Stinger’s Successor: Lockheed Flies NGSRI Interceptor for First Time

NGSRI is Lockheed Martin’s next-gen short-range interceptor, featuring a modular and open systems architecture, advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

Lockheed Martin has successfully completed the first flight test of its Next-Gen Short-Range Interceptor (NGSRI), a missile built to step into the Stinger’s shoes.

Fired from the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, the test validated the interceptor’s performance and confirmed that its key subsystems have reached full maturity.

NGSRI is designed to take on drones, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft, and in many scenarios during the test, it reportedly exceeded the capability of the legacy system.

Developed as a 21st Century Security system, NGSRI combines a modern open systems architecture with a modular design, allowing it to evolve continuously while meeting soldier needs.

“Our team’s shared mission, innovative approach, and agility were essential to achieving this milestone,” said Randy Crites, Vice President of Lockheed Martin Advanced Programs.

“Lockheed Martin is driving the future of integrated air and missile defense, advancing technologies that safeguard our warfighters and allies from evolving threats.”

The defense giant moved the missile from concept to first flight in just 26 months, leveraging advanced technologies including AI and machine learning.

The Legacy Weapon

The Stinger is a man-portable air defense system weighing around 15 kilograms (33 pounds) and can be fired from the shoulder by a single operator.

Produced by Raytheon, it operates as a “fire-and-forget” weapon, automatically tracking and hitting its target with no additional input from the operator.

Before launch, operators insert a battery-cooling unit into the gripstock, which blasts high-pressure argon to cryogenically chill the seeker’s detectors and enhance sensitivity.

The missile has a range of 4 to 5 kilometers (2.4 to 3.1 miles) and can reach altitudes up to 3,800 meters (12,500 feet), allowing it to engage with low-flying aircraft.

With NGSRI’s first successful flight, the Stinger’s era may be winding down, making way for a faster, more lethal successor.