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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

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

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth visited the L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) Camden site today as part of his nationwide “Arsenal of Freedom” tour, highlighting the importance of American manufacturing capacity in strengthening the defense industrial base and supporting U.S. and allied warfighters.

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

Hypersonics Render

Editorial | 02. 23. 2026

L3Harris Advances “Powder-in, Engine-out™” Hypersonic Propulsion Manufacturing

A Green Beret hangs a 60mm mortar round from a M225A mortar system on a live-fire range.

Press release | 02. 17. 2026

L3Harris Marks Delivery of 3 Million Fuzes to US Army

Launcher fires THAAD interceptor missile

Press release | 02. 16. 2026

L3Harris Receives New Contract to Power THAAD Interceptors

U.S. Marine loads a round

Press release | 02. 03. 2026

L3Harris Achieves Record-Breaking Fuzing Delivery Milestone

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