Lockheed Martin has secured a $2-billion contract from the US Missile Defense Agency to manufacture Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors, with production to be carried out across four US locations until late 2029.
The award comes amid heightened urgency following a recent report that the US used about a quarter of its THAAD interceptor inventory during the Israel-Iran conflict earlier this year. Former US officials warn of dwindling stockpiles and the need for faster replenishment.
THAAD, built by Lockheed, is a highly mobile missile defense platform designed to intercept ballistic missiles inside or outside the Earth’s atmosphere using kinetic impact. A full battery includes six truck-mounted launchers with a total of 48 missiles, each interceptor valued at around $12 million.
This contract further strengthens THAAD’s role in US and allied defense networks. In addition to deployments across the US, THAAD batteries are stationed in strategic regions like South Korea, Guam, and the Middle East to guard against threats from North Korea and Iran.
