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.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness]()
US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness
The US Congress has raised concerns about how inflation rates and cuts in main acquisition programmes could affect the US military.
-
![US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap]()
US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap
The Pentagon has been operating under temporary funding since October 2023, which has impacted its main acquisition and development programmes, increasing the capability gap between the US and China.
-
![NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls]()
NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls
In 2023, defence spending increased by an unprecedented 11% across European NATO countries and Canada. Since 2014, the group has spent an additional US$600 billion on defence.
-
![US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025]()
US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025
The DoD requested nearly US$850 billion to fund operations over the next fiscal year. Despite the amount being 1% higher than the FY2024 budget request, it has not covered the 3% inflation rate, which could impact the DoD’s main programmes in the medium and long term.
-
![Haiti crisis forces Caribbean militaries to prepare for intervention]()
Haiti crisis forces Caribbean militaries to prepare for intervention
As gangs gain control of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s Caribbean neighbours have been preparing to intervene in the failed state, with the US and other partners waiting in the wings with equipment and financial support.
