L3Harris Technologies has opened a new solid rocket motor (SRM) production site in Huntsville, Alabama, marking a significant step in expanding its manufacturing capabilities to meet increasing demand for missile defense systems.
The new facility, known as Advanced Manufacturing Facility – South (AMF-South), spans approximately 379,000 square feet and is equipped for the production of inert components such as nozzles, exit cones, aft closures, and motor cases. Located near the company’s existing AMF-North site, which began operations in 2019, the new facility adds to L3Harris’ growing footprint in the region.
The company has invested over $20 million into renovating and outfitting AMF-South with production equipment including hydraulic presses, autoclaves, tape-wrap systems, and composite machining tools. The U.S. Department of Defense also provided funding support through a Title III Defense Production Act agreement to procure additional machinery and tooling.
According to L3Harris, the new site is designed to be scalable and flexible to accommodate evolving production requirements. It currently supports programs such as the Standard Missile, Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), and Javelin missile, with plans to support additional systems in the future.
Approximately 40 new positions have already been created, with more than 100 additional roles expected over the coming years as operations scale up.
Local and state officials attended the facility’s launch event on August 4. While offering public support for the project, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey described the expansion as reinforcing the state’s role in the defense and aerospace sectors. Other leaders, including U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville and Congressman Dale Strong, highlighted the facility’s potential economic and strategic contributions to the region.
L3Harris’ expanded operations in Huntsville align with broader efforts to boost domestic production capacity for missile components, particularly amid increasing demand for munitions and missile defense systems.