Next Generation Interceptor (NGI)

The Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI) is the anti-ballistic missile component of the U.S's Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system. The GMD is the first layer in the U.S. homeland missile defense architecture which defends the U.S. against long-range ballistic missile threats using 44 Ground-Based Interceptors (GBIs) (see GMD record).

The Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) is the upgraded kill vehicle for ground-based interceptors. The NGI will be the first, all-new interceptor design since the fielding of the GMD system. The U.S. plans to field NGI in a mixed fleet with GBIs for a total of 64 interceptors.

The current interceptors have a failure rate of 45 percent, failing nine out of 20 interceptor tests, and are not effective against intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). The NGI program aims to enhance reliability and address these challenges, with US$13.1 billion allocated for research and development.

The NGI is believed to incorporate new infrared and/or radar sensor technology to better discriminate between decoys and the warhead-armed multiple reentry vehicles. Additionally, the NGI is slated to have multiple kill vehicle technology, utilizing several reentry vehicles to attack targets.

In development. Expected completion by 2027 or 2028.

The NGI program was initiated in August 2019, after the cancellation of the Redesigned Kill Vehicle (RKV) program due to technical issues and delays in scheduling.

Northrop Grumman and Raytheon announced their intention to bid on the project together in May 2020. Lockheed Martin teamed with Aerojet Rocketdyne in October 2020. Lockheed announced plans to buy Aeorjet in December 2020.

On March 23, 2021, the Pentagon selected Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin to compete in developing the NGI to replace existing ground-based interceptors in Alaska and California. Boeing, General Atomics and Aerojet Rocketdyne were not selected to continue. The contract, valued at up to US$1.6 billion, would fund both designs into the technology development and risk reduction phase.

On Aug. 8, 2023, Northrop Grumman successfully manufactured the first set of solid rocket motor cases for the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Next-Generation Interceptor (NGI) program. The completed cases would be filled with inert propellant and shipped to Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, where they would be integrated into an interceptor, continuing pathfinder activities.

Lockheed announced on Aug. 7, 2023, that the successful Preliminary Design Reviews (PDRs) of all major NGI subsystems were completed on schedule.

In November 2023, Lockheed Martin completed the first Knowledge Point – known as KP1 – ahead of schedule, allowing its Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) program to continue development towards the Critical Design Review (CDR). In the initial phase (KP1), the MDA assessed Lockheed Martin's development progress, which involved achieving key design review milestones and showcasing considerable advancement in essential technologies, readiness for manufacturing, and effectiveness of the NGI Software Factory developed by the company.

Lockheed Martin's prototype passed its preliminary design review on Oct. 16, 2023.

On Jan. 26, 2024, Northrop Grumman's prototype passed the preliminary design review, one year ahead of schedule. The next step is a critical design review, which the company expects to complete between July and September 2025.

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) awarded development contracts to two teams:
Lockheed Martin / Aerojet Rocketdyne
Northrop Grumman / Raytheon

The per unit cost is estimated to be US$109 million.

The total program cost is estimated at US$843 million.

In April 2021, the Office of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE) estimated that it would cost US$17.7 billion to deploy 21 NGIs. According to CAPE, the bulk of the money ($13.1 billion) spent on NGI would go to research and development, including the production of 10 test missiles which were expected to be launched in the mid-2020s. Then $2.3 billion would be spent procuring and deploying 21 interceptors starting around 2028, increasing the GMD force to 65 missiles. Operating costs to maintain these missiles would then to amount to $2.2 billion over their service lives.