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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

Metal shell construction underway at the Arkansas Advanced Propulsion Facilities campus.

Editorial | 10. 01. 2026

Arkansas Advanced Propulsion Facilities Build-Out Accelerates

The Arkansas Advanced Propulsion Facilities expansion is accelerating with major construction milestones completed. The campus is on track to open in late 2027.

Metal shell construction underway at the Arkansas Advanced Propulsion Facilities campus.

Editorial | 10. 01. 2026

Arkansas Advanced Propulsion Facilities Build-Out Accelerates

THAAD missile fires from launcher

Press release | 09. 29. 2026

L3Harris Receives THAAD Propulsion Contract Valued at $6 Billion

A jet flies through the air and a missile launches from a ground launcher

Editorial | 09. 24. 2026

The Battle Isn’t Binary: Pairing Low Cost Munitions with High End Punch

Tomahawk® cruise missile

Press release | 09. 21. 2026

L3Harris Partners with Naval Air Warfare Center to Increase Tomahawk Production

An F-16 Fighting Falcon with the Minnesota National Guard soars through the air above Duluth, Minn.

Press release | 09. 14. 2026

L3Harris Advances Production of Proximity Sensors for US Air Force

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