Alabama will play an even bigger role in America’s missile-defense industry after Lockheed Martin announced today they will quadruple production of THAAD interceptor missiles.

Lockheed reports the company reached a framework agreement with the U.S. Department of War to increase THAAD interceptor production from 96 per year to 400 per year over the next seven years, as part of its broader effort to accelerate munitions production and strengthen deterrence capabilities.

The interceptors are made in Troy, Alabama — and Governor Kay Ivey quickly celebrated the move as a double-win for national security and Alabama manufacturing.

“Lockheed Martin will QUADRUPLE production of the THAAD interceptors for the [U.S. Department of War],” Governor Ivey said Thursday.

THAAD is a cornerstone U.S. missile-defense system designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles, and Lockheed’s expansion reflects a broader push to speed up production of high-demand air-and-missile defense inventory.

Separately from THAAD, Lockheed is also expanding its footprint in North Alabama for other missile-defense program, including ongoing work in Courtland tied to the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI).

While Thursday’s announcement is specifically focused on the THAAD interceptor production surge, it means big things for Alabama’s missile-defense sector.

Sherri Blevins is a reporter for 256 Today.

Courtesy of 256 Today.