Sentinel: L3Harris to sextuple large rocket motor production in Camden, Arkansas

L3Harris Technologies is expanding its facilities in Camden, Arkansas, to multiply by six its capacity to produce large solid-fuel rocket motors, according to Defence Industry Europe. The new complex will build the third-stage motor of the US Air Force’s Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile, as well as motors for other programmes.

The Arkansas Advanced Propulsion Facilities will have more than 20 buildings on about 445 acres, and L3Harris estimates it will be operating by the end of 2027. The company supplies the Sentinel’s third-stage motor and post-boost propulsion system as a member of the industry team of Northrop Grumman, the programme’s prime contractor. L3Harris’ propulsion business comes mainly from Aerojet Rocketdyne, which it acquired in 2023, and Camden was already among its key rocket motor plants.

Tests under way

The investment adds production capacity as the two systems move through testing. The third-stage motor completed a static-fire test in early 2024 and structural load tests this year. Engineers use the results to refine the design ahead of flight tests. The post-boost system, which operates outside the atmosphere, completed a firing test in 2025.

At Camden L3Harris will use robotic precision manufacturing, automated quality checks and digital processes, which the company says improve efficiency and safety. It also applies statistical process control and automated propellant mixing. The company is growing its staff in Camden, Huntsville, Alabama, and Los Angeles to support the Sentinel propulsion work. It also expanded the facilities where the post-boost system is developed. L3Harris notes that the third-stage motor combines advanced materials and manufacturing methods for reliable production at lower cost.

The Sentinel will replace the Minuteman III in the land leg of the American nuclear triad. For the programme the Air Force is considering buying land for 120 new silos. Strengthening the nuclear triad was also a key element of the US defence budget for 2027. The increase in solid rocket motor production concerns the American missile industry as a whole, which is trying to meet demand for weapons of all categories.