Lockheed beats out Northrop on $17 billion US missile contract
The US intended to procure 20 Next Generation Interceptors (NGI). (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
The Next Generation Interceptor and accompanying radars will play a key role in protecting the US against long-range ballistic missile threats.
The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has selected Lockheed Martin to deliver the new homeland missile defence capability.
The US$17 billion multi-year missile contract will cover the development of the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) to modernise the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) programme. The primary role of the multiple-kill vehicle interceptor and radars will be to protect the US against long-range ballistic missile threats.
The first interceptor was expected to be operational in 2028.
“We are committed to delivering reliable interceptors that will seamlessly integrate with the GMD system and can rapidly evolve with the threat,” said Sarah Hiza, VP and GM of strategic and missile defence at Lockheed Martin.
As recently as last week, Lit Gen Heath Collins, head of the MDA, revealed that the NGI was advancing through the technology development phase and was set to transition to product development in May.
The US intended to procure 20 interceptors and station them at Fort Greely, Alaska. Collins indicated that the agency would choose between Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman for the programme, both of which were awarded contracts in 2021 to develop designs.
Northrop Grumman and its partner company, Raytheon, successfully completed the All-Up Round (AUR) Preliminary Design Review (PDR) of its NGI offering in February this year. Lockheed Martin, for its part, said to have executed its digital AUR PDR review on September 29 last year.
After expending $1.2 billion on a contract with Boeing for a kill vehicle in 2019, the Pentagon terminated the project due to technical design issues. Subsequently, the US rebooted the contract process to solicit bids for the entire interceptor system. Boeing was excluded from the competition in 2021.
Government estimates projected the NIG programme to be valued at approximately $17.7 billion over its lifespan.
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.
