Lockheed Martin was recently selected by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to provide a Next Generation Interceptor (NGI), a new missile defense system.
As the NGI prime contractor, Lockheed hopes to create the most evolved interceptor in the history of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system. The company’s multiple-kill interceptor is built to protect the U.S. against long-range ballistic missile threats.
Protecting Against Inbound Threats
The MDA is charged with developing a comprehensive defense system to defend the U.S. and its allies against ballistic missile attacks in all phases of flight. The GMD processes data from multiple sensors to identify inbound threats. The system determines a defensive solution and launches missiles to intercept. The defense system concept was created during the Reagan administration and took shape as the National Missile Defense program during President Clinton’s tenure.
According to Sarah Hiza, Lockheed’s VP and GM of strategic and missile defense, the company hopes to deliver reliable interceptors that seamlessly integrate with the GMD system and rapidly evolve with changing threats.
Setting Expectations
Next, the program continues toward a critical design review, integration with GMD, and flight testing.
The MDA expects the NGI’s initial operational capability to be achieved by Q4 (FY) 2028, though Lockheed is committed to delivering the first NGI earlier.
Leveraging Tech Prowess
Lockheed’s NGI program employs digital tools, processes, and technologies, which the company says will provide a capable, reliable, cost-effective interceptor. For NGI, Lockheed is leveraging previous investments in kill vehicle technology, combat-proven exo-atmospheric threat intercept experience, and its nearly 70 years as a strategic missile system supplier.
Much of the work will occur at Lockheed’s recently opened plant in Huntsville, Alabama, built for the homeland missile defense mission. The company has an additional facility currently under construction in Courtland, Alabama.
In 2021, the MDA awarded contracts to two teams: Lockheed and Aerojet Rocketdyne as well as Northrop Gruman and Raytheon. According to the MDA, Lockheed’s team won the contract due to the technical maturity of its solutions, performance data, technical rigor in the design development process, and early testing capabilities.
In a statement, MDA Director Lt. Gen Heath Collins said the decision was "very difficult,” but they are confident in Lockheed.
Image Credit: Lockheed Martin
