Department of Defense Awards Contracts for Next Generation Interceptor Program

Strategic Insights -

The U.S. Department of Defense has taken a major step in modernizing its Missile Defense System (MDS) by awarding contracts to Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. and Lockheed Martin Corp. in support of the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) program. The estimated maximum value of these contracts is $1.6 billion through fiscal year 2022, with the goal of reducing technical and schedule risk while increasing competition. The NGI program aims to protect the nation against intercontinental ballistic missile attacks, and the Department of Defense is committed to upholding "fly before you buy" principles to ensure rigorous flight-testing of the system and its components before procurement decisions are made.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Department of Defense has awarded two contracts to Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. and Lockheed Martin Corp. in support of the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) program, with an estimated maximum value of $1.6 billion through fiscal year 2022.
  • The NGI program is designed to protect the nation against intercontinental ballistic missile attacks, with an advanced interceptor capable of defeating expected threat advances into the 2030s and beyond.
  • The Department of Defense will uphold "fly before you buy" principles to ensure rigorous flight-testing of the system and its components before procurement decisions are made.
  • The NGI program is part of the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) plan to carry two vendors through technology development to maximize the benefits of competition and deliver the most effective and reliable homeland defense missile to the warfighter as soon as possible.
  • The MDA will prioritize the acquisition strategy to align with evolving Defense Department strategies and priorities.
  • The Department of Defense is committed to modernizing its Missile Defense System (MDS) to enhance homeland defense capabilities.
  • Vice Adm. Jon Hill, Director, Missile Defense Agency, stated that the goal of the NGI program is to deliver a capable and reliable homeland defense missile to the warfighter as soon as possible.

Statistics:

  • Estimated maximum value of contracts: $1.6 billion through fiscal year 2022
  • Goal of reducing technical and schedule risk while increasing competition
  • NGI program value: $1.6 billion
  • Number of contracts awarded: 2
  • Firms awarded contracts: Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. and Lockheed Martin Corp.
  • Program timeline: $1.6 billion through fiscal year 2022
  • Threats addressed: intercontinental ballistic missile attacks
  • Capabilities enhanced: homeland defense

Sources:

  • U.S. Department of Defense press release (Washington, March 24)
  • Missile Defense Agency press operations (MDAPressOperations@mda.mil)