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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

PAC-3 fires from launcher

Press release | 09. 08. 2026

L3Harris Receives Landmark PAC‑3 MSE Propulsion Contract to Power America’s Arsenal of Freedom

L3Harris Technologies has received an undefinitized contract award from Lockheed Martin, valued at $4.7 billion over seven years, to produce propulsion systems for the PAC-3® Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor.

PAC-3 fires from launcher

Press release | 09. 08. 2026

L3Harris Receives Landmark PAC‑3 MSE Propulsion Contract to Power America’s Arsenal of Freedom

solid fueled ramjet propulsion test

Editorial | 08. 25. 2026

L3Harris Advances Solid-Fueled Ramjet Propulsion for Greater Reach and Faster Effects

engine hot-fire tests

Press release | 08. 10. 2026

L3Harris Conducts Successful Hot-Fire Test in Major Milestone for Next Generation Interceptor Program

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth visited L3Harris’ PAC-3 propulsion facility

Press release | 07. 27. 2026

L3Harris Signs Transformational Agreement to Drastically Increase Production for PAC-3 MSE

THAAD missile defense system

Press release | 07. 27. 2026

L3Harris Signs Framework to Quadruple THAAD Propulsion Production

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