In support of the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) program, the United States Department of Defense has awarded two contracts to Northrop Grumman Systems Crop. and Lockheed Martin Corp.
The contract award is structured to carry two designs into the technology development and risk reduction phase of the acquisition program to reduce technical and schedule risk. The award also ensures NGI is an efficient and effective part of an integrated missile Defense System (MDS) solution.
The Missile Defense Agency awards, hosted on 23rd March 2021, supported the department’s goal of increased competition by funding two designs and remained flexible to align with evolving Defense Department strategies and priorities.
“Today’s awards are an important step into modernising our Missile Defense System,” said Stacy Cummings, performing the duties of Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. “NGI plays an important role in our homeland defense, and our acquisiton strategy is ensuring the department maximizes innovation to keep pace with rapidly advancing threats.”
“NGI is the result of the first holistic technical assessment of homeland defenses the department has conducted since initial system operations began in 2004,” added Vice Adm. Jon Hill, Director, Missile Defense Agency.
“By planning to carry two vendors through technology development, MDA will maximise the benefits of competition to deliver the most effective and reliable homeland defense missile to the warfighter as soon as possible. Once fielded, this new homeland defense interceptor will be capable of defeating expected threat advances into the 2030s and beyond.”
