US defense firm Lockheed Martin to deliver Next Generation Interceptor for countering ballistic missiles

News, US April 19, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S. Missile Defense Agency selected weapons manufacturer Lockheed Martin to deliver the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI). The advanced homeland missile defense system would counter increasing and evolving ballistic missile threats.

As a prime contractor for the NGI system, Lockheed Martin would provide the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) with the most modern, reliable, and technically advanced interceptor in the history of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system, the company said in a statement.

The Lockheed Martin statement highlighted, “The multiple-kill vehicle interceptor is designed to protect the homeland against long-range ballistic missile threats from rogue nations.”

Vice president and general manager of Strategic and Missile Defense at Lockheed Martin, Sarah Hiza said that the company would closely work with the MDA “for decades to come with a solution capable of protecting the nation from current and future threats.”

Hiza added, “Lockheed Martin is proud to partner with the MDA on a revolutionary interceptor to advance our nation’s security. We are committed to delivering reliable interceptors that will seamlessly integrate with the GMD system and can rapidly evolve with the threat.”

*^{Artist notional rendering of the Next Generation Interceptor in flight. (Image Credit: Lockheed Martin)}*

According to Lockheed Martin, the company’s “revolutionary NGI design is the future of homeland missile defense” and Lockheed Martin is working in close cooperation with MDA and the Department of Defense and investing in the future NGI to increase warfighter capability.

“We know [the] speed of innovation and relevance matter in deterring threats sooner and prevailing when necessary—always ready for what’s ahead and prepared to succeed for decades to come,” it added.

Lockheed Martin possesses an extensive understanding of the entire missile defense operation and is dedicated to fostering a constructive and open partnership with the MDA.

In developing NGI, the company is utilizing its investments in kill vehicle technology, combat-proven exo-atmospheric threat intercept experience, and decades of experience in supplying strategic missile systems.