Lockheed Martin Awarded $3.7 Billion to Modernize Key Missile Defense Mission

Rhea-AI Summary

The Missile Defense Agency has selected Lockheed Martin (LMT) and Aerojet Rocketdyne (AJRD) for a $3.7 billion contract to develop the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI). This project aims to modernize the current Ground-based Midcourse Defense system and enhance U.S. missile defense against intercontinental ballistic missiles. The NGI will feature an all-up-round design, integrating a booster and hit-to-kill payload, with launch facilities at Ft. Greely, AK, and Vandenberg AFB, CA. Lockheed Martin's advanced system is expected to improve operational reliability and threat response capabilities.

Positive

• Awarded a $3.7 billion contract to develop the Next Generation Interceptor.
• Improvements in operational reliability and multi-threat response capability.
• Utilizes a $580-million investment in innovative kill vehicle technology.

Negative

• None.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., March 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Missile Defense Agency (MDA), in a competitive downselect phase, selected Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and partner Aerojet Rocketdyne (NYSE: AJRD) to deliver the nation's most advanced missile defense system, the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI).

We are excited and proud the MDA entrusted Lockheed Martin to lead the development of this game-changing system.

The $3.7 billion contract for Next Generation Interceptor is the first step in the development and demonstration phase delivering on MDA's requirements to modernize the current Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system. 

The NGI is specifically designed to meet environmental survivability needs and to enable the warfighter to outpace adversary threats for homeland defense. This contract will develop the interceptor all-up-round, which includes both the booster and hit-to-kill payload and will launch from the current GBI silo infrastructure in Ft. Greely, AK and Vandenberg AFB, CA.

"We are excited and proud the MDA entrusted Lockheed Martin to lead the development of this game-changing system that will greatly improve our nation's security for decades to come," said Sarah Reeves, vice president of Next Generation Interceptor Program at Lockheed Martin. "We have been working toward supporting never-fail missions such as NGI for decades, and our team has the expertise and shared vision required to deliver on the MDA's need to evolve GMD."

The Nation's First Line of Defense

NGI is a missile defense interceptor program designed to protect and defend the U.S. from intercontinental ballistic missiles. This program will serve as a first line of a layered missile defense architecture against evolving threats from rogue nations and is a national priority for the MDA and U.S. Northern Command. The first interceptor will be fielded ahead of the nation's need.

Sustainable and Reliable

Lockheed Martin leveraged its $580-million investment in multi-object kill vehicle technology, hit-to-kill experience on THAAD and decades providing strategic systems to the U.S. Navy Trident program. The NGI system design provides significant enhancement from the onset with the ability to respond to multiple threats with a single interceptor. This significant advance, coupled with a refreshed approach to design for maintainability and reliability, provide the operational availability the warfighter requires. Cost improvements and affordability enabled by digital engineering are at the core of Lockheed Martin's design.

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 114,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

Please follow @LMNews on Twitter for the latest announcements and news across the corporation.

Our Team
Lockheed Martin has assembled the most complete and competent team to deliver on this national priority program. This national team includes Aerojet Rocketdyne, Honeywell, Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Valley Tech Systems, Systima, Vigor Industrial, Wind River Systems, and Green Hills Software, as well as key contributions from IERUS, i3, H2L Solutions, Geocent, Fifth Gate, and nLogic.

For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com/ngi 

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SOURCE Lockheed Martin

FAQ

What is the contract value for Lockheed Martin's Next Generation Interceptor project?

The contract value for the Next Generation Interceptor project is $3.7 billion.

Which organizations are involved in the Next Generation Interceptor contract?

Lockheed Martin and Aerojet Rocketdyne are the primary organizations involved in the Next Generation Interceptor contract.

What is the purpose of the Next Generation Interceptor?

The Next Generation Interceptor is designed to modernize the Ground-based Midcourse Defense system and protect the U.S. from intercontinental ballistic missile threats.

Where will the Next Generation Interceptor be launched from?

The Next Generation Interceptor will be launched from Ft. Greely, AK, and Vandenberg AFB, CA.

What advancements does the Next Generation Interceptor offer?

The Next Generation Interceptor offers enhancements in operational reliability, multi-threat response, and cost improvements through digital engineering.