MDA selects two teams for Next Generation Interceptor development
The Next Generation Interceptor will supersede the Ground-based Midcourse Defense system (pictured) in the US. (Photo: MDA)
Contracts for NGI development, including flight test options for the new long-range missile defence system, will be completed by 2029.
Teams led by Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman each received contracts on 23 March from the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to design the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI).
Lockheed Martin is partnered by Aerojet, while Northrop Grumman is teamed with Raytheon.
The contract for both teams, including flight test options for the new long-range missile defence system, will be completed by 2029.
The aim is to protect the US against intercontinental ballistic missile threats in the 2030s.
Neither Northrop Grumman nor Raytheon disclosed the value of their NGI development contract, although the DoD on 23 March announced it is worth $3.93 million. Lockheed Martin disclosed that its deal is valued at $3.7 billion.
In May 2020, the DoD launched a competition for NGI, in search of a new guided missile and warhead as an improvement on the existing Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system in the US.
Incumbent GMD contractor Boeing has not been selected for NGI. Raytheon and Aerojet manufactured the kill vehicle for GMD, while Lockheed Martin stated that it will apply its experience on THAAD and the USN Trident programme to NGI.
This article was amended on 24 March with the contract value for Northrop Grumman.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Leonardo unveils plans for Michelangelo air defence dome]()
Leonardo unveils plans for Michelangelo air defence dome
The new multi-layered defence system will harness AI to neutralise airborne threats and protect Europe from Russian aggression.
-
![What will next-gen counter-UAS capabilities for the US look like?]()
What will next-gen counter-UAS capabilities for the US look like?
Future US counter-uncrewed aerial system solutions are likely to require a flexible, multi-layered approach to tackle a broad spectrum of new threats as they emerge.
-
![Elbit Systems awarded $2.3 billion contract as results soar]()
Elbit Systems awarded $2.3 billion contract as results soar
The company’s order backlog as of 30 September totalled $25.2 billion and more than a third of this is scheduled to be fulfilled before the end of 2026.
-
![US military foresees growing use of 3D printing]()
US military foresees growing use of 3D printing
Advanced manufacturing has evolved to meet military requirements and now supports multiple US critical assets, including Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, F-18, F-22, F-35, Bradley, HMMWV and Patriot.
