(Pentagon) Anticipates Two Agreements to Expand Production of Components for Patriot and THAAD Systems

Washington, July 27 (KUNA) -- The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced on Monday the signing of two framework agreements to expand production capacity for key components of an advanced variant of the Patriot interceptor missile, as well as a specific type of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system.

In a statement, the Pentagon said the two agreements, concluded with U.S. weapons manufacturers Lockheed Martin and L3Harris, will last for seven years and concern the development of components for the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) MSE and the THAAD system designed for high-altitude missile defense.

The statement noted that under the agreement with L3Harris, work will be carried out to “accelerate the production rate of its advanced two-stage solid-fuel rocket motor, steering control motors, and the kill enhancement system.”

It added that these motors “provide the critical speed, extended range, and precise maneuverability required by the PAC-3 MSE missile to counter advanced tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and enemy aircraft.”

It further stated that the propulsion system agreement for THAAD interceptor missiles, signed with L3Harris and Lockheed Martin, will “expand the manufacturing scope of two vital components: the solid-fuel booster rocket motor responsible for launching the interceptor missile, and the liquid-fuel steering and trajectory control system, which features high responsiveness.”

It pointed out that the “Liquid Divert and Attitude Control System (LDACS) provides essential in-flight maneuverability, which is necessary to engage and neutralize ballistic missile threats, whether inside or outside the Earth’s atmosphere.” (End) R.S.R. / M.A.A.