with key companies to expand munition production—the latest in a series of such agreements to increase capacity for future contracts.
The Pentagon announced the seven-year framework agreements with L3Harris and Lockheed Martin targeting increasing long-term production capacity of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system.
The agreement calls on L3Harris to accelerate production of the two-pulse solid rocket motor, attitude control motors and the lethality enhancer of the PAC-3 MSE. At the same time, the agreement will expand manufacturing of the solid rocket boost motor that launches the interceptor and the Liquid Divert and Attitude Control System.
“Rebuilding the Arsenal of Freedom requires moving with speed and precision to scale the production of critical munitions,” said Michael Duffey, under secretary of defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in an announcement. “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.”
The Pentagon has already announced similar agreements on PAC-3 MSE with Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Honeywell. The agreements show a long-term demand for the Pentagon to procure the components, with the goal of having the companies increase their capacity. The Pentagon in its fiscal 2027 budget request calls for increased multiyear orders for the interceptors.
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