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Defense · Lockheed Martin · Production Expansion · THAAD
Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Department of War signed a framework agreement to quadruple Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor production capacity from 96 to 400 units annually, reinforcing U.S. layered missile-defense architecture and global supply for allies.
This initiative builds on an earlier partnership established this month to accelerate PAC-3® Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor output. Lockheed Martin immediately broke ground on a new Munitions Acceleration Center in Camden, Arkansas, designed to prepare a future workforce for advanced manufacturing of THAAD, PAC-3, and other capabilities.
THAAD has demonstrated its effectiveness in recent real-world operations, providing critical defense against various ballistic missile threats through its hit-to-kill precision. The increased production ensures a robust supply of ready-to-launch missiles for the U.S. and its allies, protecting civilians and critical infrastructure.
Lockheed Martin plans a multibillion-dollar investment over the next three years to expand production and modernize over 20 facilities across Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Massachusetts, and Texas. Since 2016, Lockheed Martin increased deliveries of six critical munitions by over 220% and projects an additional 245%+ increase for PAC-3 and THAAD.
This expansion resulted in manufacturing job growth exceeding 60% since President Trump's first term, with an additional 50% growth projected by 2030. Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO Jim Taiclet stated the company is committed to further acquisition reform agreements, noting the quadrupled THAAD production will provide more interceptors to deter adversaries, addressing unprecedented global demand driven by geopolitical tensions.
