Lockheed Martin to quadruple production of THAAD missile interceptors for Pentagon

( Hill )

Defense contractor Lockheed Martin announced Thursday it will quadruple its production of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors, which are used to protect U.S. military bases and allies, over seven years under a new agreement with the Pentagon. 

Lockheed Martin said it will ramp up production of THAAD interceptors, the antimissile batteries dispatched to the Middle East, from 96 to 400 per year. 

The system, which can intercept missiles inside or outside the atmosphere, is interoperable with other ballistic missile defense systems. 

“We are committed to further building on the Department of War’s vision for advancing acquisition reform with additional framework agreements for the critical munitions needed by the U.S. military and our allies,” Lockheed Martin Chair and CEO Jim Taiclet said in a statement. 

“Today’s agreement to quadruple THAAD production means we will have more interceptors available than ever before to deter our adversaries,” Taiclet added. 

Each THAAD interceptor cost $12.77 million in fiscal 2025, according to the Pentagon’s documents.

Each THAAD battery consists of five major components: launchers, interceptors, a fire control unit, a radar and support equipment. 

The U.S. military utilized THAAD batteries during the conflict between Israel and Iran last June, depleting stockpiles and raising concerns about the shortages of both the interceptors and systems.