Pentagon Accelerates Next-Gen Interceptor to Counter New Enemy ICBMs, Missiles

by Johnny Franks, Warrior Editorial Fellow

In the realm of national defense, advanced technologies play a crucial role in safeguarding a nation’s security. Among these, the Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI) stands out as a key element of the United States’ Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system. A GBI is designed to intercept ballistic missiles during their midcourse phase outside the atmosphere and consists of a two-stage booster of solid fuel and an Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV). The EKV is an essential element of the GBI and utilizes an infrared seeker, a guidance system, and a propulsion package to home in and neutralize approaching missiles through collision.

Within its various years of research, the GBI has been developed in phases. Recently the Capability Enhancement-I (CE-I) and Capability Enhancement-II (CE-II)) versions went into service. The CE-I began operations in 2004 and it was the first EKV variant to be launched for GMD. This involved developing CE-I and CE-II variant forms in 2003 and 2005 respectively, the latter of which improved target discrimination capabilities as well as adopting a more sensitive infrared seeker. However, despite improvements, both suffered huge setbacks amid efforts to improve capabilities culminating in two failed tests in 2010 due to performance issues.

In a change of strategy, the GBI program welcomed a Redesigned Kill Vehicle (RKV) and Multi-Object Kill Vehicle (MOKV). The RKV is a newly designed interceptor component aimed at enhancing precision and reliability in targeting incoming threats, while the MOKV represents an advanced concept capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously, thus increasing the effectiveness of missile defense systems against complex ballistic missile salvos. The redesign was a big effort by MDA to enhance target acquisition as well as increase reliability, maintainability, and affordability. However, it faced technical design issues and was canceled in 2019. This led to a Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) being accelerated to another urgent operational requirement. The NGI project to replace the GBI within the GMD system will represent a marked step forward in interceptor technology. Its development timeline anticipates testing approximately around 2025-26 and borne by 2027-28.

The United States fields a layered missile defense system designed to counter diverse ballistic threats in different stages of flight paths. This all-inclusive approach would build in various types of interceptors and sensors that would consist of land as well as sea-based radars along with the satellite systems that would perfectly identify and destroy missiles at the time when they are launched, during midcourse as well as terminal periods. Those developments in missile defense technology include of course the shift from GBI to NGI and are coupled with a larger plan to counter future ballistic missile threats issued by countries like North Korea and Iran. These defense systems need to be advanced further, in line with the continued advancement of missile threats and constant reevaluations of these defense systems that can only be achieved through sustained technological development as well as funding of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) that will ensure preparation for future readiness.

The integration of the GBI with other missile defense systems such as the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence (NATO IAMD) has broadened the global missile defense capabilities. Cooperation with NATO and other allies involving the sharing of missile defense technologies and strategies is a critical aspect required to face recent changes in the complexity of missile threats. This collaboration strengthens the defense capability of not only individual states but also reinforces the collective security experience. Additionally, this integrative approach is essential in adapting to the changing missile threats so that defense systems such as the GBI counter a wide spectrum of missile threats in the evolving global environment.

Johnny Franks holds an MA in U.S. Foreign Policy & National Security from American University and a BA in Diplomacy & World Affairs from Occidental College. With a specific interest in geopolitical security and military technology, Johnny has primarily focused his research and analysis on the Russia-Ukraine conflict from 2014 onwards. . As part of his MA coursework, Johnny contributed to developing an Arctic defense strategy in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defens