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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

pilot in cockpit with missile out the window

Press release | 06. 03. 2026

L3Harris Receives Contract to Deliver Proximity Fuzes

L3Harris Technologies has been awarded a contract valued up to $98 million by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division to deliver the Department of War’s combat-proven Mechanical Proximity Fuze for upgrades to the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System.

pilot in cockpit with missile out the window

Press release | 06. 03. 2026

L3Harris Receives Contract to Deliver Proximity Fuzes

L3Harris successfully tested a potential propulsion solution for the U.S. Army’s PrSM Increment 4 program

Press release | 06. 03. 2026

L3Harris Successfully Tests Advanced Propulsion System

L3Harris employees at the Advanced Manufacturing Facility-South in Huntsville, Alabama

Press release | 06. 01. 2026

L3Harris Continues Expansion of Solid Rocket Motor Facilities in Huntsville

PAC-3 MSE

Press release | 05. 26. 2026

L3Harris Strengthens Global Solid Rocket Motor Supply Chain With New PAC-3 Propulsion Supplier

A Rotating Detonation Engine being hot fire tested at Purdue University’s Zucrow Laboratories.

Editorial | 05. 20. 2026

L3Harris Achieves Major Milestones With Latest Series of Rotating Detonation Engine Tests

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