Breaking News
Lockheed Martin Propelled to Forefront of US Missile Defense with a Massive THAAD Contract.
The United States Department of Defense, through the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), has awarded Lockheed Martin a $2.8 billion contract to continue the development of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system. The announcement, published on the U.S. government contract portal, states that the Sunnyvale, California-based company will benefit from an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract, succeeding the previous Advanced Capabilities Development (ACD) agreement.
The THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) is a missile defense system designed to intercept and neutralize short-, medium-, and long-range ballistic threats both inside and outside the atmosphere (Picture source: US DoD)
This new contract aims to support the development of THAAD System Build 6.0 and future iterations of the system. It also includes engineering and technical support for modernization efforts, testing, obsolescence mitigation, and software maintenance. The first task order, worth $12.7 million, covers system testing and evaluation, with primary work locations in Sunnyvale, California, and Dallas, Texas.
THAAD System Build 6.0 represents a significant upgrade over current configurations. According to MDA Director Lt. Gen. Collins, this system will provide initial capability against maneuvering threats and expand threat engagement range. The MDA and Lockheed Martin are currently upgrading the U.S. Army’s seven THAAD batteries to version TH 4.0. The permanently deployed battery in Guam was upgraded in November 2023, with the remaining units set for completion by the end of 2025. This version enhances compatibility with the PATRIOT Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) launchers and allows remote launch for both PAC-3 MSE and THAAD’s Talon interceptors.
The THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) is a missile defense system designed to intercept and neutralize short-, medium-, and long-range ballistic threats both inside and outside the atmosphere. Integrated into the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS), it provides protection to U.S. forces, strategic infrastructure, and allies against enemy missile attacks. Rapidly deployable, it is designed to be interoperable with other defense systems, including Aegis, satellites, and the Patriot/PAC-3 system, ensuring coordinated coverage. It operates with a high-frequency AN/TPY-2 radar, capable of detecting threats at distances of up to 1,000 km, and relies on hit-to-kill interception technology, ensuring the effective destruction of enemy warheads before they reach their target.
The THAAD system is based on a launcher mounted on a HEMTT-LHS truck, carrying eight missiles ready to fire. Its missile, measuring 6.17 meters in length and equipped with a solid-propellant motor, can reach altitudes of up to 150 km and has a range of 200 km. Capable of intercepting ballistic missiles in their terminal phase, it provides in-depth defense against weapons of mass destruction threats. Already adopted by the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, THAAD plays a crucial role in defending against advanced ballistic missile threats, strengthening the defense posture of the nations that operate it.
The layered structure of air defense systems according to altitude and threat range. Several levels are distinguished: the Aegis SM-3 (light blue) is responsible for exo-atmospheric engagements, while THAAD/SM-3 (green and white striped) provides an intermediate coverage zone. THAAD (dark green) operates in the atmospheric transition region, and PATRIOT/PAC-3 MSE (red) defends against lower-altitude threats. This framework effectively counters ballistic missile threats categorized as Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM), Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM), and Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM).
THAAD’s role in bridging the Exo-Endo Gap, a critical coverage gap between exo-atmospheric defenses like SM-3 and endo-atmospheric systems such as PAC-3 MSE. This integration enhances the responsiveness and efficiency of the U.S. missile defense architecture. The image further underscores the importance of countermeasures and advanced threats, with the overarching goal of creating a layered and integrated defense system, encapsulated by the slogan "THAAD Fills the Exo-Endo Gap for Effective Layered Defense."
TH 5.0, set to become operational in July 2026, introduces hardware enhancements to address obsolescence and strengthen system security while optimizing performance against evolving threats. Initially planned for 2032, the deployment of TH 6.0 has been accelerated to 2027, enhancing THAAD interceptor capabilities, improving integration with PAC-3 MSE, and bolstering overall cybersecurity and program protection.
This $2.8 billion contract is part of the broader strategy to enhance U.S. missile defense capabilities, with growing congressional and administrative support for new developments aimed at strengthening national and allied security.