L3Harris has announced a strategic expansion in its production capabilities for the U.S. Army’s PAC-3 propulsion systems with the addition of two new facilities at the Arkansas Advanced Propulsion Facilities (AAPF) campus in Camden. This move is designed to enhance the manufacturing processes for medium and large solid rocket motors (SRMs) that are crucial in powering a variety of military assets, including tactical and air defense missiles, interceptors, hypersonic vehicles, and missile defense targets.
Following a major announcement in July 2025, L3Harris has officially broken ground on the two self-funded sites. The expansion will include an approximately 75,000-square-foot facility dedicated to casting, curing, and final assembly, alongside a 70,000-square-foot case preparation facility.
The incorporation of advanced manufacturing technologies is central to this expansion, which aims to significantly increase both the speed and volume of PAC-3 propulsion system production. Notable enhancements will include the use of automated X-ray inspection systems that utilize artificial intelligence to identify defects swiftly, fully automated casting processes, and an increase in curing capacity to streamline operations further.
Christopher Kubasik, Chairman and CEO of L3Harris, emphasized the importance of this expansion, stating, “This expansion boosts our ability to deliver PAC-3 propulsion faster and at greater quantities, while strengthening military readiness and providing proven capability our warfighters depend on.”
In terms of collaboration, Lockheed Martin serves as the prime contractor and manufacturer for the PAC-3 MSE interceptor system, with L3Harris providing essential components such as the advanced two-pulse SRM, Attitude Control Motors (ACMs), and Lethality Enhancers. The expansion comes on the heels of a significant deal between the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin earlier this year, which aims to more than triple the production of PAC-3 MSE missiles.
In light of this increased demand, L3Harris has announced several investments to amplify its missile propulsion manufacturing capacity. These include a substantial billion-dollar expansion of its SRM production facility located in Orange County, Virginia, supported by a $1 billion investment from the Pentagon in April. Additionally, the company is collaborating with a state-owned Polish defense firm to support the production of ACMs.
These initiatives reflect L3Harris’s commitment to enhancing military capabilities and ensuring that the U.S. armed forces are provided with reliable and effective weaponry systems.
