HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Army encourages soldiers to “train as you fight,” a sentiment that reflects the importance of simulating real-world scenarios to battle-harden our defenses. We must ensure that whatever fight might ultimately come isn’t a fair one for our adversaries. America’s missile warning and defense systems demand this kind of readiness to ensure we protect the homeland.
The U.S. will need the ability to quickly test new missile defense systems in order to field them at the speed of relevance to accelerating threats. L3Harris’ commitment to advancing defense technology is built on the foundation of high-stakes testing environments, precise target development and a proud legacy of delivering propulsion to power the nation’s tactical, strategic, air and missile defense systems.
From THAAD to PAC-3 and Standard Missile, our propulsion powers some of the world’s most effective missile platforms. In fact, we’re the leading propulsion provider for all the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) interceptor programs currently in production. To ensure these critical systems -- and those systems yet to be developed -- work every time, we must have a robust testing infrastructure.
Today, L3Harris provides missile defense targets and in-house testing for a wide range of systems.
Targeting Fidelity
L3Harris’ ability to design, build, integrate and execute complex target missiles was on full display in March 2025 during MDA’s “Stellar Banshee” test, where our eSR-19 solid rocket motors powered the first and second stages of an air-launched Medium Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) target, simulating a hypersonic threat with remarkable fidelity. The USS Pinckney successfully detected, tracked and conducted a simulated engagement of this advanced MRBM target. The mission marked our 39th launch in support of the U.S. missile defense program.
Testing Readiness
L3Harris’ state-of-the-art propulsion test facilities across the country are key enablers of these successes. Our modern test bays, laboratories and simulation centers are already configured to support accelerated timelines. In these facilities, we integrate, refine and validate next-generation propulsion systems. From simulating high-intensity environments to mimicking the subtleties of operational stress factors, our testing facilities are designed to replicate complex scenarios with unmatched precision. This testing helps guarantee the performance and reliability of our defense systems and quickens the pace at which new technologies can be deployed in defense of the homeland.
For example, at our facilities in Orange County, Virginia, L3Harris operates advanced propulsion testing that replicates operational conditions with remarkable reliability. These labs support high-altitude Divert and Attitude Control System validation, hypersonic engine testing up to Mach 6 and rigorous ground testing for solid rocket motors and components. From multi-axis thrust measurement to 5,000-degree Fahrenheit material evaluation, these capabilities accelerate development timelines and ensure systems are mission-ready the moment they deploy.
Our Camden, Arkansas, site tests more than 6,000 rocket motors a year, with an average of 30 tests per day, and we are making significant investments to expand this testing capability. This year, we’ve expanded test operations to seven days a week, added a sixth test bay dedicated to developmental testing and installed a new configurable test stand, known as a modular fixture. This flexible setup allows engineers to quickly adapt the stand to test different motor types, increasing both efficiency and safety across a wider range of testing scenarios.
When our warfighters call on industry to deliver with greater speed, it’s not a suggestion. It’s a directive. L3Harris’ capabilities are not theoretical but backed by tangible assets and dedicated engineering prowess.
As we drive forward with modernizing and enhancing America’s ability to protect our homeland from advanced threats, our commitment is clear: we will harness decades of expertise, state-of-the-art facilities and relentless innovation to secure a future where the U.S. missile warning and defense system remains a global beacon of excellence.
It’s going to take a modern-day Arsenal of Democracy – American companies working together to provide integrated solutions – to make this vision a reality.
Our nation is committed to making a strategic leap forward in missile defense, and the Department of War can rely on the full spectrum of L3Harris testing and targets expertise to field urgently needed systems.
