Lockheed Martin Secures $2.8 Billion Contract for THAAD Development

Key Takeaways

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) awarded Lockheed Martin a contract valued at up to $2.8 billion to enhance the THAAD Weapon System.
This indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract supports development over five years, with an extension option extending performance up to ten years.
THAAD has a flawless intercept record of 17 successful tests and offers robust defense against various ballistic missile threats.

Contract Highlights

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has granted Lockheed Martin a follow-on development contract aimed at enhancing the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Weapon System. This indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract is designed to advance THAAD’s capabilities to counter increasingly complex missile threats over the next five years, with options that could extend the period of performance to ten years. If both extension options are exercised, the contract could reach a total ceiling value of $2.8 billion.

Dan Nimblett, vice president of Upper Tier Integrated Air and Missile Defense at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, expressed satisfaction with the contract, emphasizing THAAD’s effectiveness as a deterrent against diverse ballistic missile threats. He noted that the contract reflects the company’s commitment to provide enhanced defensive capabilities for current and future customers and highlighted THAAD’s significance within the missile defense architecture.

This latest award follows the THAAD Advanced Capability Development contract, which was issued in 2012, and aims to build upon the existing capabilities of the weapon system. Specific development tasks will be detailed through separate task orders issued throughout the contract period.

THAAD is recognized for its highly effective and combat-proven defense against short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missile threats. It boasts an impeccable record, having successfully completed 17 intercept tests, all of which resulted in success. Of these successful tests, 16 were achieved using the THAAD interceptor. Additionally, the THAAD Weapon System has successfully integrated operations with the PAC-3 MSE interceptor, demonstrating its ability to coordinate launch and control of PAC-3 MSEs to intercept ballistic missile targets.

Overall, the MDA’s latest initiative to contract Lockheed Martin for THAAD development not only underscores the importance of the system in national defense strategies but also reinforces the need for advanced capabilities in combating emerging missile threats effectively.

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