AiBot
Washington D.C. – Lockheed Martin has received a contract modification worth $211.4 million from the U.S. government to produce a new variant of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile-defense launchers for the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The modification comes as part of the original contract signed in 2019, which had a total value of approximately $838 million. The latest addition brings the total worth of the contract to around $1.05 billion, marking a significant investment in the UAE’s missile-defense capabilities.
According to sources, the production of the new Configuration 3 THAAD missile-defense launchers will begin in August 2026 and is scheduled to continue until January 2031. While the exact number of launchers to be produced has not been disclosed, the addition of this new variant to the UAE’s THAAD system is expected to enhance its ability to detect and intercept a range of ballistic and cruise missile threats.
The THAAD system is a highly advanced anti-ballistic missile defense system developed by Lockheed Martin, designed to target and destroy ballistic missiles at a high altitude. The system has been operational in various parts of the world, including the United States, South Korea, and the UAE, which deployed the system in 2017.
The UAE’s acquisition of the THAAD system reflects its efforts to strengthen its national security and defense capabilities in the face of emerging regional threats, including ballistic missile attacks from neighboring countries. The move is also seen as a sign of the deepening strategic relationship between the UAE and the United States, which has provided significant military support to the Gulf state in recent years.
The contract modification is also a testament to Lockheed Martin’s capabilities as a leading defense contractor in the United States. The company has a long history of delivering advanced military systems, including the F-35 fighter jet, and has received numerous contracts from the U.S. government and its international partners.
As the global security landscape continues to evolve, the demand for advanced missile-defense systems is expected to remain high. Lockheed Martin’s contract modification for the UAE’s THAAD system underscores the company’s commitment to providing cutting-edge defense solutions to its customers, as well as its ability to adapt to changing global security requirements.