Lockheed Starting NextGen Interceptor Production Soon

Lockheed Martin has nearly completed construction for the 88,000-sq-ft assembly plant for the Next Generation Interceptor project it was awarded last year by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. The purpose-built operation is due to start next year in Courtland, Ala.

The NGI will be an advanced missile defense system that MDA intends to include in the new Ground-based Midcourse Defense system to protect the continental U.S. from long-range ballistic missile threats. The GMD system would replace the current interceptor network with a new “layered defense strategy” that is modular and flexible, and integrates existing systems (including THAAD and Aegis) with digital engineering and artificial intelligence to counter evolving foreign threats.

Lockheed was awarded a $17.7-billion contract to develop its NGI concept in April 2024.

"We're building out nearly 100,000 square feet of manufacturing and production spaces in Courtland dedicated to the NGI program," stated Johnathon Caldwell, v.p. and g.m. of Strategic and Missile Defense Systems for Lockheed Martin. "The new Missile Assembly Building represents a major investment in our ability to produce the NGI at scale and meet the government's need for rapid delivery."

Missile Assembly Building-5 incorporates best practices from other Lockheed missile programs, including the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system that is centered at Lockheed’s operation in nearby Troy, Ala.

The Courtland site has about 500 workers on site, which is dedicated to other Army, Navy and Missile Defense Agency programs. Approximately 100 will work at the MAB-5 operation once it starts production.