Poland’s WZE receives Patriot missile motors order from L3Harris

Wojskowe Zaklady Elektroniczne (WZE), a Polish state-run defence company, has received a purchase order from L3Harris Technologies to produce Attitude Control Motors (ACMs) for the US Army’s Patriot (PAC-3) missile system.  

WZE will act as a certified supplier for these components, according to L3Harris’ statement on 26 May 2026. 

Prior to this purchase order L3Harris, Lockheed Martin and WZE worked together to establish missile component production in Poland to support the Wisla air defence programme. 

It also comes after WZE’s installation of specialised manufacturing equipment at a newly established production facility in Zielonka, Poland.  

Personnel from WZE also underwent training at L3Harris’ solid rocket motor production campus located in Camden, Arkansas.  

WZE previously completed key assessments, including a Production Readiness Review, Manufacturing Readiness Review and Production Line Verification, positioning the firm to commence initial low-rate production of ACMs. 

L3Harris missile propulsion, missile solutions president Scott Alexander said: “L3Harris is committed to increasing capacity for critical munitions that protect our country and our allies.

“This important milestone with WZE demonstrates key progress in diversifying our missile propulsion supply base while ensuring our global allies are equipped with critical defence technology.” 

The PAC-3 missile system, which is operated by the US Army and deployed worldwide, is a mobile interceptor designed to address a range of airborne threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft.  

The missile employs hit-to-kill technology and features solid propellant rocket motors, aerodynamic controls, and inertial navigation guidance.  

Each PAC-3 interceptor is fitted with 180 egg-sized ACMs, used to adjust the missile’s trajectory and achieve direct impact with targets. 

L3Harris has supplied propulsion technology for the Patriot missile family since its inception and provides propulsion systems for all current PAC-3 production variants.