THAAD

The Pentagon plans a massive increase in purchases of interceptors like PAC-3 MSE and THAAD due to recent missile-intensive conflicts protecting assets in Israel, the Red Sea, and American forces. This procurement ramp-up is necessitated by years of drawing down critical stockpiles following relatively modest purchasing numbers. The Army's acquisition objective for PAC-3 MSE was shown to increase more than quadrupling its prior requirements.

The Pentagon plans a significant increase in purchasing missile interceptors like PAC-3 MSE and THAAD, quadrupling some requirements in its FY2026 budget. This rapid buildup follows repeated use of advanced munitions protecting forces in Israel and the Red Sea, and in conflicts with Iran, raising concerns about readiness for major adversaries like China.

The Pentagon is pressuring the U.S. defense industry to accelerate weapons production to help replenish diminished stockpiles of munitions, especially following recent fighting with Iran. Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg mandated that companies submit plans within 21 days to drive faster delivery schedules and expanded production capacity. This effort follows analyses showing significant depletion in advanced interceptors like Patriot and THAAD.

Northrop Grumman has secured a $3 billion framework deal to increase production of solid rocket motors for the PAC-3 and THAAD systems. The agreement enables the company to become a second supplier of these motors for the PAC-3 interceptor.

A top US military commander warned that naval forces are stretched thin, raising concerns about the US's ability to simultaneously defend Israel against Iranian missile attacks and protect its own Middle East interests. The Pentagon has used nearly half its THAAD interceptors, and advanced missile defense systems are being depleted faster than they can be replaced.

The Pentagon has entered a seven-year deal with L3Harris to increase production of rocket motors for PAC-3 and THAAD interceptors, though the agreement is not yet finalized.