Lockheed Martin’s Next Generation Interceptor completes preliminary design review
NGI has passed PDR meaning it has continued to meet requirements for the mission. (Image: Lockheed Martin)
Lockheed Martin’s Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) will offer a new, advanced interceptor to protect the US homeland against long-range ballistic missile threats.
Lockheed Martin’s Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) programme executed its digital All Up Round review on September 29 in partnership with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), the company announced on 16 October.
NGI, part of the MDA’s Ground-based Midcourse Defense system, will aim to provide a new, advanced interceptor to protect the US homeland against long-range ballistic missile threats into the 2030s, replacing or supplementing legacy systems in the process.
During the review, the MDA assessed the Lockheed Martin NGI programme’s readiness and maturity to continue into the detailed design phase, confirming that Lockheed Martin’s solution has met the requirements for the mission.
Related Articles
MDA selects two teams for Next Generation Interceptor development
Lockheed Martin validates Next Generation Interceptor designs for missile defence
Lockheed Martin used digital engineering and model-based engineering tools to conduct the PDR with these tools designed to drive affordability within the programme.
The programme’s digital approach was designed to enable early and frequent hardware and software testing, anchoring the PDR with laboratory demonstrations of flight-like engineering hardware. Some of these include validating the programme’s approach to sensing threats and Lockheed Martin’s flight computer which successfully communicated to major NGI subsystems.
The company’s NGI team will now move forward towards the Critical Design Review milestone in Q3 FY2025, continuing to evaluate opportunities to accelerate schedule.
During the next review, the MDA will assess when flight testing can begin. The first Lockheed Martin NGI has been forecast for delivery to the warfighter as early as FY2027.
Northrop Grumman and Raytheon Technologies have also been progressing with their own joint offering for NGI successfully completing the Systems Requirements Review in December 2021.
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![USAF opens B-52 upgrade to new companies as major programmes fall behind schedule]()
USAF opens B-52 upgrade to new companies as major programmes fall behind schedule
The US Air Force is seeking additional contractors to support communications upgrades for the B-52, while multiple Stratofortress modernisation programmes continue to experience delays, cost growth and technical challenges.
-
![July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough]()
July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough
Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 revealed the growing scale of the UK’s uncrewed ambitions, with companies showcasing new CCA, autonomous wingmen and surveillance drones, while sovereign production emerged as a key factor for multiple programmes.
-
![July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop]()
July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop
The biannual Farnborough International Airshow 2026 was the backdrop in July for scores of deals, partnerships and announcements, including developments in the multinational next-generation Global Combat Air Programme and the UK’s $486 million trainer aircraft requirement.
-
![FIA 2026: Bell highlights MOSA-driven growth path for MV-75 Cheyenne]()
FIA 2026: Bell highlights MOSA-driven growth path for MV-75 Cheyenne
Bell Flight’s modular open-systems approach for the US Army’s MV-75 Cheyenne could open doors for international allies and suppliers once locked out by closed rotorcraft architectures.
-
![Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)]()
Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)
BAE Systems’ all-digital EW delivers 360-degree threat awareness in contested environments, boosts survivability, and cuts lifecycle costs.
-
![US Air Force seeks avionics upgrades for ageing T-38 Talon as T-7A Red Hawk delays persist]()
US Air Force seeks avionics upgrades for ageing T-38 Talon as T-7A Red Hawk delays persist
The USAF is looking for commercial avionics solutions to improve the T-38 Talon’s reliability, readiness and flight safety as continued T-7A Red Hawk delays increase the likelihood that the legacy trainer will remain in service longer than planned.
