Lockheed breaks ground on new THAAD interceptor plant
Breaking Defense • • business
Key Points:
- Lockheed Martin has begun construction on an 87,000 square foot facility in Troy, Alabama, named "Building 47," to quadruple the production rate of THAAD interceptors and support the Next Generation Interceptor program.
- The new facility nearly doubles current THAAD production space and is part of Lockheed's $8-9 billion investment plan through 2030 to expand or modernize munitions production facilities nationwide.
- This move aligns with Pentagon efforts to boost munitions stockpiles amid global conflicts, supported by multiyear framework agreements for THAAD, Precision Strike Missile, and PAC-3 missiles, pending congressional budget approval.
- Lockheed plans to add 4,500 jobs across the U.S. related to the munitions ramp-up and is exploring multiyear production agreements for other defense technologies, including radar systems.
- The company and the Pentagon are working to extend similar economic incentives from multiyear production deals to major suppliers in the munitions supply chain to ensure consistent production and support.