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Ground-Based Midcourse Defense System

Overview

The GMD employs integrated communications networks, fire control systems, globally deployed sensors, and Ground-Based Interceptors (GBIs) that are capable of detecting, tracking and destroying ballistic missile threats. The GMD element of the Ballistic Missile Defense System provides Combatant Commanders the capability to engage and destroy intermediate- and long-range ballistic missile threats in space to protect the United States.

Our Role

L3Harris supplies the liquid propellant Divert and Attitude Control System (DACS) that maneuvers the Raytheon-built EKV with the precision needed (often referred to as a “bullet hitting a bullet”) to successfully impact and destroy missile threats.

Alternate Propellant Tank (APT): Next generation design propellant tank for the EKV used on the GBI. This design update addressed producibility, material obsolescence, and cost related to the incumbent design.

Alternate Divert Thruster (ADT): Next generation divert thruster (main propulsion) for EKV used on the GBI. This design update addressed a platform stability and reliability concern as well as cost.

Key Features

The GBI is a multi-stage, solid fuel booster with an Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) payload that uses hit-to-kill technology to destroy incoming intermediate- and long-range ballistic missile threats against the United States and its allies.

Latest News

Ribbon cutting ceremony with company executives

Press release | 10. 20. 2026

L3Harris Opens Next‑Generation Solid Rocket Motor Facility to Boost Production Capacity

L3Harris Technologies joined federal, state and local leaders today to open the new Arsenal of Freedom solid rocket motor production facility in Camden. L3Harris designed the facility to double current capacity, with additional growth available.

Ribbon cutting ceremony with company executives

Press release | 10. 20. 2026

L3Harris Opens Next‑Generation Solid Rocket Motor Facility to Boost Production Capacity

PAC-3 fires from launcher

Editorial | 10. 13. 2026

America Can’t Afford to Slow Its Defense Buildup

Companies that can anticipate that need, and have capable, adaptable technology ready when it arrives, will be better positioned to help the warfighter stay ahead. For L3Harris, that capability is being built now.

Editorial | 10. 13. 2026

From Requirement-Driven to Market-Ready: Rethinking How Defense Technology Reaches the Warfighter

GMLRS fires from launcher

Press release | 10. 12. 2026

L3Harris Awarded Solid Rocket Motor Contract with Record Production

Greg Burns, Director of Operations, L3Harris Canoga Park Site (L) and Pat O’Kelley, L3Harris Canoga Park Site Lead (R), discuss expansion plans.

Editorial | 10. 08. 2026

L3Harris Expanding Los Angeles Site to Increase Capacity for Precision Liquid Propulsion

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