Medium-range ballistic target rockets are to be supplied to the U.S. Missile Defense Agency by Orbital ATK.

The missiles, produced under the Ballistic Missile Type 3 Configuration 2 (MRBM T3c2) target program, will be used in the testing of the country's missile defense systems.

The MDA contract carries a firm value of $182 million, The total value could be as much as $400 million if all contract options are exercised.

"Orbital ATK is honored to have been selected by MDA for the competitively awarded MRBM contract to supply a cutting-edge target system that performs to the demanding requirements of our customer," said Rich Straka, Vice president and general manager of Orbital ATK's Launch Vehicles Division. "These advanced medium-range targets will help MDA further validate the United States' ability to defend deployed."

The vehicle development and production award is for a base period of four years, with provisions for follow-on vehicle production and other activities through 2024.

Production of the missiles will primarily be centered at Orbital ATK's engineering and manufacturing facility in Chandler, Ariz.

"This program capitalizes on our core competency of providing innovative rocket designs that use proven technology to fit our customer's needs," said Mark Ogren, vice president of Business Development for Orbital ATK's Launch Vehicles Division. "We are proud to expand our targets rocket work with MDA on the MRBM T3c2 program."