Lockheed Clinches $17.7 Billion US Next-Gen Interceptor Contract

Lockheed Martin has clinched the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) contract to build the new US homeland defense system, edging out Northrop Grumman.

The contract follows critical design review, all up round qualification, integration in the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) weapon system, and flight testing.

The program is currently at the technology development phase and will transition to the product development phase in May, Reuters wrote citing Missile Defense Agency head Lieutenant General Heath Collins.

$17.7 Billion Program

An estimated $17.7 billion is expected to be spent on the program, with production and emplacement contracts next and initial operational capability by the last quarter of fiscal 2028.

“The American defense industry is one of our country’s greatest strengths, and having to decide between the two different design approaches was very difficult,” Collins said.

“That said, in our effort to Go Fast and Think Big, we are very confident in our decision to go with Lockheed Martin and its plans to develop and field a Next Generation Interceptor that will meet USNORTHCOM’s operational need and be ready for emplacement in 2028.”

Next-Generation Interceptor

The NGI features a multiple-kill vehicle interceptor designed to protect the country from current and emerging ballistic missile threats from countries such as North Korea and Iran.

The system will replace the current GMD weapon systems at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, and Fort Greely, Alaska.

The Boeing-developed GMD includes communications networks, fire control systems, globally deployed sensors, and 44 ground-based interceptors.

“We are committed to delivering reliable interceptors that will seamlessly integrate with the GMD system and can rapidly evolve with the threat,” Lockheed Martin’s VP of Strategic and Missile Defense Sarah Hiza added.