The Department of War signed framework production agreements with Northrop Grumman to accelerate manufacturing of PAC-3 interceptors and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile defense components on Aug. 3.
The agreements reflect urgency to rebuild critical missile defense stockpiles at a moment when U.S. forces are conducting active operations requiring air defense assets, according to the department.
The PAC-3 is the interceptor used in the Patriot missile defense system, while THAAD provides protection against short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. Both systems have seen their inventories drawn down through sustained operations and equipment transfers to allied nations.
The framework agreements are designed to establish long-term production commitments that give Northrop Grumman certainty to invest in manufacturing capacity and supply chain expansion, the department said. The action is among the largest single-program defense production commitments in recent months.
The U.S. military’s air and missile defense capacity has been a growing concern among defense officials and congressional leaders, who have warned that years of transfers to Ukraine and other partners have left American stockpiles below desired levels.
The production ramp-up is particularly urgent given ongoing U.S. military operations against Iranian targets, which require robust air defense protection for American forces deployed across the Middle East. The specific dollar value and production timeline of the agreements were not detailed in the department’s announcement.