Lockheed Martin Opens NGI Plant Ahead of Design Review, Key Test
Lockheed Martin has unveiled a purpose-built production facility for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s Next-Generation Interceptor as it prepares a critical design review and key all-up-round test for the program this year.
The Next-Generation Interceptor (NGI) is to replace the current Ground-Based Midcourse Defense interceptors to counter incoming ballistic missiles, with an expected initial operational capability in 2030. The new, 88,000-ft.2 facility opened on June 1 in Courtland, Alabama. Its design draws on Lockheed facilities that produce the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and hypersonic weapons, with a focus on automation.
“We are in a very methodical build-and-test campaign leading up to the capstone design completion event later this year,” says Johnathon Caldwell, vice president and general manager of strategic and missile defense systems at Lockheed Martin.
Lockheed was awarded the NGI contract in 2024 and is expected to be a major part of the upcoming Golden Dome homeland missile shield program.
“The facility we built now is modular,” Caldwell says. “We have built it specifically with the intent to expand the footprint of the production facility... We can rapidly scale the facility up to handle future quantities.
“We certainly anticipate that there will be an increased request for an increased production rate, and we’re prepared to do that in a timely manner,” he adds.
