L3Harris Technologies has secured a contract from the U.S. Space Force’s Space Development Agency (SDA) to produce 18 Accelerated Missile Defense Tranche 3 (AMDT3) satellites. The satellites will support the Golden Dome initiative, strengthening America’s space-based missile defense capabilities.
The satellites are designed to enhance national security by detecting and tracking advanced missile threats, including hypersonic and ballistic weapons. Equipped with medium-field-of-view payloads, the AMDT3 satellites will deliver fire control-quality data critical for missile defense operations.
“L3Harris’ continued work in Indiana will deliver the next generation of space-based tracking capabilities that we need to protect the homeland and stay ahead of our adversaries,” said Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind. “This is exactly the kind of industrial investment that strengthens deterrence.”
“We are proud to provide next-generation technology that will accelerate the nation’s ability to defend against emerging threats from hypersonic and ballistic weapons,” stated Christopher Kubasik, Chairman and CEO, L3Harris. “As the industry’s Trusted Disruptor, L3Harris invested ahead of need by expanding production facilities and is ready to deliver missile defense satellites to support this national priority.”
L3Harris will manufacture the satellites at its expanded space production facility in Indiana, with integration supported by its new satellite facility in Florida. Production is set to begin immediately to support upcoming delivery and launch timelines.
The contract builds on L3Harris’ prior work in missile tracking systems, including the successful on-orbit demonstration of its Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) satellite and infrared payload developed for the Missile Defense Agency. The company currently has more than 70 missile tracking and defense satellites on order, with multiple systems already in orbit under various SDA and MDA programmes.
