Next-Generation Interceptor Adds New Speed & Precision to ICBM & Missile Defenses
·
By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
The Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) is a modern, never-fail weapon system designed to protect the homeland against increasing and evolving ballistic missile threats. It is a first line of defense, tip-to-tail interceptor development within the Missile Defense Agency’s Ground-based Midcourse Defense system. The NGI is designed to counter long-range ballistic missile threats from rogue nations to the U.S. homeland.
The United States, through its Missile Defense Agency (MDA), has continuously developed systems that advance its capabilities to counter emerging threats. A pivotal component in this ongoing evolution is the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) development. This initiative is a leap forward in the U.S. missile defense strategy, which primarily focuses on countering ballistic missile threats from nations like North Korea and potentially Iran.
Lockheed Martin, the company awarded the NGI contract, is applying cutting-edge digital transformation into the core of the NGI program. Two contenders remained after the Pentagon terminated a contract with Boeing for a “kill vehicle,” which is the crucial component of an interceptor responsible for disabling an incoming warhead, because of technical design issues in 2019: Lockheed and Northrop Grumman. Both companies received individual contracts in 2021 to formulate designs for the missile.
Hypersonic Drone to Take to the Skies in 2-Years
Lockheed Martin has been awarded the NGI contract to develop the next generation of interceptors that would guard the United States against an intercontinental ballistic missile attack. The U.S. Missile Defense Agency plans to grant a sizable contract valued at 17 billion USD. The initial interceptor is anticipated to be operational as early as FY2027.
