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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

ATACMS missile fires from launcher

Press release | 04. 20. 2026

L3Harris Receives Rocket Motor Contract for US Long-Range Missile System

L3Harris Technologies has received a contract valued at more than $65 million to produce solid rocket motors for the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), a combat-proven, long-range guided missile system.

ATACMS missile fires from launcher

Press release | 04. 20. 2026

L3Harris Receives Rocket Motor Contract for US Long-Range Missile System

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, L3Harris VP Mark Farley, and state and local leaders make announcement

Press release | 04. 15. 2026

L3Harris Announces Billion Dollar Expansion to Boost Solid Rocket Motor Production in Orange County, Virginia

3D printed RL10 rocket engine combustion chambers shown in the manufacturing area at L3Harris’ facility in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Editorial | 04. 10. 2026

Accelerating Production of National Security Space Assets with Additive Manufacturing

Soldiers load mortar

Editorial | 03. 24. 2026

Delivering Victory Through Fuzing Precision and Scale

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth addresses a crowd of approximately 1,500 L3Harris employees in Camden, Arkansas, as part of his “Arsenal of Freedom” tour.

Press release | 02. 27. 2026

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Visits L3Harris Solid Rocket Motor Site

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