Next Generation Interceptor (NGI)

Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) is Lockheed Martin's homeland ballistic missile interceptor for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's Ground-based Midcourse Defense system. Official and GAO sources describe an extensible tip-to-tail design with multiple kill vehicles, new booster designs, and a 2028 fielding target.

Various Conflicts🏳️ Unspecified

Next Generation Interceptor (NGI), Ground-launched ballistic missile interceptor, Air Defense

Image source: Lockheed Martin NGI product page

Profile

Origin: United States
Built by: Lockheed Martin
Type: Ground-launched ballistic missile interceptor
Service note: Development and production preparation, 2024-present
Unit cost: Not publicly disclosed
Produced: 2024-present
Number built: Not publicly disclosed

Also Known As

NGI

air defense SAM missile defense

Specifications

Role: Homeland ballistic missile interceptor
Architecture: Tip-to-tail interceptor with an extensible, upgradable design
Kill vehicles: Multiple kill vehicles per interceptor
Intercept method: Hit-to-kill exo-atmospheric interception
Integration: Designed to integrate with the existing Ground-based Midcourse Defense system
Fielding target: MDA said it needs to begin fielding NGI by 2028

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: In development for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense system; the U.S. government said it needs to begin fielding NGI by 2028.
Used by: United States Missile Defense Agency

Conflict Usage

Side: 🏳️Unspecified

Exact model: Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense system. It is in development/production preparation and has no conflict use.

Timeline

Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) Key Events

Apr 15, 2024
Lockheed Martin selected as NGI prime contractor
MDA selected Lockheed Martin to continue NGI development through critical design review, qualification, integration into GMD, and flight testing.
Sources: Lockheed Martin NGI selection release
Jan 1, 2028
MDA plans to begin fielding NGI
GAO reported that the Department of Defense needs to begin fielding NGI by 2028 to address increasingly capable ballistic missile threats.
Sources: GAO NGI Program Report

Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) Images

Next Generation Interceptor (NGI), Ground-launched ballistic missile interceptor, Air Defense - view 1 — Source: Lockheed Martin NGI product page

Next Generation Interceptor (NGI), Ground-launched ballistic missile interceptor, Air Defense - view 2 — Source: Lockheed Martin NGI product page

Next Generation Interceptor (NGI), Ground-launched ballistic missile interceptor, Air Defense - view 3 — Source: Lockheed Martin NGI product page

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Sources

Lockheed Martin NGI product pagePublisher: Lockheed Martin | Note: Supports NGI's official product description as a tip-to-tail interceptor for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense system, its extensible upgradable architecture, and product imagery. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 GAO NGI Program ReportPublisher: U.S. Government Accountability Office | Note: Supports NGI development status, multiple-kill-vehicle design, integration with GMD, and the 2028 fielding target. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 Lockheed Martin NGI selection releasePublisher: Lockheed Martin | Note: Supports the April 15, 2024 selection of Lockheed Martin as NGI prime contractor and the official in-flight rendering used for the page. | Accessed: 2026-06-23