A model of Lockheed Martin's solution for the Stinger missile replacement programme was shown at the Association of the United States Army's annual conference in 2024. Raytheon has not revealed its solution. (Lockheed Martin)
Defence companies on contract for the Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor (NGSRI) programme have completed subsystem testing in preparation for upcoming flight tests, executives from the companies announced on 18 February.
Raytheon, an RTX company, completed subsystems testing in 10 areas, Tom Laliberty, president of Land & Air Defense Systems at Raytheon, said in a statement released on 18 February. Lockheed Martin has completed “the same scope” for its subcomponents for the Stinger surface-to-air missile replacement programme, Randy Crites, vice-president of advanced programmes at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, told Janes on the same day.
The army is “hoping for some competition options” for the new missile programme, which will have shorter time of flight and greater range in addition to a seeker and warhead geared towards fifth-generation unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), Doug Bush, former assistant secretary of the army for acquisition, logistics, and technology, told reporters in June 2024.
While Stinger can be dismounted, one of its more important roles is as a kinetic interceptor on the Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) platform. Four Stinger missiles are equipped on M-SHORAD Increment 1, which was renamed Sergeant Stout in June 2024.
A new seeker subsystem test demonstrated “maximum range” that exceeded that of the previous Stinger missile, according to the Raytheon statement. A new flight rocket motor also increased the intercept range for M-SHORAD-type engagements.
In the dismounted configuration, the new system's command launch assembly displayed “enhanced range” for detection and identification, said the statement.
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