Ground-Based Midcourse Defense System

Overview

The GMD employs integrated communications networks, fire control systems, globally deployed sensors, and Ground-Based Interceptors (GBIs) that are capable of detecting, tracking and destroying ballistic missile threats. The GMD element of the Ballistic Missile Defense System provides Combatant Commanders the capability to engage and destroy intermediate- and long-range ballistic missile threats in space to protect the United States.

Our Role

L3Harris supplies the liquid propellant Divert and Attitude Control System (DACS) that maneuvers the Raytheon-built EKV with the precision needed (often referred to as a “bullet hitting a bullet”) to successfully impact and destroy missile threats.

Alternate Propellant Tank (APT): Next generation design propellant tank for the EKV used on the GBI. This design update addressed producibility, material obsolescence, and cost related to the incumbent design.

Alternate Divert Thruster (ADT): Next generation divert thruster (main propulsion) for EKV used on the GBI. This design update addressed a platform stability and reliability concern as well as cost.

Key Features

The GBI is a multi-stage, solid fuel booster with an Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) payload that uses hit-to-kill technology to destroy incoming intermediate- and long-range ballistic missile threats against the United States and its allies.

Image Gallery

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March 25, 2019 - The 'lead' Ground-based Interceptor, launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., in the first-ever salvo engagement test of a threat-representative ICBM target. (Credit: Missile Defense Agency)

Dec. 5, 2008 - A Ground-Based Interceptor is shown shortly after liftoff from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Photo is of interceptor launch. (Credit: Missile Defense Agency)

Dec. 5, 2008 - A Ground-Based Interceptor is shown shortly after liftoff from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Launch designated FTG-05. Photo is infrared imagery of the interception. (Credit: Missile Defense Agency)

March 25, 2019 - A threat-representative ICBM target launches from the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site, Kwajalein Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands. (Credit: Missile Defense Agency)

Shown is an EKV demonstration unit in a hover test at the National Hover Test Facility, Air Force Research Laboratory, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. (Credit: Raytheon)

Latest News

Press release | 09. 15. 2025

L3Harris Receives Multi-Year Javelin Solid Rocket Motor Contract

L3Harris Technologies has received a contract valued up to $292 million to continue its role producing propulsion for the Javelin weapon system. The award is the largest propulsion production contract received to date for the Javelin program, representing a production extension for five years.