Lockheed Martin breaks ground for new THAAD missile manufacturing facility

Lockheed Martin has broken ground on a new munitions production center in Troy, Alabama, aimed at increasing the manufacturing capacity for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors. This expansion comes in the wake of reports that the United States used more than half of its THAAD interceptor inventory during Operation Epic Fury, a conflict involving Iran.

The THAAD system is a critical component of the U.S. defensive air defense layers, designed to intercept ballistic missiles both within and outside the atmosphere using a hit-to-kill mechanism. It can detect and track missiles from over 2,000 kilometers away and engage targets at altitudes up to 150 kilometers.

The new facility will add 87,000 square feet of production space for THAAD interceptors and future work on Next Generation Interceptors. This expansion is part of Lockheed Martin's broader $9 billion investment plan over the next decade to enhance munitions production and modernize its facilities across the United States. The Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment, Michael Duffey, emphasized the critical nature of this partnership in surging munitions capacity.

Concerns have been raised by U.S. allies regarding the potential depletion of interceptor stockpiles. During the recent conflict, an estimated 200 THAAD interceptors were fired in defense of Israel. A U.S. Congress study highlighted worries that the rate of THAAD interceptor use during Operation Epic Fury has further reduced the limited stock. It is estimated that replenishing the THAAD missile stockpile could take between three to eight years, with each interceptor costing around $12.7 million.

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This partnership is critical to surging our munitions capacity, and Lockheed Martin has leaned in aggressively. Today is a testament to that partnership and that progress.