US Army Picks Lockheed Martin for $1.08 Billion Future Interceptor Program
By Jon Harper · · TexaHub · Defence & Security
The US Army awarded Lockheed Martin an Other Transaction agreement worth an estimated $1.08 billion to develop a next-generation air and missile defence interceptor, with the company covering $423 million of the cost.
The Award
The US Army announced on Oct. 29 that it had awarded Lockheed Martin an Other Transaction agreement to develop the Future Interceptor, a next-generation weapon for integrated air and missile defence. The Army put the total estimated project value at $1.08 billion, made up of $660.4 million in government funding and a $423 million cost-sharing commitment from Lockheed Martin. [1]
Under the agreement, the Army will work with Lockheed Martin on prototype development and testing against operational requirements. The Army said future development and production decisions will be informed by prototype performance, operational requirements, available resources and acquisition processes. [1]
Intended Role
The Army said the interceptor is designed to improve engagement range, altitude, velocity and maneuverability, and is intended to complement existing Army air and missile defence systems and strengthen layered defence against emerging threats. [1]
"Developing advanced interceptor capabilities is essential to maintaining our nation's defensive advantage," said Lt. Gen. Frank Lozano, portfolio acquisition executive for fires. Gen. Christopher LaNeve, vice chief of staff and acting chief of staff of the Army, called the Future Interceptor "exactly the type of cutting-edge technology we need." [1]
Brent Ingraham, assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology, said the contract "marks an important step forward in the Army's efforts" to deliver new air and missile defence capability. DefenseScoop described Lockheed Martin's PAC-3 missile family as a cornerstone of US Army and allied air and missile defence. [1] [2]
PAC-3 Edge
Lockheed Martin is offering PAC-3 Edge for the program, a design it announced on Oct. 9. According to DefenseScoop, the company said the missile adds an advanced seeker, a multi-pulse solid rocket motor and control system upgrades, and is designed to integrate with the Integrated Battle Command System, the M903 launcher, containerized launchers and HIMARS Flex. [2]
DefenseScoop reported that Lockheed Martin planned to begin testing the weapon in 2027 with the aim of having it ready for deployment by 2031. The publication noted that US adversaries are developing more capable missiles and unmanned aerial systems, including hypersonic weapons. [2]
Sources
[1] Army announces selection for Future Interceptor program — U.S. Army
[2] Army selects Lockheed Martin for billion-dollar Future Interceptor program — DefenseScoop